As the city of Madison distributes the Covid 19 Vaccine, more and more people are becoming eligible to receive the vaccine according to the State of Alabama Public Health Department. 

Among those who are now eligible, including first responders and postal workers, are people who work in the education sector. This includes all teachers and support staff who work in any type of learning environment. This news has come in scandal, as there are not enough vaccines to go around for those who qualified before these new eligibility expansions. According to an article published on AL.com, there are only 923,750 doses that have been received in Alabama as of Sunday, but we require 3 million doses to accommodate the 1.5 million that are now eligible. 

Many Bob Jones educators have scheduled their appointments, and some have already received their first dose of the vaccine. Others are patiently waiting for their appointments, but vaccines are limited in supply. The John Hunt vaccination site closed yesterday for weather but then opened for a short period of time for educators in local school systems. 

Mrs. Maguire, who was one among many teachers to get their vaccination on the first Monday that vaccines were available to teachers, was very excited to go to her vaccine appointment. “I was a little nervous about the process because I didn’t know if there would be long waits, but the process set up by Huntsville hospital was very efficient! I was also nervous about adverse side effects, but I only had a sore arm. I get my 2nd vaccination on March 1st and I can’t wait!” She went on about the importance of vaccines to our teachers and our school system as a whole. “I do think it is important for educators to receive the vaccine. As educators, we lead by example. As a science teacher, I want my students to be able to trust science and recognize the validity of vaccines and scientific research. The sooner people are vaccinated, the sooner life can go back to being “normal.” Another pro to be vaccinated is that the CDC is constantly updating policies regarding quarantine. If teachers don’t have to be quarantined due to exposure, this will allow our schools to remain open on a more consistent basis!”

The vaccine is still in the trial phase for children and teens. According to USA Today, the Pfizer vaccine is ok for eligible 16 and 17 year olds, and Moderna is currently testing the vaccine on adolescents from 12-17 years.