Staff Vaccination Prioritization Plan

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    COVID-19 vaccinations are being made available in limited quantities for PreK-12 education employees. At the request of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, and working with the LEA and PAL-CWA, USD 497 has developed a phased order for staff to receive the vaccination. This prioritization plan will guide the distribution of the vaccine in the coming weeks and months and is focused on equity and those most at risk due to their working conditions. Later phases allocate more vaccine to elementary staff than secondary staff.
     
    USD 497 Human Resources staff, in collaboration with building principals, will identify staff for each of the following phases: 
     
    Phase 1

    • Health Care Workers not vaccinated in Phase 1 Kansas

    • Special Education Teachers and Paraeducators not vaccinated in Phase 1 Kansas

    • Early Childhood Teachers and Paraeducators not vaccinated in Phase 1 Kansas

    • Food Service Staff, including staff who provide cafeteria duty

    • Those working with large numbers/multiple cohorts of students (e.g. Specials Teachers, Elementary Counselors, Building Permanent Substitutes, Bus Drivers, etc.)

    • Custodians

     
    Phase 2
    • In-Person or Hybrid Teachers prioritized by an equity formula* 
     
    Phase 3

    • All Classified Staff working on-site who were not part of USD 497 Phase 1 and Phase 2 prioritized by an equity formula* 

    • Administrators and Administrative Staff (including Secondary Counselors, Social Workers, etc.,) who are working on-site prioritized by an equity formula*

     
    Phase 4
    • Any staff member working remotely prioritized by an equity formula*
     
     
    *Equity Formula
    The equity formula ensures that staff in racial groups at higher risk from COVID-19 will receive priority. Working with Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, district equity and data staff will develop a prioritization based on case rate, hospitalizations, and deaths by racial groups in Douglas County as a percentage of the population. Additionally, racial demographics will be identified and shared for those who have already received the vaccine and for each phase.
     
    In addition, 75% of available vaccines will be designated for staff working at the elementary level and 25% for staff at the secondary level.
     
     
    Complete and Update the Vaccine Interest Form
    In an effort to maximize the distribution of anticipated limited vaccines, we are asking USD 497 staff to provide information regarding their interest in receiving the vaccine and their current vaccination status. Staff members should have received an email asking them to complete the USD 497 Vaccine Interest Form. Please do not share the email or form with others. This form is specific to you and the information you provide will be directly related to the priority order in which you receive the vaccine.
     
     
    Save Your Email Receipt
    Once you submit the form you will automatically receive a receipt of your responses via email. Please Save Your Email Receipt! After you receive the vaccine, please follow the link provided in the email receipt to update your Vaccine Status on the Interest Form. If when completing the Interest Form you have already received the vaccine, you do not need to save your email receipt. 
     
     
    Sign up for an Appointment
    When vaccines become available to USD 497, you will receive an email from the district that provides information about how to sign up for your vaccination appointment. Please confirm your appointment as soon as possible so the district may ensure full use of available vaccine. If you are unable to get the vaccine during the available times, reply to the email with that information. You will remain on the list and enable someone else to move up on the list.
     
     
    Medical Risks 
    Douglas County's COVID-19 Vaccination Dispensing Plan includes in phase 3, individuals ages 16-64 with severe medical risks; and in phase 4, individuals ages 16-64 with other medical risks. Please visit with your primary health care provider about your individual needs related to health conditions.
     
    Vaccination Dashboard
    Please review the Vaccination Dashboard for data about the implementation of the Staff Vaccination Plan.