Written by Beckett Glass (News Editor)
COVID-19 has put us out of classrooms since March 13. On Tuesday the 20th of April, Freshmen and Sixth graders returned to campus with the new hybrid schedule. This last Tuesday, the rest of the students have returned to campus for the first time in over a year. Both the San Lorenzo Valley School District (SLVUSD) and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) have been working to make sure that students who are eligible can get the vaccine on campus. As of April 22nd, the only on-campus vaccine site is at Scotts Valley High School but the district plans on opening a site on the SLVHS campus.
To get vaccinated as a SLVUSD student you must fill out a consent form if you are under the age of 18. The vaccine that the district is providing is the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It will be free of charge for all students. To get the vaccine through the SLVUSD clinic you must fill out a consent form (if needed) and bring a picture ID.
Mr. Lucia and Ms. Dahlen (the district nurse) went to observe the vaccine clinic at Scotts Valley High on April 20th, 2021. They went to observe the setup and to see how our district and school can replicate the way SVHS set up their clinic. They observed the flow of students, and how to verify those who do not have an ID to present.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been given to over 20,000 sixteen-year-olds. It is still un-approved but it has been proven to be quite effective. Some of the side effects of the vaccine could be: Pain at the injection site, tiredness, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Mr. Lucia the Human Resources director at the SLVUSD stated: “At this time, no decision has been made by the district on if students and staff will be required to get the vaccine if required by the FDA.” He went on to say how students can help make the vaccination process smoother: “Students (16+) who attend a vaccine clinic should sign up on the pre-registration link, arrive on time for the appointment, bring a valid ID on that day, bring a signed consent form and completed student pack form. The consent form and student pack will be provided in advance via email.”
To aid the resumption of a semblance of normalcy please get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible, the side effects are negligible and the serious side effects are very rare. Every person in the US that is sixteen or older is eligible for a vaccine, you must do your part and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The Claw 