South San Francisco, CA November 5, 2021 h/t to Kat for the share
November 4, 2021
Dear SSFUSD Community,
Now that November is upon us and colder weather is settling in, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that we must continue to stay vigilant against the spread of COVID-19, especially among children who haven’t yet been vaccinated. I want to encourage you to get vaccinated and get a booster shot when it becomes available. The San Mateo County Event Center currently has COVID-19 booster shots available for the following individuals who received their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago:
• Individuals 65 years and older;
• Residents of long-term care facilities;
• Individuals 18+ with underlying medical conditions;
• Individuals 18+ who work in high-risk settings; and
• Individuals 18+ who live in high-risk settings.
The vaccination clinics are free, and appointments can be made through My Turn.
As for students between the ages of 5-11, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) overwhelmingly approved the use of the Pfizer vaccine for children, a milestone that significantly expands the nation’s vaccination campaign. A panel of experts advising the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommended on October 26 that regulators authorize the Pfizer vaccine for use in this population. Recent clinical trials have shown that the Pfizer vaccine is 91% effective at preventing illness in children under 12 with no serious side effects.
Consequently, our district is making plans to partner with the San Mateo County Office of Education (SMCOE) and the San Mateo County Department of Public Health to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for children between the ages 5 to 11 on:
• November 15 at San Mateo Foster City School District’s Bayside Academy (2025 Kehoe Ave., San Mateo);
• November 16 at Pacifica School District’s Sunset Ridge Elementary (340 Inverness Dr., Pacifica);
• November 17 at Jefferson Elementary School District’s T.R. Pollicita Middle School (50 Orange St., Daly City);
• November 18 at Redwood City School District’s Hoover Elementary (701 Charter St., Redwood City).
SSFUSD also volunteered to host a clinic, but we were not selected for this first round. We anticipate there being other opportunities if there remains a need. These clinics will just be one of many places where young children can receive vaccinations against COVID-19. Multiple pathways will again be available through your health care provider or pediatrician, through CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies, California’s My Turn effort, and the San Mateo County Health Department. Some of you may have questions about the vaccine. If so, feel free to seek guidance from your pediatrician or a local pharmacist about the vaccine, its side effects, and/or the importance of getting vaccinated.
In the meantime, as we celebrate the end of Halloween and look forward to the upcoming holidays, I’d like to encourage you to continue following all current health and safety protocols, particularly with regard to large gatherings, and exercise caution and care during your travels, so that we can help to ensure that our students and families remain healthy and safe.
SSFUSD hasn’t changed any of our health and safety protocols, as we will continue to require students and staff to wear face coverings indoors and minimize visitor access on our campuses. We will continue to follow the guidance set forth by CDPH and the county health department as we strive to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. Thank you again for your support. We truly appreciate you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Shawnterra Moore
Superintendent