Fordland R-III schools entered their Christmas break a little earlier than expected this year due to a number of illnesses circulating through the school. The flu, a stomach virus, and COVID-19 affected both faculty and students alike.
Of the 557 students of Fordland schools, 28 were out due to just COVID-19 as well as six staff members. With COVID-19 numbers on the rise, it should be no surprise to see an increase in the number of those vaccinated. To fight the rise, Sonya Cass, Fordland Clinic’s Vaccine Coordinator, is reminding her community that children 5-17 can receive their Pfzier vaccine.
“It is so important right now. Webster county has had a huge uptick in cases just in the last two or three weeks,” explained Cass. “Having the vaccine available to an age group that has previously been unprotected is really important to fighting COVID-19.”
The Pfzier vaccine has been available to children ages 12 and older since May of 2021, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently recommended the vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. Cass hopes this new option will bring a sense of normalcy and piece of mind to parents in her community,
“We have had a fairly good interest in the vaccine,” added Cass. “ Not only are parents protecting their children, but they are also protecting their grandparents and the people that they care deeply about that are more susceptible to COVID-19.”
Cass's urgency is timely between the rise in COVID-19 cases and the district canceling classes early. The clinic is hopeful that residents of Fordland and surrounding areas will take advantage of the vaccine. With much debate on the issue, Cass encourages parents to reach out to their family health care provider with questions or concerns.
“I know there is a lot of vaccine hesitancy,” said Cass. “ But give us a call or do some research. Make sure it is a respected source. There is so much misinformation out there.
For additional information, visit fordlandclinic.org or call the Fordland Clinic at 417-767-2273.
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