THE Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. will set up Covid-19 vaccination sites at 20 public schools to accommodate more students, especially children 5 to 11 years old.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Nov. 2, 2021 approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old.
Each school has a designated schedule for vaccination from Nov. 18 to Dec. 16.
The Public School System has advised parents and legal guardians to register their children for vaccination by visiting www.vaccinatecnmi.com, or contacting (670) 682-7468 (SHOT). Walk-ins are discouraged at the school-based vaccination sites.
“School-based vaccination events have a long history and have successfully contributed to lower morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases,” CHCC Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muna said. “The school is an ideal place to reach children from all cultures, socioeconomic groups, and age groups, and is conveniently situated in communities for ease of accessibility for students, parents, and staff alike.”
Acting Commissioner of Education Eric M. Magofna, for his part, said, “PSS supports this initiative and recognizes that school-based vaccination sites provide students with a comfortable and familiar environment.”
The school-based vaccination effort for students and staff will be in compliance with CDC guidelines.
In a statement, Board of Education Chairman Andrew Orsini said the BOE leaves the choice to parents to decide whether to have their children vaccinated or not.
“For those parents that do not want their child to be vaccinated, they must have some underlying reasons and we should respect that. The vaccines are available and are free, so no cost for parents to avail of it,” he added.
Besides the school-based vaccination sites, CHCC will continue administering Covid-19 vaccines at the multi-purpose center from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration is highly recommended, but walk-ins are accepted, CHCC said.
The community is reminded to practice the 3 Ws at all times: wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
School-based vaccination schedule
• Nov. 18 – Koblerville Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon; Tinian Elementary School, 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Nov. 19 – San Vicente Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon; Tinian Junior/Senior High School, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Nov. 22 – Hopwood Middle School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Nov. 23 – Oleai Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Nov. 29 – Kagman High School, 8 a.m. to noon; Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior/Senior High School, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Nov. 30 – Kagman Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon; Sinapalo Elementary School, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Dec. 1 – Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 2 – Tanapag Middle School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 6 – William S. Reyes Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 7 – Saipan Southern High School, 8 a.m. to noon; Da’ok Academy, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 9 – Dandan Middle School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 13 – Francisco Mendiola Sablan Middle School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 14 – Garapan Elementary School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 15 – Chacha Oceanview Middle School, 8 a.m. to noon
• Dec. 16 – Marianas High School, 8 a.m. to noon
