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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

Davie County Schools employees were eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination this week, but the number of doses available to the public at Friday’s clinic are limited.

All vaccine administration is at the Davie County Community Park on US 601 South in Mocksville.

On Friday, vaccine administration to frontline healthcare workers and residents over age 65 begins at 10 a.m., but won’t last long. Only 400 doses of vaccine are available.

“As you have likely seen or heard on the news, NCDHHS limited vaccine supplies to local health departments this week,” said Davie Health Director Suzanne Wright.

Wednesdays vaccination clinics are limited to second dose vaccines. Anyone seeking a first dose or who received their first dose somewhere other than from the Davie Health Department will be turned away. The Wednesday clinic is from 1-4:30 p.m.

This week’s second dose clinic is for those who received the vaccine on Dec. 30 or Dec. 31. Those who received the Pfizer first vaccine on Jan. 6 will receive the second dose on Feb. 3, the Pfizer first dose on Jan. 15 will be on Feb. 10, the Moderna first dose on Jan. 22 will be on Feb. 17, and those who received first dose of either vaccine on Jan. 29 will receive a second dose on Feb. 24.

“We typically deplete our vaccine supply well before end times shown on the schedule,” she said.

Updates are posted on the Davie County Government website and the Davie County Health and Human Services Facebook page.

The health department and schools worked out a plan early on to provide vaccinations to school employees who want one. Davie County Schools is among a handful of districts that have been balancing the everyday rigors of in-person and remote learning since Aug. 17.

While students and staff are doing remarkably well, Davie County Schools refuses to accept that this is the new normal, said Jeff Wallace, superintendent.

The leadership team is eager to resume classes as they once were and continues looking forward, taking advantage of new opportunities for the safest environment possible in schools. One important step in this effort is to ensure vaccines are available for all employees of Davie County Schools, he said.

“This is the next step our community is taking for a healthier future,” said Wallace. “As one of the county’s largest employers, we have an obligation to our staff, students and community to put forth the needed effort to ensure vaccines are available for our employees. We are offering vaccines for safer, healthier schools and communities.”

Vaccination of employees began on Wednesday, Jan. 27. The second vaccine for employees will be on Friday, Feb. 19. Given the concerns for possible side effects with the second vaccine, Friday, Feb. 19 will be a remote learning day for students, with more communications to come for families.

“Our staff has been working harder than ever,” said Wallace. “Teachers, custodians, nurses, bus drivers, administration and support staff; I am proud of our hard-working staff. They are all contributing their talents and expertise to the benefit of our children. We’ve proven that we can do anything when we lean on one another and work together. I can’t tell them enough how much I appreciate what they do every day.”

Since the pandemic began, the DCS School Nutrition staff has served approximately 4,500 meals a day to children. More than 1,000 devices have been provided for students and Wi-Fi connection points and community partnerships are increasing internet accessibility.

Safety protocols and health screenings continue in all schools every day. While academic performance continues to be a challenge for school districts around the state, Davie County Schools is dedicated to sharing curriculum, mental health, and safety resources with families, including weekly updates on COVID cases in schools.

“We are making a strong effort to dot our I’s and cross our T’s, making sure we are doing everything we possibly can for our students, staff and families,” said Wallace. “We are committed to their success and that starts with a healthy, safe, and secure learning and working environment.”

Much of this article is from a news release

from Davie County Schools.