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In-Person Instruction and Vaccination Opportunities - May 14, 2021

Friday, May 14, 2021

This week, Orange County’s COVID-19 infection rates dropped to 1.8, making the county eligible to move from the Orange Tier to the Yellow Tier as early as May 19 if rates continue to remain below 2.0. At our schools, COVID-19 cases remain extremely low and isolated and there has been no on-campus spread.

GGUSD schools continue to look forward to our end of year celebrations including our in-person high school graduations and 8th grade commencement ceremonies, which will follow California Department of Public Health guidance for large gatherings.  Additionally, our schools will offer in-person Summer Bridge Programs to address learning loss with intervention and acceleration programs across a wide variety of subject areas. You will receive information from your schools about site-specific program details.

GGUSD is preparing for 5 full days of in-person instruction at ALL schools in the 2021-2022 school year, following all state and county health and safety guidance.  As GGUSD schools continue to be the safest place for students to learn, GGUSD will not continue to offer a school-based distance learning option next school year. Families wishing to continue with a distance learning model may apply for our Virtual Learning Academy through May 21. Space is limited and depending on interest, an interview process may be implemented. 

Although the CDC announced revisions to its mask recommendations yesterday, California school districts must continue to follow health guidance from the California Department of Public Health and Orange County Health Care Agency. While the CDC plays an advisory role, health mandates fall under the jurisdiction of the state and county.  As such, current mask requirements remain in place. We will keep our community informed should state or county health and safety guidance for schools change in the weeks/months ahead.

Local Vaccination Opportunities 

As countywide COVID-19 vaccination efforts continue, GGUSD will continue providing information regarding vaccination opportunities to our community. As a reminder, COVID-19 vaccinations are completely voluntary.  Children cannot get vaccinated without parental consent and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when getting the vaccination.

This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to be provided to children age 12 and above. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines remain available for individuals age 18 and older.

The Orange County Health Care Agency’ Vaccination Super Pods remain open for walk-ins and scheduled appointments through June 6 when the county shifts its focus to neighborhood-based pods, health care networks, pharmacies, and retailers.  A list of sites, hours of operation, and vaccine information can be found at www.CovidVaccineFacts.com or by calling the County’s COVID-19 hotline at (714) 834-2000.

Included below is information about a few vaccination opportunities in our area:

  • Click here for a flyer regarding vaccination opportunities at the Garden Grove Sports & Recreation Center, 13641 Deodara Drive, Garden Grove. This pod is open on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments are required through MyTurn.ca.gov. When extra appointments are available, the city will advertise for walk-in opportunities.

  • UCI Health is currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations to non-patients at its Santa Ana and Anaheim locations. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. To schedule an appointment, go to the website: my.ucihealth.org. Non-patients, should select “New to UCI Health?” and “No Activation Code” and follow the prompts to schedule an appointment. Existing UCI Health patients can call UCI Health at 1-657-282-6356 for an activation code. UCI Health Family Center is located at 800 N. Main Street in Santa Ana and 2441 W. La Palma Avenue, Suite 100 in Anaheim.

  • Walmart is currently providing the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to students. Walk-ins are welcome. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Appointments are not required but can be made at https://www.walmart.com/cp/flu-shots-immunizations/1228302. Walmart currently offers Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccine options.

Click here for the CDC’s online search feature that allows you to find COVID-19 vaccines near you. This helpful search tool allows you to see which vaccines are in stock at the pharmacy, health care and retail locations near you.  We will continue to provide vaccination opportunity information as more information becomes available.

Have a wonderful weekend.