When To Get Your Kids In Manchester Vaccinated In Time For School

MANCHESTER, CT — The start of the school year is right around the corner. With the coronavirus still very much active in the state, Manchester Public Schools plans to offer both in-person and remote learning as an option for students in grades K-12 this fall.

"There is no longer an obligation for Connecticut public schools to provide students with remote learning opportunities and although most students clearly benefit from in-person learning, some students have flourished in a remote setting," MPS Superintendent Matt Geary has said. "We believe education in the 21st century should be flexible in supporting the needs of students and families."

The first day of school in Manchester is Wednesday, Sept. 8 for grades PreK-4th, 5th, 7th and 9th. Students in grades 6th, 8th and 10th-12th start on Thursday, Sept. 9. The first day for the full-day Head Start program is Monday, Sept. 13.

Vaccinations are not mandatory for school-age children; however, for some Manchester parents vaccinating their kids serves as an extra layer of protection again the coronavirus.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect against the virus, ultimately, it comes down to a personal choice.

Children 12 years and older in Manchester are able to get the Pfizer vaccines. It requires two shots in the arm 21 days apart.

The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available to people 18 and older.

For parents who opt to have their kids fully vaccinated in time for school, the clock is ticking. In Manchester, students heading back to the classroom on Sept. 8 should get their first COVID-19 vaccination by Aug. 3 and their second dose by Aug. 24, according to one Connecticut health department.

To minimize the risk of students and faculty coming down with the coronavirus, Manchester Public Schools will have health and safety protocols in place. For example, the school district will maintain social distancing of three feet when possible. The district will also provide a set of cloth masks to students as needed. Masks are not required outdoors. These protocols as well as others not mentioned in the article are subject to change as directed by state or local health officials.

For information on getting vaccinated in Manchester, visit this link or call the Connecticut Vaccine Appointment Assist Line at 877-918-2224. The line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.