By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com
Now that children as young as 12 can get vaccinated against COVID-19, Lincoln County Public Health is taking their clinics to where kids are – schools.
The health department, with the cooperation of the Lincoln County School District, has scheduled four clinics this week and next at schools in Waldport, Toledo, Lincoln City and Newport.
Lincoln County is among the leaders in Oregon in getting people vaccinated – 63 percent of residents 16 and over are vaccinated. But as more and more people get vaccinated, it’s tougher to find people who want to or have time to get vaccinated.
LCPH is now closing its mass clinics and sending vaccinators to businesses, organizations, and schools – and opening any existing clinics to walk-ins.
The county was already talking to school administrators about setting up clinics for students 16 to 18 years of age. Then last week, state and federal governments approved the Pfizer vaccine for children as young as 12.
“Schools are a place where kids are right now,” said Susan Van Liew, assistant school superintendent who has been handling coronavirus issues for the district the past 14 months. “We’ve been asked by Lincoln County Public Health if our space was available … and we’ve given permission.”
Children age 12-14 need permission slips signed by a parent or guardian. The forms – in English and Spanish — were sent to all families on Friday. Van Liew said many students turn 12 during the sixth grade.
State and federal law allows children age 15 and older to make their own decisions on whether to be vaccinated.
“We are handling these clinics just as we do blood drives … we provide the space and let the kids make their decisions,” Van Liew said.
The public health department will bring their own vaccinators and volunteers to guide students through the process. The first shots have to be given by May 24 because school is out June 15 – and the second Pfizer dose has to be given within 21 days.
LCPH has already conducted two clinics at Newport High School; one April 20 for first doses and May 11 for the second. It vaccinated 54 students.
Tuesday it will be at the Oregon Coast Community College building adjacent to Waldport High School. Thursday, Toledo Junior/Senior High will host a clinic, and Friday there will be one at Taft High School in Lincoln City. It will be at Newport High on Monday, May 24.
There will be up to 150 Pfizer doses available at each of the school clinics, scheduling 15 students every 30 minutes between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. But shots should also be available for walk-ins, Van Liew said.
Although there has been a bit of controversy over schools offering space for vaccine clinics, Van Liew said Friday the district had not seen or heard any backlash.
Schools across the country are hosting clinics, most without incident. Last month at Bend High School, students showing up for shots were heckled by a small group of anti-vaccine protesters and the school board received hate mail over the decision to hold the clinics. Deschutes County has struggled to control COVID-19 cases and there have been outbreaks at many Bend-LaPine schools.
“We are not taking a political position,” Van Liew said. “We’re taking a position to help our community have better access to a health choice.”
