As federal officials inch closer to approving the covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, Hempfield Area School District leaders are surveying parents to gauge their interest in an on-site vaccination clinic.
School officials sent out a survey to collect information on whether there is sufficient interest for an on-site clinic and to estimate the amount of vaccine needed. Questions on the survey ask how many children 5 and older would participate in the clinic. It also asks parents and guardians to indicate the best time to hold a clinic.
“We are surveying our school community in consideration of offering a voluntary covid-19 vaccination clinic at the Hempfield Area High School Field House for children ages 5 and older, once approved,” the survey reads.
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave emergency approval for kid-size doses of Pfizer’s covid-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11. The dose is just one-third of the amount given to teens and adults. Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are expected to make a more detailed recommendation on which kids should get vaccinated on Tuesday.
A final decision by the agency’s director likely will happen shortly after.
Hempfield leaders in May hosted a vaccine clinic at the field house. The clinic was open to anyone 16 and older, including adults living in the community.
“The Hempfield Area School District Health & Safety Plan states that the district will continue collaboration with local health care providers to communicate opportunities for vaccinations,” the survey reads.
Parents interested in having their child vaccinated at the school are asked to complete the online survey by today.
