“In my experiences over 20 years, many proud moments come from being a part of the CGD family, and today stands out among them,” said Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School Nurse Erin Halverson only hours after 119 staff members were vaccinated for COVID-19 last Friday. By all accounts, the vaccine clinic went very well.
The vaccinations at the CGD schools went along with state guidance that prioritizes vaccinating educators. Along with law enforcement, fire fighters, daycare providers and those 65 and older, educators fall in to the 1B group that is eligible to be vaccinated now. CGD was the first district in the county to be vaccinated last week. Wright County Public Health Director Sandy McGrath said that Belmond-Klemme staff will be able to get their shot this week and Eagle Grove next week.
The vaccinations were conducted by county public health nurses with the CGD school nurses helping facilitate. School had been canceled on Friday to allow for all staff to be vaccinated if they chose. Organizers were a little nervous about the clinics being able to go as planned after bad weather on Thursday led to no school. But according to CGD Superintendent Joe Nelson, all staff except one person were able to be there.
Every single person who worked for the district was able to be vaccinated, from bus drivers and nutrition staff to teachers and the superintendent himself. Nelson said that the majority of people chose to be vaccinated. He was very pleased with how everything went. He emphasized, “This was a critical step to keep with our goal of keeping kids in school til May 24.”
CGD is the only Wright County school to have maintained 100% in-person learning since the school year started. (Both Belmond-Klemme and Eagle Grove schools partially or temporarily shut down a few months ago.) This is something CGD school staff is proud of and hopes to continue because of the vaccinations. “The mass vaccination opportunity is one more step towards the eventual finish line!” said Halverson.
Receiving the vaccination was a decision that every staff member had to make for themselves. Many noted that they weighed the decision carefully. “I decided to get the vaccine after hearing and seeing people in the medical field that I know and trust do the same,” said CGD High School teacher Shannon Leist. “I've trusted these same people for my healthcare and my family’s healthcare for years and I will continue to do so.”
Others noted that being vaccinated is a matter of contributing to general public health. Middle School teacher Adam Vorrie emphasized, “I chose to get the vaccine because it is an important measure we can take to protect the rest of the population. There are people in our society who are unable to be vaccinated for other health issues. I know there is still much to learn about the effectiveness of the vaccine long-term, but like wearing a mask, this is something we can do to protect vulnerable members of our community.”
Overall, staff members who received the vaccine were grateful to have had the opportunity. “I am thankful to live in a district that is proactive,” said high school teacher Angela Charlson. She added, “The school employs many individuals including bus drivers, paras, custodial staff and other support staff that makes up a rather large part of our community. This is a great way to help out so many,” Leist agreed, saying, “I am grateful for our district’s leadership and commitment to taking care of all of our CGD employees.”
In the hours and days after receiving the vaccine, various CGD staff members talked to for this article reported feeling quite well though with mild symptoms. There was some injection site soreness and mild headaches. Elementary paraeducator Carla Kem said she did experience fever, chill, and body aches the next day, but she is still happy to have been vaccinated, noting that it gives her peace of mind.
In the weeks ahead, the whole vaccination process at the schools will take place again. The COVID vaccine requires a booster dose four weeks after the initial dose. Nelson said that the staff is scheduled for that booster the first week of March.
In the end, everyone involved with the CGD vaccine clinic was satisfied and thankful for the many people that contributed to its success. As nurse Halverson said, “Education is the foundation of any school, but many building blocks support that happening. A very big thank you to many that made this event a success! CGD Administration, Wright County Public Health, Iowa Specialty Hospitals, Cindy and Jim Dorn, Clarion Ambulance, and everyone lending a hand to make the day appear seamless.”
