(WWJ) As Detroit prepares to start vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 starting Monday, we're getting a look at COVID-19 numbers out of the city's public schools.
Speaking at a news conference Friday, Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti said there have been nearly 700 DPSCD students infected with the coronavirus this fall, and far fewer teachers.
"Since the beginning of the school year, we've had about 680 students that have tested positive, only about 133 staff," Vitti said. "And that's because 70% of our staff is vaccinated."
"But the challenge is quarantining. So we've had over 3,000 students that have quarantined, and about 160 staff members that have quarantined," he added.
Appointments for the Pfizer vaccine for Detroit kids ages 5-11 can be made starting Friday by calling 313-230-0505. Dosing for kids will be one-third that of adults (10 micrograms vs. 30 micrograms), delivered in a two-dose series, three weeks apart.
"We know these vaccines are highly effective and now we have the ability to protect the children in our community from Covid,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We have set up two vaccination sites specifically for this age group and will partner with schools across the city to provide all Detroiters with equitable access to these life-saving vaccines, especially children who are in school every day.
The shots will be given at the Detroit Health Department Immunization Clinic on Mack Ave., and at the Northwest Activities Center, with after school and weekend appointments available.
Children can get up to date on all their vaccines at the clinics during one appointment.
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The health department also is partnering with DPSCD, private and charter schools to provide future school-based vaccine events, said the city's Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo.
A parent or guardian must accompany the child to their vaccine appointments. Parents and guardians should prepared to show ID and fill out a consent form.
“Vaccinating children against COVID-19 will protect their health and allow them to re-engage more safely in activities they have missed out on during this pandemic, and protect their more vulnerable classmates and family members,” said Fair-Razo. “We know parents want what is best for their child and it is understandable they may have several questions. I encourage them to have a conversation with their healthcare provider so they can feel comfortable with the decision to get their child vaccinated.”
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This comes as case numbers are once again rising in the state. Michigan reported 10,094 new cases of COVID-19 and 90 virus-related deaths on Friday; an average of 5,047 cases per day over the past two days.
This is the highest daily average since April of this year, according to the state health department.
For further information about COVID shots for Detroit kids, call 313-230-0505 or schedule an appointment online at www.vaccinatedetroit.com.