The COVID-19 vaccine rollout for teachers and other school employees has been slow and limited due to shortages. Plus, other priority groups were ahead of them.

Now Tulare County school districts are reporting some of their employees have received doses, which became a sticking point for teachers locally and nationwide who are hesitant about teaching in-person without vaccines.

“We need to advocate for everyone to get vaccinated,” Tulare Joint Union Superintendent Tony Rodriguez said during a Thursday night board meeting. “By the end of March, we may be able to get kids on campus.”

Last week, the district partnered with Adventist Health to vaccinate 19 staffers age 65 and older.

But because of Adventist’s age restrictions, Rodriguez then contacted Altura Centers for Health to arrange an all-day clinic on Saturday that will vaccinate employees of all ages.

Altura has the ability to administer up to 200 doses on Saturday, Rodriguez said.

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