Talawanda Staff to Proceed With Second Round of COVID-19 Vaccinations

Talawanda Staff Proceed with Second Round of COVID-19 Vaccinations

By K.E. Fisher

On Thursday, Feb. 4, Talawanda district staff were offered the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations. Voluntary vaccinations were administered to teachers and staff on behalf of Kroger at Lakota West high school.

Holli Morrish, Talawanda High School Director of Communications, reported that an estimated number of over 280 Talawanda employees recieved the first round of vaccinations at the beginning of the month.

“I was very impressed with how the vaccine event for Butler county school staff was organized and handled,” Talawanda High School teacher Dr. Amanda Weatherwax said about the first round of vaccinations. “I got to the vaccination site at 7:45 a.m. and got out by 8:15 a.m.  Everyone was friendly, helpful, and in good spirits.”

According to Education Week, teachers in the state of Ohio became eligible for vaccines at the beginning of February, considering that employees like teachers are “necessary to the operation of in-person instruction.” This makes Ohio one of only 30 states in U.S. that report vaccine eligibility for all school teachers.

“I am grateful that school personnel were put in the 1B Essential Worker category and given the opportunity to get vaccinated,” Dr. Weatherwax said of Ohio’s vaccination policy.

Talawanda School District superintendent, Dr. Ed Theroux, reported that the first vaccination environment was populated by staff from many different schools, including parochial and private schools. “Everyone that attended was positive,” Dr. Theroux said. “All expressed their gratitude. I even saw some staff members become emotional.  When I conversed with those individuals, they all stated that this has been a terrible year, they feel like there is a light in the tunnel, and that we are getting close to the end of this pandemic.” 

On Feb. 25, Talawanda staff will proceed with the second round of COVID-19 vaccines, meaning asycnhronous assignments will continue until the end of the week.

“Everyone will get their turn,” Dr. Theroux would like to remind those who have not yet been vaccinated. “It will take time for those who want to get vaccinated to get vaccinated. Remember to take care of yourself. Together, we will get through this pandemic.”