Today, Governor Edwards announced that K-12 teachers and school employees will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning Monday, February 22nd. As most of you know, LFT members have urged the Governor’s office to grant educators priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine since the State first began assembling its vaccination rollout plan.
In a statement released today, LFT President Larry Carter said “This is an important development for our teachers, school employees, and the communities they serve. Vaccinating teachers and school employees is one of the best tools we have to keep schools safe and open and today’s decision will go a long way towards getting us back to normal. I would especially like to thank Senator Cleo Fields, who has used his platform to highlight the important work our educators are doing and advocating that they get immediate access to the vaccine."
On February 5th, Senator Cleo Fields wrote to the Governor to insist that he use his power to add K-12 educators to the ongoing phase of vaccine distribution. Since then, LFT has continued to work alongside Senator Fields, with the Governor’s office and other state officials to ensure that educators don’t get left behind. He was instrumental in this victory for Louisiana's educators.
In order to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, you must contact a participating location and make an appointment. You can find the location nearest you on the LDOH website. Click here to see a list of Louisiana's vaccination sites. Don't forget — the vaccine includes two separate shots and you must get both before you're fully vaccinated.
While access to the vaccine will help to remove some of the fear and uncertainty felt by teacher and support staff, it is important that schools prioritize ongoing mitigation measures like masks and physical distancing. The newest CDC guidelines released last week clearly state that the only way to reopen schools safely is to follow a combination of mitigation strategies with emphasis placed on the universal and correct wearing of masks and physical distancing. If your school is not following the mandatory safety protocols, please let us know by using this private reporting form.