CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Teachers and staffers at Chesterfield County Public Schools could begin receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations as early as next week, district leaders posted on Facebook Saturday evening.
The news comes as much of Central Virginia is set to move to Phase 1B of the vaccination process Monday.
That means the first three groups of essential workers, like police, fire, hazmat, corrections, and homeless shelter workers, as well as teachers and childcare workers, and people over the age of 65 are qualified to be inoculated.
As a result, district officials said teachers and staffers could begin receiving their vaccinations Thursday, Jan. 21 through Friday, Jan. 22.
"The first dose of shots for all full-time staff members who expressed interest in receiving the vaccination will be in arms by the time elementary school students return to school on Feb. 1," the Facebook post reads. "Staff supporting Cohort No. 1 students and all Cohort Nos. 2-3 staff (elementary staff, career and technical center staff, etc.) are eligible to receive the first dose of the vaccination Jan. 21-22."
Officials said bus drivers could receive their first dose Monday, Jan. 25.
And Cohort No. 4 as well as Central Office staffers could be inoculated Thursday, Jan. 28 through Friday, Jan. 29, according to the district.
Additionally, substitutes and employees on a temporary work assignment could get their first dose Thursday, Feb. 4 through Friday, Feb. 5.
"Thank you to our school nurses, our contingent of family life nurses and school nurse leadership team who will be administering these vaccines," district leaders wrote. "We appreciate their support of this monumental effort!"
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COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.