Dear SBRSD Families,
On November 2, 2021, the FDA and the CDC affirmed that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children over the age of 5 and approved its use for children between the ages of 5 and 11.
According to leading health experts, getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risk of your child becoming seriously ill if exposed to COVID-19. While children have been infected with COVID-19 at a lower rate than adults, they can still contract the virus, get sick from the virus, and spread the virus to others. Studies have shown that the vaccine is very safe and highly effective in clinical trials with thousands of children, and that it protects against the Delta variant, as well as older variants of COVID-19. Per the medical experts, getting vaccinated is the most effective way to ensure that our children can safely return to their normal social and educational activities.
We are pleased to share that our local Berkshire County public health officials and healthcare organizations will be hosting pediatric COVID-19 clinics for 5–11-year-olds at our schools on the following dates and times listed below:
Saturday, November 20th at Mt. Everett/UME from 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Tuesday, November 30th at New Marlborough Central School from 3:00 to 4:30 pm
Over the next few weeks, vaccination clinics will be held at various elementary schools across the county. Your child does not have to register for a clinic at our school and can register for a clinic at any time or school location that is convenient for you. You may use this link to register your child for their COVID vaccination https://home.color.com/vaccine.... To ensure there is sufficient vaccine available we strongly suggest registering in advance.
What You Need to Know
- The vaccine is a two-dose series taken three weeks apart. You will receive subsequent information about how to sign up for the second dose. Each dose is 10 μg, which is 1/3 the dosage of the adolescent/adult vaccine.
- Your child must be accompanied by an adult when receiving their vaccination. If they are not accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, they must be pre-registered and there must be a consent signed by the parent/guardian on file.
- Your child will be expected to stay for a 15-minute observation period following their vaccination.
- Although children may experience milder side-effects such as fever, fatigue, headaches, chills, diarrhea, muscle and joint pain, severe side effects are rare. See the attached fact sheet for more information.
- Please have your child wear a short-sleeved shirt and prepare them for the vaccination and waiting period.
We know you may have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and recommend that you reach out to your child’s pediatrician to discuss your unique family needs. We hope that this information helps all families in our school community make their best decision about the COVID-19 vaccination to begin to return to a normal school experience for all.
Best,
Dr.Beth L Regulbuto
Superintendent of Schools
Southern Berkshire Regional School District
491 Berkshire School Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
413-229-8778
bregulbuto@sbrsd.org