CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccines for Young Children
On Saturday, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that all children 6 months through 5 years of age should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children and means that all Americans ages 6 months and older are now eligible for vaccination.
Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Parents and caregivers can play an active role in monitoring the safety of these vaccines by signing their children up for v-safe – personalized and confidential health check-ins via text messages and web surveys where they can easily share with CDC how a child feels after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week. Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines.gov to see where vaccines for children are available.
“Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation’s fight against COVID-19. We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today’s decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky.
Ohio educators say burnout is real, but with pending legislation regulating lesson-plan choices and security roles in schools, they feel “demoralized” as well.
A national survey showed 44% of K-12 teachers in the U.S. “always” or “very often” feel burned out, a stat that has surpassed other industries.
The Gallup poll showed more than 4 in 10 K-12 workers felt that way, topping college/university employees, retail workers and the government/public policy industry in the survey, conducted in February but released this week.
Researchers found that K-12 workers have “consistently” been leaders in burn-out in the country, but the COVID-19 pandemic “exacerbated existing challenges,” while also introducing new ones.
Female teachers reporter higher burnout levels than male teachers, at a split of 55% to 44%.
“The result is a workforce that is burned out and unfortunately leaving the profession at a high rate,” according to the Gallup poll.
Those who teach in Ohio agree that the increased workload has taken its toll, but to also see mounting legislation regulating their careers and what they see as a continued lack of appropriate support from the state adds a new amount of weight to educators’ shoulders.
“When you talk about burnout, you’re talking about when you’ve extinguished a flame,” said Wendi Davis, band director and music teacher at Cory-Rawson Local Schools in northwest Ohio. “Teachers, they love what they do, and when they’re put in situations like what they’re dealing with right now, it’s more demoralization than burnout.”
Teachers have had to don ever-multiplying caps: as teachers, as standardized test guides, as social workers and as guidance counselors. Faced with all those issues already, teachers then faced a pandemic, according to Shari Obrenski, president of the Cleveland Teachers Union.
“What the pandemic did was essentially lay bare all of the problems that existed in education,” Obrenski said. “More and more is being put on (a teacher’s) plate and nothing is being taken off.”
That is, the teachers that are still there. Cleveland is short about 200 teachers going into the new school year, not to mention the ongoing shortage of substitute teachers, in the hundreds as well.
“And we’re not as bad off as other districts,” Obrenski said.
As school districts struggle to recruit and retain teachers and substitute teachers, teachers also struggle to be heard in their own districts and in their state government.
“Teachers need to be empowered at the local level by their administrators,” Davis said. “They need to have a voice at the table.”
Paying teachers more and funding schools in a way that supports the role they play is definitely a need, according to Obrenski, but so, too, is respecting teachers as professionals in order to keep them in schools.
“Something that is really important is a teacher’s voice in decision-making; Having teachers be part of the solution instead of condemning them as part of the problem,” Obrenski said.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Friday authorized emergency use of two COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5, moving the country one step closer to having shots for all age groups.
The decision leaves just one hurdle, a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, before parents can begin getting babies and toddlers vaccinated against the virus. That CDC decision was expected this weekend.
“As we have seen with older age groups, we expect that the vaccines for younger children will provide protection from the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization and death,” FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf said in a statement.
“Those trusted with the care of children can have confidence in the safety and effectiveness of these COVID-19 vaccines and can be assured that the agency was thorough in its evaluation of the data.”
The FDA’s decision to grant emergency use requests for a two-dose Moderna shot and a three-dose Pfizer vaccine came two days after its outside panel of advisers unanimously voted on Wednesday to recommend use of the two vaccines.
White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Ashish Jha said earlier this month that the federal government would begin shipping the vaccines to states as soon as the FDA granted the emergency use authorization.
He expects shots can begin next week as long as the CDC issues its recommendation over the weekend.
The Biden administration made 10 million doses of vaccine for kids under 5 available for states during a two-week pre-ordering period that closed Tuesday.
States, tribes, territories, pharmacies and other federal partners ordered 2.5 million Pfizer doses, about 50% of those available, and 1.3 million Moderna doses, about 25%, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“Jurisdictions will have an opportunity to order additional doses if and when the vaccines are authorized by FDA and recommended by CDC,” an HHS spokesperson said in a statement.
Florida vaccination distribution in question
Florida remains the only state not to have placed any pre-orders.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that some pharmacies and community health centers in the state would have COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 5 through federal distribution. But those options are limited for parents wishing to vaccinate their kids, she said.
“By being the only state, this is Florida, not pre-ordering … pediatricians, for example, in Florida will not have immediate ready access to vaccines,” Jean-Pierre said.
“Some pharmacies and community health centers in the state get access through federal distribution channels, but those options are limited for parents. We encouraged Florida on several occasions to order vaccines. We’ve been aware of this, and we will continue to do so.”
Florida not pre-ordering, Jean-Pierre said, will “make it harder” for parents to get their children vaccinated.
“That’s why we continued to, on several occasions, encourage Florida to do this,” she said.
The Florida Department of Health said in a statement Thursday that its officials have “made it clear to the federal government that states do not need to be involved in the convoluted vaccine distribution process, especially when the federal government has a track record of developing inconsistent and unsustainable COVID-19 policies.”
“Doctors can order vaccines if they are in need, and there are currently no orders in the Department’s ordering system for the COVID-19 vaccine for this age group,” the statement continued.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday that “there’s not going to be any state programs,” to vaccinate babies and toddlers against COVID-19.
“That’s not something that we think is appropriate and so that’s not what we’re going to be utilizing our resources in that regard,” DeSantis said.
Loveland, Ohio – Below is the partial draft of the minutes of the Loveland School Board meeting that was held last night. The Board authorized a “Resolution of Necessity” to request that the Hamilton County Auditor certify the projected revenues for a 4.90 Mill levy for the General Election on November 8.
Members Eileen Washburn. Eric Schwetschenau, Kevin. Dougherty, and Jonathan Eilert voted, “Yes”. Kathryn Lorenz did not attend the meeting.
This is the first of the two votes needed for the Board to place the operating levy on the ballot.
The Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, Counties of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren, Ohio, met in regular session at 6:00 P.M, on the 16th day of June, 2022, at the LMS/LIS Media Center, 757 S. Lebanon Road, Loveland, Ohio, with the following members present:
Mr. Kevin Dougherty Rev. Jonathan Eilert Dr. Eric Schwetschenau
Mrs. Eileen Washburn
The following members were absent: Dr. Kathryn Lorenz
Mrs. Washburn moved the adoption of the following resolution:
LOVELAND CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 22-69
RESOLUTION DECLARING THE NECESSITY OF LEVYING AN ADDITIONAL TAX FOR CURRENT OPERATING EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF THE TENMILL LIMITATION AND REQUESTING THE COUNTY AUDITOR TO CERTIFY MATTERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
WHEREAS, this Board of Education of the Loveland City School District (the “Board of Education”) anticipates levying an additional tax in excess of the ten-mill limitation as described herein;
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, this Board of Education is required to certify to the County Auditor a resolution requesting the County Auditor to certify certain matters in connection with such a tax levy;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of Loveland City School District, Counties of Hamilton, Clermont and Warren, Ohio:
That pursuant to the provisions of Section 5705.21 of the Ohio Revised Code, it is necessary that an additional tax be levied in excess of the tenmill limitation for the benefit of the Loveland City School District (the “School District”), for the purpose of current operating expenses at a rate not exceeding four and nine-tenths (4.9) mills for each one dollar ($1.00) of valuation, which amounts to forty-nine cents ($0.49) for each one hundred dollars ($100.00) of valuation, for a continuing period of time.
That the question of the passage of said tax levy shall be submitted to the electors of the School District at an election to be held on November 8, 2022. If approved by the electors of the School District, said tax levy shall first be placed upon the 2022 tax list and duplicate, for first collection in calendar year 2023 for a continuing period of time. The tax shall be levied upon the entire territory of the School District and the ballot measure shall be submitted to the entire territory of the School District. The School District has territory in Hamilton County, Clermont County and Warren County, Ohio.
That pursuant to Section 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, the County Auditor is hereby requested to certify to this Board of Education the total current tax valuation of the School District and the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by the number of mills specified in Section 1 hereof, and the Treasurer of this Board of Education be and is hereby directed to certify forthwith a copy of this resolution to the County Auditor at the earliest possible time so that said County Auditor may certify such matters in accordance with such Section 5705.03 of the Ohio Revised Code.
That it is found and determined that all formal actions of this Board of Education concerning and relating to the adoption of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Board of Education, and that all deliberations of this Board of Education, and of any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements, including Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code, and the rules of this Board of Education adopted in accordance therewith.
Dr. Schwetschenau seconded the motion, and the roll being called upon the question of adoption of the resolution the vote resulted as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Washburn, Dr. Schwetschenau, Mr. Dougherty, Rev. Eilert
NAY:
ADOPTED this 16th day of June, 2022.
Robert Giuffre’, Interim Treasurer
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned hereby certifies that the text of the foregoing resolution is taken and copied from the record of proceedings of a meeting of the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District held on June 16, 2022. The undersigned further certifies that the same has been compared by me with said record and it is a true and correct copy thereof, together with a true and correct copy of excerpts from the minutes of said meeting to the extent pertinent to the consideration and adoption of said resolution.
Robert Giuffre’, Interim Treasurer
RECEIPT
The undersigned hereby acknowledges this day receipt of a certified copy of the foregoing resolution.
County Auditor, Hamilton County, Ohio
Date: June ___, 2022
CERTIFICATE OF COUNTY AUDITOR
Pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Education of the Loveland City School District, adopted on June 16, 2022, the undersigned county auditor of Hamilton County, Ohio hereby certifies that the total current tax valuation of such school district is $___________________, and that the dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by four and nine-tenths (4.9) mills per year as specified in such resolution is $___________________ per year, assuming that the tax valuation of such school district remains the same throughout the life of the levy.
Loveland, Ohio – The police department announced on Wednesday that Alicia Kenny was found safe and unharmed and is currently in the care of her family members. The department said on Facebook, “The Loveland Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners the Ohio Bureau Of Criminal Investigations and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for their extensive assistance with resources and agents, as well as help from the community. The involved law enforcement agencies worked long hours in challenging weather conditions to bring Alicia home.”
A “Critical Missing Person” alert was issued by the department on June 13 concerning Kenny.
Loveland, Ohio – Public Works crews will be conducting a brush pick-up beginning Monday, June 20. They advise, “In an effort to help expedite the process, please have the brush at the curb by Monday morning.”
Public Works will be making one pass through the city.
Standard brush guidelines apply which are:
Brush must be placed at the curb or edge of roadway. Do not place brush in the roadway, gutter, ditches, or on sidewalks.
Do not block fire hydrants.
Limbs cannot exceed 10 inches in diameter at the cut section.
Limbs should be placed at the curb with the cut section facing the street and all limbs should be facing the same direction. This makes it easier and faster to handle.
No leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, bamboo, ornamental grass, or other yard waste will be collected.
Small twigs and sticks should be bundled with twine in bundles 12 inches in diameter. Twigs or sticks can also be placed in a container at the curb, but no other yard waste should be in the containers. No loose piles of sticks and debris, please.
Loveland, Ohio – The Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency has extended an Air Quality Alert for the Loveland Area, including Butler, Clermont, Hamilton and Warren counties in Ohio and Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties in Kentucky.
The air quality index is predicted to be 115 on Wednesday which is “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”.
Active children and adults, and people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, should be avoiding all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.
You can track the air quality in real-time by clicking the image below.
Do Your Share! Take these precautions:
• Take the bus, carpool, bike or walk instead of driving • Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap • Avoid idling your vehicle • Combine trips or eliminate unnecessary vehicle trips • Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes • Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment on Air Quality Alert days • Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains on Air Quality Alert days • Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings • Always burn clean, seasoned wood in outdoor fire pits, fireplaces and wood stoves • Do not use fire pits or fireplaces for non-essential home heating on Air Quality Alert days • Conserve electricity
Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Symmes Fire Department has designated Loveland High School, 11801 Rich Road, as a cooling center. The site will be open all night. Enter door number 12.
Pets are permitted if they are restrained.
The school is open for residents from Symmes, Loveland, and Miami Township. No one in need will be turned away.
You can sleep there if need be. No cots are provided, you will have to bring your sleeping bags and pillows.
Loveland, Ohio – Although racers are instructed to obey all traffic laws, thousands of participants will gather in downtown Loveland on Saturday for the Amazing Charity Race.
The Amazing Charity Race started in 2005 as Loveland’s Amazing Race and has grown into one of the biggest races in the whole Cincinnati tri-state area! With a little bit of this and a little bit of that – we make you walk, run, ride, think and do – all for the fun of it!
WHAT IS IT??: It is a full day of good natured competition, music and food and laughs. The race committee is laughing itself silly coming up with fun challenges. It is not a triathlon or a 5K race. It is not limited to runners or highly athletic individuals. It is a race in that it has a start and finish line but along the way it challenges the contestants in many ways. It is a fun, quirky, adventure that challenges the contestants agility, balance, coordination, strength, intelligence, problem solving skills, fine motor skills, and most importantly, their sense of humor.
