Currently, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is approved for people 16 years and older. Soon, we will likely have approval for ages 12 years and older.
Both the Anchorage and Mat-Su school districts have implemented a “Return to Play” protocol, for students who have been positive for COVID-19. For athletes, if you have contracted COVID-19 within 90 days of your sport, you will need to complete the Return to Play protocol after your 10 day quarantine. Before you can practice or compete, you need to see a health care provider, to sign off on this protocol, to verify that you have no lingering cardiac or respiratory symptoms.
Thanks to the vaccine, we now have a way to have a 90% chance of avoiding infection with COVID-19. No one wants any student to be ill. At a minimum, if you contract the disease, you will lose 10 days of school. If you participate in sports, your season will be disrupted or ended prematurely, as may your team’s season — witness the Vancouver Canucks.
Parents, talk to your students about the risk of vaccination vs. the risk of contracting COVID-19, and the disruption of their lives, your family’s life, and their school activities.
— Jeff Brand
Eagle River
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