Vaccines For Teens: Newark Schools Try To Ramp Up Numbers

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Newark Board of Education. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site.

In June, Superintendent Roger León launched the Vaccines for Teens initiative in the city of Newark. As a result, the Newark Public Schools entered into a multi-sponsor partnership to provide vaccines for teens.

In early June, Newark Public Schools began distributing the vaccine at a handful of schools. Eventually growing the number of participating schools to 27, servicing students and others who were 12 years and older who were interested in getting the vaccine. This initiative came shortly after Governor Murphy announced earlier this summer that “All individuals aged 12 and older who live, work or study in NJ are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.”

The partnership consists of the Newark Health Department, the Essex County Health Department, Saint James Health, and Clara Mass Hospital/RJ Barnabas Health, who have all contributed to aiding and creating vaccination clinics across our schools. Through this initiative, the district has ensured that vaccines are readily available for students, staff, and members of the greater community. Those who wish to be vaccinated are strongly encouraged to visit any of our locations. And, students who wish to be vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent and/or provide written consent depending on the specific location. To provide as much access to the vaccine as possible, walk-ins are welcome at all locations.

Superintendent, Roger León stated, “As a district, it has been our main priority to establish procedures to make it so students and staff feel safe every day that they step into their respective schools.” The Superintendent joined Mayor Ras Baraka Friday, August 6, 2021, on Facebook LIVE to further discuss the district’s plans for a safe return.

Following in the Superintendent’s sentiments, Board President, Dawn Haynes states, “It is our job to make all resources readily available and accessible to our students and families who chose to take the vaccine. And, as long as we can continue to do that, we will.”

Notably, as numbers begin to rise across the country with the spread of the Delta variant, the district is putting its best efforts forward to prevent the spread. The district worked tirelessly to get thousands of educators and support staff vaccinated in the spring, and will continue to do so for the start of the new school year.

Vaccines for Teens continues every day and is free of charge.

For more information, click the link attached: https://www.nps.k12.nj.us/safe-return-plan/vaccines-for-teens/

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