Polk County Public Schools is partnering with the Florida Department of Health in Polk County to make COVID-19 vaccines available at no cost to all PCPS students, employees, and their families. Pop-up vaccination clinics will be held at two local high schools to administer the first vaccine dose: • Saturday, June 5, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at George Jenkins High (6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland) • Saturday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ridge Community High (500 Orchid Drive, Davenport) (Information about follow-up doses is detailed below.) There is no requirement for students, employees, or their families to be vaccinated, it is entirely voluntary. “We want to make access to this life-saving vaccine easy and convenient,” said Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County. “Our goal is to vaccinate as many students, employees and their family members as possible to keep them safe,” Jackson said. “In addition, once the new school year is underway, anyone fully vaccinated will not be required to self-isolate if they are determined to be a close contact to someone who tests positive for COVID-19. Obviously, this will help reduce the disruption that many people faced this past school year when they had to suddenly self-quarantine.” No appointment is necessary, and walk-ups are welcome. However, if individuals wish to make an appointment or have questions, they may contact DOH-Polk’s Information Center at (863) 519-7911. Those eligible to receive the vaccine are individuals age 12 and up. Children under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present at the time of the vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine will be available to those ages 12 and up. The Pfizer vaccine is a two-series shot, meaning two doses are required to become fully vaccinated. The Moderna vaccine (two-shot series) and Johnson & Johnson vaccine (one-shot series) will also be available to those 18 and older. Individuals who receive either the Pfizer vaccine or Moderna vaccine will need to receive a second dose. Pfizer vaccine follow-up dose Those who received their first dose of Pfizer on June 5 at George Jenkins High will be scheduled to return to the high school on June 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for their second dose of Pfizer. Those who received their first dose of Pfizer on June 19 at Ridge Community High will be scheduled to return to the high school on July 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for the second dose of Pfizer. Individuals who received the Pfizer vaccine and cannot return on those specific days will be given additional options on when and where to get their second dose of Pfizer. Moderna vaccine follow-up dose Those who received their first dose of Moderna on June 5 at George Jenkins High or on June 19 at Ridge Community High will be given instructions and options on when and where to get their second dose of Moderna. If you have any questions, please contact DOH-Polk’s Information Center at (863) 519-7911.