How Lee County teachers feel about getting COVID-19 vaccine priority

Teachers in Florida are moving to the front of the line for COVID-19 vaccinations, so if you are 65 or over, you may be waiting longer than normal to book your appointment. The prioritization extends to any school staff and any licensed child-care providers.

Lee County teachers told WINK News this is a moment they have been waiting for.

The Teachers Association of Lee County says us this is crucial for our schools to remain safe. Kevin Daly, the group’s president, says these vaccinations are especially vital for teachers. If a teacher were to get sick with COVID-19, that not only affects them, but the hundreds of other students in their classes.

“When you look at a high school, for example… you know, if one teacher has to be out because they’ve been exposed and has to quarantine, that’s 200 students a day, potentially, every day for 10 days that don’t have their regular certified teacher in the classroom,” Daly said.

Fourth grade teacher Matthew Estevez got vaccinated at CVS over the weekend. He says he is excited for all the other school employees who will gain more opportunities to get the shot, something many of these teachers have been anxiously waiting for.

“Me being vaccinated not only affects my 55 students, it affects their parents, their guardians, their siblings… it affects the entire community,” Estevez said. “Keeping a safe environment, it goes beyond the walls of the schools that we work at.”

There is no age restriction for this eligible group. After they are done registering for appointments, other slots will become available.