Photo courtesy recoverslo.org

  Nearly one year into lockdowns, San Luis Obispo County has started rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine to the public. Though California is currently in the second stage, many students and staff at SLOHS are eager to get their vaccines in hopes of returning to in-person school and resuming a more normal, mask-less life.  

 The state of California is currently in tier 1B and vaccinating as supplies allow. This tier follows 1A, vaccinating healthcare workers and long-term care residents, and is estimated to get 12 million people vaccinated in addition to the 3 million previously vaccinated. 

  Tier 1B includes people over the age of 65 and individuals in agriculture, education and childcare, and emergency service sectors.

  “According to guidance from the state, there are several groups, including educators and those in childcare (along with those in food and agriculture and emergency services), that are next in line in the tiered vaccine roll-out to get vaccines. However, it really depends on supply. Right now, we are only able to vaccinate those 65+, but we are preparing (through our vaccine task force) to vaccinate these next groups when more vaccine becomes available,” said SLO County COVID-19 division manager Michelle Shoresman.

  Because of short supply, it is still unclear whether or not educators at SLOHS will be able to get vaccinated by the March reopening date, but cautious optimism still remains.

  “[Asking if it’s safer to get vaccinated before returning to school is] like asking if it’s safe to operate a motor vehicle while wearing a seatbelt. It is absolutely unlikely that teachers will be vaccinated prior to returning to campus instruction though,” said American Sign Language teacher Kristen Nusbaum.

  As of now, whether or not teachers and students can get vaccinated is largely out of control of the county. Even so, SLOHS plans to move forward with its reopening plan alongside other schools in the county and many families of students and staff remain optimistic.

“I was able to, on my own, get signed up at a Rite Aid in AG. My other option was to drive to Bakersfield. The District response to getting us signed up has been, in a word, pathetic. They don’t care if we are vaccinated before we return to work,” said English Teacher Scott Nairne.

  For more accurate and up-to-date information regarding the vaccine in SLO county, visit www.recoverslo.org .

Or should we call it Recover slo-wly?

Sources: recoverslo.org, multistate.us