Archdiocese preparing system-wide vaccine rollout for school staff

In a memo to school staff in late January, archdiocesan officials announced that they are working with state and local health departments on a system-wide approach to ensure equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We have been repeatedly assured that our Catholic school employees will receive the vaccine at the same time as those in the public schools,” said the memo, which was signed by Justin Lombardo, co-chair of the Archdiocesan COVID-19 Task Force, and Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic schools. “Per senior officials at Cook County Department of Health, a plan is in development to get school personnel vaccinated, but it will take time and weeks to accomplish because of supply. Thus, we are finalizing our system-wide vaccination efforts with health departments for rollout beginning in mid-February. However, be advised that the rollout will take several weeks and is dependent upon ongoing vaccine supply.”

Archdiocesan officials are also working with private companies that have been qualified to distribute vaccines and are considering using archdiocesan locations for distribution.

While awaiting a system-wide rollout, school employees are encouraged to register for vaccines on municipal and state websites.

“It is vital that we work together, particularly during these anxious and confusing times,” the memo stated. “Know that we are working hard with the health departments to overcome uncertainty and ensure quick, equitable access to the vaccine.”