As local health agencies continue rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine, Leander ISD is ensuring teachers and staff have the opportunity to receive it.
On Jan. 26, Williamson County & Cities Health District offered vaccinations to 725 employees who indicated they were designated 1B. Texas Phase 1B prioritizes the vaccine for people 65 years of age and older and people 16 years of age and older with underlying medical conditions.
From Jan. 18–22, Austin Public Health sent invitations to 473 employees who are either over 65 years old or 60–64 years old with underlying health conditions. Another 37 employees received direct communication as priority candidates.
“We are working very hard to ensure Leander ISD employees who are choosing to get the vaccine can get it,” District Nurse Cristin Wicketts said. “We’ve focused our efforts alongside local public health agencies in finding vaccine opportunities. Overall, we believe availability is vitally important to providing an added layer of protection for our staff and, ultimately, our classrooms.”
According to Austin Public Health, upwards of 100 LISD employees have received the vaccination. However, that number could be much greater, since Williamson County & Cities Health District isn’t tracking distribution by school district.
Meanwhile, 30 LISD Health Services staff received the second dose of the vaccine. They received their first dose right before the spring semester started.
A recent survey indicated that as many as 3,800 LISD employees would be interested in getting the vaccine.
The Texas Department of State Health Services is providing more vaccine information on its website, including who’s eligible now and an interactive map of vaccine availability.
