March 20, 2021
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a
directive that all states immediately make Pre-K-12 teachers, school staff, and childcare workers eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. As of March 8, the
Federal Retail Pharmacy Program prioritized the vaccination of these individuals during the month of March.
To reach the goal to get all teachers, school staff, and childcare workers their first vaccine by the end of the month, we need your help. Your direct communication to your team members and stakeholders letting them know about this directive is key. This directive covers everyone who works in a school.
Who Is Eligible Under the New Directive
- Teachers and staff in Pre-K-12 schools, childcare centers, Head Start and Early Head Start programs
- Licensed childcare providers, including center-based and family care providers
- Classroom aides
- Bus drivers
- Janitors
- Counselors
- Administration staff
- Cafeteria workers
- Substitute teachers
Where Eligible Staff Can Get Vaccinated
- Sign up for an appointment at:
- Any state or local COVID-19 vaccination site that has available appointments
- More than 9,000 pharmacy locations nationwide that are participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program
How to Schedule an Appointment
?
Teachers, school staff, and childcare workers who are interested in getting vaccinated should:
- Visit the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program website to see which pharmacies are participating in their state. Most pharmacy partners are using online scheduling systems to schedule vaccination appointments for those eligible based on their available vaccine supply. They should check their local pharmacy’s website to sign up.
- Visit VaccineFinder.org to find out where vaccine is available in their community.
- Contact their state health department’s website to find additional COVID-19 vaccination providers in their area.
For more information on the Federal Retail Pharmacy program see the
FAQs.