After school abruptly came to an end last March because of the Coronavirus pandemic, students and teachers were left wondering when things would get back to any kind of “normal.” Although they were grateful to finally return for in-person learning in August, 2020, there were some major changes that needed to be implemented, like masks and social distancing. But now, almost a year later, there is hope that “normal” is not too far off anymore.
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, was the day Eagle Grove School District employees having been hoping and waiting for since March of 2020 – COVID vaccination day. As part of Wright County Public Health’s 1B tier of essential workers, most of them were ready to get the shot in hopes of staying safe and keeping their students safe.
According to Eagle Grove Schools Superintendent Jess Toliver, more than 80 percent of school personnel, including teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, paras, and more lined up on Wednesday, Feb. 17. To get their first dose of the vaccine. There were also a few people from the AEA and Iowa Central Community College (Career Academy) joining them. The shots were not mandated by the school district, but encouraged.
Elementary employees went first, followed by the other schools with designated times of arrival so as to ensure social distancing. As they arrived, teachers and staff lined up, standing on dots that had been marked six feet apart, through the gym and hallway. Some joked as they waited their mandatory 15 minutes after the shot, saying, “I didn’t get my Dumb Dumb sucker, and I didn’t pout or cry.” Others chatted about their own experiences with COVID or their upcoming weekend plans that they hoped the vaccine side effects wouldn’t ruin. But they were all very grateful for the opportunity and ease of getting the shot from Sandy McGrath, Wright County Public Health administrator, who with her staff, came directly to the Eagle Grove Elementary gym. Eagle Grove was the last of the schools in Wright County to get their shots, meaning all teachers and staff in the county have received their first round of COVID protection.
“We need to reach herd immunity as a whole…and I want to be able to go and visit my mom and dad,” said preschool teacher Julie Davis about why she decided to get the COVID vaccine.
Elementary Counselor Carrie Niehaussaid she was “very thankful they did the vaccination at the school.”
She shared her own story of having COVID earlier in the year, saying she was lucky to only have a mild case of it. She admits afterwards, she was a little less anxious about being around people once she had the virus, but the shot helped relieve any nervousness that was left for her.
“I’m thankful to live in Wright County because they’ve taken a lot of precautions. I’m very impressed with the county as a whole. Sandy (McGrath) does such a great job,” Niehaus said about the handling of COVID-19.
Fourth grade teacher Jeanne Herrington echoed Niehaus’ appreciation.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity (to be vaccinated). I feel it’s my obligation as an essential worker,” she said about getting the vaccine for the safety of not only herself, but the community, the school staff, the children, and the parents.
In fact, Herrington felt so strongly about this that she didn’t even hesitate getting the COVID vaccine shot despite the fact that she never gets the regular flu shot from year-to-year.
“But this is different…it’s just a bigger thing…I mean, I’ve never lived during a pandemic before,” she said.
Elementary school secretary Jen Andews admitted she was actually a little bit nervous to get the COVID vaccine.
“I didn’t know what was going into me…it’s so new,” she said.
Ultimately, she decided to take the shot for a variety of reasons, one of which was looking forward to the opportunity to travel more safely…and of course, to keep her co-workers, herself, and the students safe.
Luke Ascherl, who is a science teacher at Robert Blue Middle School said he has gotten so many shots as part of serving in the military, that he didn’t even think twice about the COVID vaccination.
“Don’t be afraid to get the shot,” he said encouraging others to follow suit. “I know the vaccine works because it’s scientifically sound.”
As 140+ people cycled in and out of the elementary gym for their shot, the school nurse walked around, checking for anyone who might have an adverse reaction. Only a couple felt a bit “off” or woozy, but only for a couple of minutes. As they exited, shot recipients were encouraged to drink a glass of juice and eat a cookie.
The completion of this vaccine clinic put McGrath at well over 1,0000 COVID shots she herself has administered since the process began. She and her staff are working diligently to keep Wright County residents safe.
Other 1B tier groups include, law enforcement, first responders, and some manufacturing workers. In addition to the school clinic, Wright County Public Health also held a community vaccination for those 65 and older in Eagle Grove at the Catholic Church on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Everyone who received their vaccine last week in Eagle Grove, whether at the school or at the church, have already been scheduled to come back in a few weeks to get their second booster dose. People ages 65 and older can sign up to receive the vaccine at: https://sugeni.us/WTyk or call public health for assistance at 515-532-3461.
