Regional partnership will bring free COVID-19 vaccine clinics to C.O. high schools
Organizers say it's the first effort of its kind in Oregon
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Nearly 4,000 high school students from communities throughout Central Oregon will be eligible to take part in upcoming free vaccination clinics area high schools, thanks to a regional partnership of school districts, Mosaic Pediatrics, the La Pine Community Health Center, St. Charles Health System, Deschutes County Health Services and the Crook County Health Department.
The first event of its kind in Oregon, organizers said Friday that the High School COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics project will reduce barriers to vaccine accessibility among our youth while building healthier communities worldwide. Beginning next week, youth 16 and older, one of the fastest-growing COVID-19 positive age groups in the state, will be able to receive their first vaccine – free – at school in Central Oregon.
“This effort will remove socio-economic, language and transportation barriers – increasing access for students, thus helping to slow the spread of the virus and protect those around them – grandparents, teachers and bus drivers, family members and friends,” said Ellie Millan, PNP and Pediatrics Clinic Medical Director at Mosaic Medical. “The vaccines are powerful tools that, in conjunction with other safety measures like face masks, good hygiene and physical distancing, can help keep our schools open and students in class with their teachers and peers.”
Like their adult counterparts, youth who are fully vaccinated and are not symptomatic will not be required to quarantine if deemed a close contact to a COVID-19 positive individual – keeping fully vaccinated students in classrooms and participating in athletics, activities and other enrichment activities.
Each high school will host two clinics before the end of the school year, allowing students who choose to participate to be fully vaccinated before the summer:
Bend Senior High School: April 29 and May 20
La Pine High School: May 6 and May 27
Mountain View High School: May 4 and May 25
Crook County High School: May 4 and May 25
Summit High School: May 6 and May 27
Redmond High School: May 7 and May 26
Ridgeview High School: May 11 and June 1
Sisters High School: May 13 and June 3
Madras High School: Completed in April
Students from area private schools, alternative learning options and charter schools will be invited to attend the clinic nearest to their school location.
Summit High School senior Julia Burdsall already received a COVID-19 vaccination and is excited that high schools will host free vaccination clinics in the coming weeks.
“Being fully vaccinated is such a relief - it feels awesome!” said Burdsall. “These free clinics at school are going to be a great and easy way for students at our high school to get vaccinated, and I hope students who are eligible participate. Getting vaccinated was important to me because I want to do my part to protect my family and community.”
Burdsall is one of many student ambassadors who are helping spread the word to students throughout the region, encouraging fellow students to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible.
Families are encouraged to discuss vaccinations and make a decision about their student’s participation together, and to learn more about vaccines through trusted sources such as the CDC, Oregon Health Authority, or their doctor.
“These clinics are a shining example of the incredible public-private partnerships we have in Central Oregon, where agencies are working together to help create safer and healthier communities” said Muriel DeLaVergne-Brown, Public Health Administrator, Crook County Health Department. “We are thrilled that these clinics will help our students get back closer to normal - and be able to enjoy the summer safely with their friends and families.”
Mosaic Pediatrics is the medical sponsor of the Bend, Redmond and Sisters area clinics. Deschutes County Health Services, in partnership with La Pine Community Health Center and St. Charles Health System, is delivering the La Pine area clinic. Crook County Health Department will offer the vaccine to students in Crook County.
Madras High School completed school based vaccinations, with Mosaic, this month.
