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Alachua County Public Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education while protecting the health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Our COVID-19 Response Plan outlines the steps that the District is taking to meet both those commitments.Our schools reopened for in-person instruction in August 2020 with the guidance and support of the Alachua County Health Department and the Scientific Medical Advisory Committee (SMAC), a team of doctors from the University of Florida specializing in pediatrics, public health, and infectious disease. Any scenario in which many people gather together can pose a risk for COVID-19 transmission. However, schools can effectively reduce that risk by layering prevention measures like universal face coverings and physical distancing.We will continue to consult regularly with our public health officials and medical advisors to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our students, families, and staff.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for ACPS High School Students
High school students ages 16 and older can get their free COVID vaccinations at school during the regular school day thanks to a partnership between Alachua County Public Schools and the Alachua County Health Department. Students ages 16 and older are eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and effective for teens. The vaccine is delivered in two doses, about three weeks apart. The dates for each school are below.
Buchholz High School: Thursday, April 22 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, May 13 at 9 a.m.
Eastside High School: Friday, April 30 at 9 a.m. and Friday, May 21 at 9 a.m.
Gainesville High School: Thursday, April 22 at 9 a.m. and Thursday, May 13 at 9 a.m.
Hawthorne High School: Monday, April 26 at 9 a.m. and Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m.
Newberry High School: Monday, April 26 at 9 a.m. and Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m.
PAM @ Loften High School: Monday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. and Monday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Santa Fe High School: Tuesday, April 27 at 9:30 a.m. and Tuesday, May 25 at 9:30 a.m.
Digital Academy students can participate at their high school. Digital Academy students will need to remain on-site for 15 minutes following the vaccination. To limit the number of visitors on campus, parents will not be present for the clinics.
Vaccine Consent Forms
Students ages 16 and 17 must have a consent form signed by a parent or guardian for each vaccination. Students 18 and older may sign their own forms.
These forms should be submitted to your school within 10 days of each vaccination clinic. Students can bring the form with them on the day of their school’s clinic if necessary, although we ask that you return the form ahead of time to help your school and the Health Department organize the clinics. Again, the consent form must be signed for a student to receive the vaccine.
Use the links below to download the form and other information about the vaccine. You can contact your child’s school to request a hard copy of the consent packet.
- COVID-19 Vaccine Consent Form
- Pfizer Vaccine Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers
- DOH Notice of Privacy Practice
Consent Form Packet - Spanish Version
If you have any questions, please contact cowlespa@gm.sbac.edu or call (352) 955-6954.
Vaccine appointments are available for all individuals 16 and older with the Alachua County Health Department.
Learn more about vaccine availability, vaccine safety, and how vaccines work from UF Health and the CDC.
