CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Public Schools announced Monday that the Cincinnati Health Department has opened COVID-19 vaccination spots for students 12 and older.

The announcement stated that vaccines sites will begin popping up Wednesday at various high schools throughout the city.

Right now, only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will be available to students. That vaccine received expanded authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in May for use in 12- to 15-year-olds. It had previously received authorization for use in 16 years and older.

"We acknowledge this is short notice, but we are grateful that the city health department was able to secure enough Pfizer vaccines to allow us to have these clinics that are open to our students and their families,” Cincinnati Public Schools posted on its website.

CPS said a parent and/or guardian does not have to be present with their child at the time of the vaccination, though a parental consent form is necessary.

Parents of children 12 years and older are also eligible for the vaccine at the high school sites, per CPS. Initial times and participating locations are available below.

Cincinnati School Board Member Mike Moroski stated last week that the board was looking at various ways to help counteract the impact of the COVID-19.

Before the start of the school year, CPS reaffirmed its mask policy for the 2021-22 school year. The policy requires the wearing of a mask or facial covering when inside a CPS school building or facility. The policy is in effect for everyone, including those who've received a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Cincinnati Board of Education unanimously voted earlier this month to require all staff and contractors working at CPS sites to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Staff members who choose to remain unvaccinated will need to show a negative-test result on a weekly basis, per the resolution.

Moroski said the board is discussing the possibility of a vaccine mandate for age-eligible students. They'll next discuss the proposal Thursday, Oct. 28 during the board's scheduled policy and equity committee.

"I think that this policy is important to ensure that we do our part to keep the community healthy and to keep our schools open. This pandemic is raging out of control and we must take action now," he said of the proposal.

Find more information on the CPS website.

Wednesday, Sept. 29

• Aiken High School: 8 to 11:30 a.m.
• Shroder High School: 8:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
• Gamble Montessori High School: Noon to 3 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 1

• Clark Montessori High School: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
• Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students: 9:30 a.m. to noon
• Withrow High School: 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
• Lighthouse: 1 to 2 p.m.

Saturday, October 2, 2021

• Woodward High School – 10 a.m.–2 p.m.