SHAWANO CO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Some area teachers say they’re “lucky” and had the opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine early. Educators are officially vaccine eligible starting Monday.
The Stockbridge-Munsee tribe offered early vaccination to teachers and staff in the Shawano School District during a two-day vaccine clinic.
Rob Wolff is a PE teacher in the Shawano School District and tells FOX 11 he’s now halfway through his vaccination process.
“It was real quick and painless. There was nothing to it.”
Wolff says “thanks” to the Stockbridge-Munsee Community for giving him the opportunity.
Andrew Miller is the clinic director for the Stockbridge-Munsee Health Care Center.
“We asked for teachers in the area if they had availability to come get the vaccine. That way, it keeps our children safe, as well as allowing them to get back in the classroom.”
Miller tells FOX 11 they allocated around 2,000 doses from the Indian Health Services federal program. That’s enough to vaccinate the entire district staff. They’ve already vaccinated the majority of health care workers and more vulnerable populations in their community.
“We’ve moved on to those more critical positions that have connection with our community. We feel it’s important to have our teachers vaccinated, especially those teachers that serve our kids.”
The state’s recommendations have teachers beginning the vaccination process as early as next week. However, at the Shawano School District, they’re excited to be ahead of the game.
“I thought we would be waiting for a while, and I’m just grateful that it all came together,” said high school math teach David Steuwer.
Now, Stuewer says he doesn’t have to worry about waiting in line for his vaccine.
“I’m a little nervous about getting a sore arm tomorrow,” said Steuwer.
Both teachers say it allows the district to focus on keeping schools open.
“We know how important it is for kids to be there,” said Steuwer.
“I went into PE because it’s hands on. Even though we can’t teach like we normally do, we’re doing our best to socially distance,” said Wolff.
The school district has been fully in-person since January. They went virtual Thursday and will be remote again today to allow the teachers to get the vaccine.
They said about 80% of staff members were interested in getting the vaccine.
