Grand Forks Expands Vaccine to Childcare Workers & Employees of PreK - Grade 12

The City of Grand Forks, Grand Forks Public Health, and Altru are now expanding to Tier 7 and 8 of Phase 1B of the North Dakota Department of Health plan; childcare workers and workers employed by preschools or Kindergarten through 12th grade. We are expanding COVID-19 vaccination to Tier 7 and 8 as we have open vaccination appointments available this week.

Dr. Terry Brenner, Superintendent of Grand Forks Public Schools said, "Grand Forks Public Schools is grateful for the opportunity to be in line for vaccinations. As front line and essential workers since the commencement of the school year, this will add another layer of protection for staff in addition to the other CDC mitigation strategies."

Childcare workers and workers employed by preschools or Kindergarten through 12th grade: teachers, nutritional services, aides, bus drivers, principals, administrative staff, custodians, etc. are asked to visit MyChart.altru.org or call 701.780.6358 to be included on the COVID-19 vaccine waitlist.

If you have already contacted Altru or filled out a survey through Grand Forks Public Schools or Grand Forks Public Health, there is no need to call or signup via MyChart. You are already on the list and will be contacted by Altru via phone, email, or MyChart notification to schedule your vaccine.

Those that fit into previous tiers of 1B and are interested in receiving the vaccine are asked to visit MyChart.altru.org or call 701.780.6358 to be included on the COVID-19 vaccine waitlist.

Phase 1B includes individuals who meet the following criteria per the North Dakota COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Plan (tiers in order of priority).

We are currently vaccinating groups in bold below:

• Persons age 75 and older
• Persons age 65 – 74 with two or more high-risk medical conditions*
• Staff and persons living in other congregate settings
• Persons age 65 and older with one or more high-risk medical conditions
• Persons age 65 and older with or without high-risk medical conditions*
• A person with two or more high-risk medical conditions* regardless of age
• Childcare workers.
• Workers employed by preschools or Kindergarten through 12th grade: teachers, nutritional services, aides, bus drivers, principals, administrative staff, custodians, etc.

As additional priority groups become eligible for vaccination, The City of Grand Forks, Grand Forks Public Health, and Altru will share those details through local media, social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and on our website: www.grandforksgov.com/vaccine.

Grand Forks Public Health and Altru have enrolled providers for the COVID-19 vaccine and follow the North Dakota Department of Health recommendations and guidance related to the distribution of the vaccine. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and who is currently eligible, and for the full list of high-risk medical conditions visit www.grandforksgov.com/vaccine.