SPPS vaccine clinic for kids opens Monday

The St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) district is kicking off its COVID-19 vaccine campaign Monday for students ages 5-11.

St. Paul school officials say they are trying to make this easy on families, to meet them where they’re at, and to make sure every student has the option to get vaccinated.

The first appointments start at Como Park Elementary School Monday. They will be held for the next three Mondays from 3-6 p.m.

Then on Tuesdays, Battle Creek Elementary will hold another first-dose clinic from 3-6 p.m.

"We need to make sure that we’re removing barriers, things like language, transportation, access, insurance, immigration status and we need to make sure all of our children, all of our students have access to these life-saving vaccines," Superintendent Joe Gothard said.

Every student who is 5 years old and older can sign up for an appointment to get both doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the clinics, which will be held at school.

District officials say offering the shots at school is a familiar place for families and is an easy option for parents to bring their kids.

"Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to be vaccinated," Mary Langworthy, director of public health and wellness for SPPS, said. "There is no cost for the vaccine. People do not need to provide a government-issued ID or medical insurance and no questions regarding immigration status will be asked."

Families will need to make an appointment for their students and can do so here.