VERSAILLES, Ky. (LEX 18) — Teachers, administrators, and other school employees have started getting their COVID-19 vaccines as part of Phase 1B of Kentucky’s vaccination plan.
“I think what the vaccine does is give us that light at the end of the tunnel that we've all been seeking. So, we are very excited to be able to start that process,” said Garet Wells, director of staff and student services at Woodford County Public Schools.
Hundreds of employees in the school district started getting the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. Wells says vaccines aren't mandatory and about 80 percent of the district's staff expressed interest in getting vaccinated. The distributions are taking place at Huntertown Elementary.
With some students returning to in-person lessons this week, Wells hopes the vaccine rollout means more progress in the near future.
“I think I speak for most when I say it would be nice to get back to normal and this seems to be that first marker where we can say, 'OK. We reached it. We've gotten to this point. Now we can kind of start looking ahead and starting to have those positive feelings about getting back to regular school or something,’” said Wells.
The district hopes to finish distributing the first dose to staff members next week.
Meanwhile, Scott County Schools is getting ready to offer vaccinations next Tuesday, the day before most students return to the classroom five days a week.
“Our plans are that we're going to vaccinate nearly 1600 of our staff so we're so excited about that,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin Hub.
Hub says vaccinations will be done at Great Crossing High School and hopes it gives a sense of comfort and confidence to staff as they return to the school buildings.
