When Can COVID-19 Vaccine Be Given To Heights Teachers?

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The Heights Schools are eligible to receive their first shots of COVID-19 vaccine during the week of Feb. 8, state officials announced.

While the state announced when districts could receive the vaccine, few school systems have been given concrete dates when the vaccines will be administered.

“Vaccine is incredibly scarce, and we simply don’t have enough to vaccinate everyone at the same time. Therefore, this will be a rolling process, just like it has been during other vaccination phases, with a goal of administering all first doses by March 1,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

School districts around Ohio were offered a chance to vaccinate all teachers and staff, if they agreed to reopen by March 1. While every teacher should receive at least the first part of the COVID-19 vaccine before their buildings reopen, the second shot could come after in-person classes have resumed.

The Heights Schools and Cleveland Heights Teachers Union have sparred over reopening, particularly in the wake of vaccine shortages for teachers.

Many Cuyahoga County schools are slated to begin receiving COVID-19 vaccines starting the week of Feb. 8. DeWine's office said most teachers will receive their first vaccine within seven days of their assigned vaccination date.

Teachers and staff will learn about their vaccination clinics through district administrators, the state said.