This is the weekly COVID-19 update for Friday, November 5. The biggest news this week was in regard to the authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds. You can visit our COVID-19 Update Center at any time, as well.
This week’s updates:
- We will be hosting a vaccine clinic on Friday, November 12 at Euclid from 4 to 6 p.m. and Friday, November 19 at Indian Grove from 4 to 6 p.m. This is for the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and follow-up clinics are scheduled for three weeks after each. Walk-ins are welcome and all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Your child does not need to be a student at a particular school to receive the vaccine.
- If you are unable to attend either clinic, you can still get your child vaccinated by talking to your pediatrician or visiting vaccines.gov and looking for a local pharmacy that offers the Pfizer vaccine.
- A fully vaccinated student does not need to quarantine after being exposed to someone with a confirmed case of COVID, unless they are experiencing symptoms. Also, a fully vaccinated student will not need to undergo SHIELD saliva testing on a weekly basis.
- For more information about the vaccine, please visit the CDC’s frequently asked questions page.
- A reminder that meals can be provided for any student who is quarantining due to a positive COVID case or exposure. If interested, call 224-612-7624. Families will be able to pick up meals at River Trails Middle School, or have them delivered.
- It is still recommended that all individuals aged six months and older receive the flu vaccine. The CDC says getting the COVID and flu shots at the same time is safe and effective in preventing both illnesses.
- Saliva testing continues on Wednesdays at each of our schools for unvaccinated students. There could be delays of up to 48 hours in receiving results due to SHIELD’s high volume of testing around the state. You will only be notified if your child tests positive, but can also access your child’s test results by signing up for the SHIELD portal.
- Please continue to be diligent about keeping your child home from school if they are not feeling well. Even if symptoms are mild, or possibly unrelated to COVID, erring on the side of caution will help keep everyone healthy.
- Our COVID-19 dashboard is updated daily with the number of students and staff who test positive or are in quarantine due to exposure.
We’ll continue to send updates throughout the week when necessary. Do not hesitate to call either the district office or your school if you have any questions.