This is the weekly COVID-19 update for Friday, November 12. It includes a reminder about our first vaccine clinic. You can visit our COVID-19 Update Center any time, as well.
This week’s updates:
- There has been a recent rise in positive cases throughout the state, including Cook County. Please continue to follow the protocols, such as wearing a mask, and consider getting vaccinated if you have not done so already. Everyone age 5 and older is eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. You can also visit the CDC website to see if you are eligible for a booster shot.
- Our first vaccine clinic is tonight at Euclid from 4 to 6 p.m. This is for the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and is open to everyone age 5 and older. Walk-ins are welcome and no appointments are necessary. Also, your child does not need to attend Euclid to be eligible at this clinic. There will be a follow-up clinic for the second dose on Friday, December 3, also from 4 to 6 p.m. at Euclid.
- We will also be hosting a Pfizer vaccine clinic next Friday (November 19) at Indian Grove from 4 to 6 p.m. Again, walk-ins will be welcome and it is open to everyone age 5 and older. The follow-up clinic will be on Friday, December 10, also from 4 to 6 p.m. at Indian Grove.
- 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.
- Keep in mind that students vaccinated at either of these clinics, or through other means in the next couple weeks, will be fully vaccinated for Winter Break.
- Other vaccination advantages: 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.