Iredell-Statesville Schools to give 1,000 employees COVID-19 vaccine

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Iredell-Statesville Schools is partnering with Iredell Health System to vaccinate 1,000 school employees Wednesday.

This comes as Gov. Roy Cooper is set to begin COVID-19 vaccinations for North Carolina educators Feb. 24.

District teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, support staff and substitutes will be able to get the vaccine in the parking lot at Iredell Memorial Hospital in Statesville.

The vaccine event will have 25 school nurses and other district employee volunteers.

ALSO READ: NC to open vaccines for teachers in 2 weeks, other frontline workers in March

“We are thrilled to partner with Iredell Health System to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to over 1,000 of our employees on Wednesday,” stated Dr. Boen Nutting, director of communications and development for Iredell-Statesville Schools. “While our district is proud of the fact that we’ve worked hard to get students back into classrooms as quickly as possible, the safety of our teachers and employees is also at the forefront of our minds. We are fortunate to live in a community where our Health Department, along with Iredell Health System, has made vaccinating educators a top priority. We’re ready to get our shots, and get back to the business of educating students.”

At this point, the district has more than 1,300 employees who want the vaccine. Those who don’t get the shot on Wednesday will be schedule for a later day, according to the district.

ALSO READ: County-by-county guide: Here’s when, where you can get the COVID-19 vaccine

“We are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are excited to add another layer of protection for our staff and continue with a successful school year. Wednesday the 24th will be a celebration day for Iredell-Statesville Schools,” said Iredell-Statesville Schools lead nurse Karen Kerley

The district said the vaccine is not mandatory for employees.

Iredell Health System has also reached out to all K-12 entities across Iredell County, in addition to Iredell-Statesville Schools.

“Thank you for all that you do for our children, the Future! Our Community would not succeed without great education and your safety is paramount to that ongoing success,” Iredell Health System president and CEO John Green said in a letter to county educators.