On Monday, February 8th, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to PreK-12 educators and school employees. 

On a phone call with the state’s two major teachers’ unions, the local leaders of the Colorado Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced that local public health departments will vaccinate educators and school staff members in their counties. 

The press release from the Aspen Education Association (AES) and the Aspen School District (ADS) explained that superintendents and local union leaders will work with public health officials to implement the vaccine. 

“Vaccination of those over 70 years old will continue, but the priority is shifting to educators as the state works to get our students and staff back in school buildings,” AES and ASD stated in a press release. 

In addition to the vaccinations, school districts will supply Abbott Lab’s BinaxNow rapid tests for staff members. The at-home tests provide results in 15 minutes through a mobile app .

“These rapid tests will be able to be administered to staff every five days, providing additional levels of mitigation to educators as we return to more in-person learning. More information, including pre-registration, will be forthcoming,” said AES and ASD in a press release.

AES and ADS look forward to distributing vaccines within the next few weeks. 

“We are excited to be working together to continue the hard work of members of the Aspen School District on vaccinations, continued testing, and maintaining the many, many layers of protection to provide the highest levels of education possible during an extremely trying year.  Your continued patience, flexibility, and kindness are appreciated,” wrote AES and ASD in a press release.