May 14, 2021
The FDA has issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the administration of COVID 19 Pfizer vaccine to youth ages 12 to 17. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations in school-aged children and staff. These can also be found on the Back Together 304 Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Q. Does the updated CDC guidance this week mean that fully vaccinated individuals can stop wearing a mask in Geneva 304 schools?
No. In accordance with the current public health guidance for schools, all persons on the grounds of all schools must wear a face mask at all times when in school or in transit to and from school. We will continue to monitor information form the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Kane County Health Department, and the Illinois State Board of Education regarding guidelines and mitigation strategies required in the school setting.
Q. Where can I find additional information regarding vaccines in Kane County?
For additional information, or to schedule an appointment, visit http://www.kanevax.org or call 855-4-KaneVax. You may also have access to the vaccine from your family medical provider or local pharmacy.
Q. Do vaccinated staff/students have to quarantine after an exposure to a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case?
Vaccinated staff/students do not need to quarantine if they meet all the following criteria:
- Are fully vaccinated (i.e., =2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or =2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine)
- For 2-dose vaccines, doses must be administered at appropriate intervals.
- Have remained asymptomatic since the current COVID-19 exposure and are not under testing for COVID-19
- Have submitted proof of vaccination to the school nurse office
Q. What do I do if I develop side effects after receiving a COVID vaccine that may also be COVID-like symptoms?
If an individual receives a COVID vaccine, side effects can happen (ex. low grade fever, moderate to severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle or body aches).
- If they have a fever over 100.4 or the side effects which are also COVID-like symptoms persist more than 48 hours after vaccination, the individual should have a medical evaluation and/or COVID testing.
- If side effects which are also COVID-19 symptoms start after 48 hours post vaccination the individual should have a medical evaluation and/or COVID testing.
- Loss of taste/ smell, new cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat are not typical vaccine side effects and should have a medical evaluation and/or COVID testing.
Q. What if a staff member/student has received both doses, but the exposure to a COVID-19 case occurs before it has been a full two weeks after completing the vaccine series?
The staff member/student should follow quarantine recommendations for unvaccinated persons. The staff member/student should continue to monitor for symptoms for 14 days after the exposure, and if any symptoms develop, they should immediately self-isolate and contact their local health department or healthcare provider to report their symptoms.
Q. Do fully vaccinated individuals need to stay home if they develop COVID-19-like symptoms?
Yes, IDPH states that individuals who are fully vaccinated and develop COVID-19-like symptoms should stay home in isolation while they are medically evaluated and/or tested for COVID. If the person chooses not to pursue medical evaluation or testing, they will need to complete a 10-day isolation period at home.
Please note that protocols and guidelines are subject to change based upon new information and guidance. For additional answers to frequently asked questions, please see the
Back Together 304 FAQ page.
Sincerely,
Geneva CUSD 304 School Nurse Team