As an added layer of safety during the pandemic, Jefferson Parish Schools has secured more than 2,200 COVID-19 vaccinations specifically dedicated for its employees. The district continues to work with its healthcare partners to provide vaccine opportunities for employees.
A JP Schools employee proudly displaying his vaccination sticker.
“Even before our employees became eligible, we’ve been working aggressively to facilitate vaccinations for our employees,” said Dr. James Gray, Superintendent for JP Schools. “Amidst what has been a challenging year for everyone, I am overwhelmed with a sense of optimism and hope for a return to more normal times. With the support of our local government and healthcare partners, I am proud of our efforts in providing multiple opportunities for employees to receive COVID vaccines. I encourage everyone in the community to participate when it is their turn to do so.”
All PK-12 school personnel became eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine on February 22 following updated phase guidelines from Governor John Bel Edwards. More than 50% of JP Schools’ employees indicated they would like to receive the vaccine, and nearly 2,000 employees have already received or scheduled their first shot. Throughout, JP Schools has prioritized scheduling school-based employees to receive the vaccine, including teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and cafeteria workers.
A JP Schools employee receives her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at an employees only vaccination event.
JP Schools is working with a variety of partners including Ochsner, Children’s Hospital New Orleans and InclusivCare to secure vaccine allotments specifically for its employees. Additionally, the school system partnered with Jefferson Parish government for its first invitation-only event to vaccinate 500 JP Schools’ employees on Saturday, March 6.
To expedite the process for employees scheduling vaccine appointments with Children’s Hospital, the school system designated and trained Central Office staff to schedule appointments directly with employees via personal phone calls. To date, they’ve called more than 800 employees to assist with appointments. Additionally, JP Schools created a webpage to help its employees seek out available COVID-19 vaccines, and regularly communicates with employees regarding vaccine progress.
A JP Schools employee participating in a drive-through vaccination event sponsored by Jefferson Parish Government on Saturday, March 6, 2021
While encouraged, the vaccination is optional for employees. All schools will continue to follow the health and safety protocols outlined in Start Strong Jefferson, including mask wearing, frequent handwashing and social distancing, for the remainder of the school year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the risk of spread is decreased when these mitigation strategies are in place.
