As you know, all children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.

Vaccines are safe for children five years and older. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the safest and best way to protect children and adults, to keep our schools operating safely in person, and to help young people get back to the things that make them happy and healthy.

Importantly, vaccines also prevent students from having to quarantine at home when they come in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19. This means vaccinated students can remain in school where they get the best instruction, and parents and guardians won't have to scramble to find child care for a lengthy quarantine period.

For these reasons, Districts 153 and 161 are strongly encouraging our families to get their students vaccinated by the time we return from Winter Break.