Round Rock ISD continues to partner with area health departments and healthcare providers to provide as many opportunities as possible for eligible employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This week, the Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD) reserved nearly 900 vaccine doses for Round Rock ISD staff members over the age of 65 and any staff members with an underlying condition that puts them at greater risk should they contract the virus. The vaccines were administered at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Round Rock ISD on Tuesday, Jan. 26.
On Saturday, Jan.30, Austin Public Health (APH) is reserving vaccines for approximately 150 additional employees who qualify under Phase 1B status. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Phase 1B includes people 65 years of age and older and people 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as cancer, heart conditions, obesity, solid organ transplantation, COPD, and pregnancy.
“We understand that the roll-out of the vaccine is a massive effort by local, state, and federal government agencies, and we are determined to do everything in our power as school district leaders to make the vaccine available for these critically important team members,” said Dr. Daniel Presley, Acting Superintendent of Schools for Round Rock ISD. “We agree that it is paramount that schools remain open and that students are able to return to the type of education and engagement opportunities our community has come to expect of Round Rock ISD schools. To do that, we need to make sure our teachers, administrators, and support staff are protected.”
Before the start of the Spring semester, and with the help of WCCHD, Round Rock ISD school nurses had the opportunity to receive the vaccine. Earlier this month, Round Rock ISD staff who are 65 years old and older were invited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at a designated vaccine clinic at Ascension Seton Williamson, a collaboration made possible by the Ascension Seton and Round Rock ISD Partners In Education Foundation partnership.
WCCHD plans to offer another opportunity for school district staff members next week. Round Rock ISD will continue to communicate opportunities with eligible staff members as they become available.
More information on the vaccine distribution in Texas is available on the Department of State Health Services website. The website also features an interactive map updated by the Texas Department of State Health Services to locate providers offering the vaccine and the current availability at that location.
