LOUISVILLE, Ky. — With a final thumbs-up from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Kentucky’s largest school district is gearing up to vaccinate students 5-11 year old during a districtwide vaccination clinic later this month. 

What You Need To Know

  • Following the CDC's authorization of COVID-19 vaccines JCPS is holding a two-day vaccination clinic for all students ages 5 and up

  • The clinics will be set up at 24 schools across the district

  • There are 48,200 JCPS students in the 5 to 11 year-old age range now eligible for a vaccine

  • The second round of shots will be available on Dec. 4 through the 5th.

 

Following the CDC's authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for the newly eligible age group, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is encouraging parents to get their kids vaccinated.

Tamara McNary, a JCPS parent, has a nine-year-old daughter that is now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine.

"I thought that extra measure of safety would give them comfort and protect them," explains McNary.

McNary is a mom of five kids. She’s thrilled to know that top health officials signed off on the COVID-19 vaccine for elementary aged children.

"Our kids get vaccinated every year for school to protect them so I just had to make the choice do I want to take this extra measure for my child to be safe like I do every other time, said McNary?

Her daughter, Empress Linton, plans to take advantage as soon as appointments open up to get her shot.

"It's safe, it has been tested, and if you get it, you’ll be more safe," explains Linton.

The excitement for kids vaccines comes as JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio and health officials announced plans to make the COVID vaccine available to the newly eligible age range.

At a news conference on Thursday, the district outlined its plans to hold a two-day vaccination clinic across two dozen schools for students ages 5 and up Nov. 13 and the14.

Dr. Pollio told Spectrum News 1, "I hope that this is our final big step in the fight against COVID."

Organizers say eligible family and staff members will also be able to receive Pfizer booster shots.

According Dr. Eva Stone, Health Services Manager for the district, says there are around 48,200 JCPS students in the 5 to 11 year-old age range now eligible for a vaccine.

"That’s more than half of our student body and they now will have access to a vaccine that will help keep them safe and keep their families safe," said Dr. Stone.

District leaders say there’s no immediate plan to mandate the vaccine for students.

"Once again we’ll encourage it like we’ve done. Obviously, we have some programs with our employees where it's either vaccination or test. I think we’ll continue down that path at this time," suggests Dr. Pollio.

In an effort to ensure parents who are unsure about vaccinating their child, health officials say parents should talk to their child’s pediatrician.

"We know that there are groups that are more at risk and we want to implore families to consider taking advantage of these clinics," said Dr. Stone.

McNary is excited as this is another step to help curb the spread.

"It makes me feel like they care about our children and it just makes me feel like they really want to get back to a safe learning environment," said McNary.

Families who interested in the free vaccination clinic can register on JCPS website.  A limited number of walk-ins will be accommodated.

The second round of shots will be available on Dec. 4 through the 5th.

The following schools that will participate in the two day vaccine clinic on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. include:

  • Academy @ Shawnee: 4001 Herman St Louisville, KY 40212
  • Carter Traditional Elementary: 3600 Bohne Avenue Louisville, KY 40211
  • Central High School: 1130 West Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40203
  • Eastern High School: 12400 Old Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40243
  • Fairdale High School: 1001 Fairdale Rd Louisville, KY 40118
  • Grace James Academy: 1615 W. Broadway Louisville, KY 40203
  • Greenwood Elementary: 5801 Greenwood Road Louisville, KY 40258
  • Iroquois High School: 4615 Taylor Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40215
  • Jacob Elementary: 3701 E. Wheatmore Drive 40215
  • Jeffersontown High School: 9600 Old Six Mile Lane, Louisville, KY 40299
  • Kammerer Middle School: 7315 Wesboro Rd Louisville, KY 40222
  • Male High School: 4409 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40213
  • McFerran Preparatory Academy: 1900 S. Seventh St, Louisville, KY 40208
  • Meyzeek Middle School: 828 S. Jackson Street Louisville, KY 40203
  • Marion C. Moore School: 6415 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY 40228
  • Newburg Middle School: 4901 Exeter Ave, Louisville, KY 40218
  • Newcomer Academy: 3741 Pulliam Drive, Louisville, KY 40218
  • Ramsey Middle School: 6409 Gellhaus Lane, Louisville, KY 40299
  • Seneca High School: 3510 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, KY 40220
  • Shelby Traditional Academy: 735 Ziegler St, Louisville, KY 40217
  • Southern High School: 8620 Preston Hwy Louisville, KY 40219
  • Valley High School: 10200 Dixie Highway, Louisville KY 40272
  • Waggener High School: 330 S. Hubbards Lane, Louisville, KY 40207
  • Western High School: 2501 Rockford Lane Louisville, KY 40218

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