CPS sees large jump in staff vaccination rate

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia Public Schools saw a more than 10% increase in its staff vaccination rate in just a single day.

The large increase comes days before Missouris educators and school staff members become vaccine eligible.

Teachers across the country are eligible to receive vaccines through a federal pharmacy program. In Mid-Missouri, multiple pharmacies are participating including Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Sam's Club, and Hy-Vee.

Hy-Vee Public Relations Director Christina Gayman said the grocer is not able to give out specific numbers of vaccine doses the company receives but said 'they are continually increasing.'

On Feb. 14, when the district started reporting vaccination data, the rate stood at 18.2%. Weeks later on Monday, the rate was reported at 24.8%. And a day later on Tuesday, staff vaccinations jumped a total of 10.5% to 35.3% -- 1,211 staff members.

The data includes all district teachers, staff, substitutes with Edustaff and bus drivers.

CPS said vaccinations are voluntary, however, they are encouraged. The district's data is based on self-reporting.

Less than one percent of district teachers are isolated or quarantined. The percentage of CPS staff isolated or in quarantine was reported at 1.2% in elementary schools and under 1% for middle school, high schools, and other district-wide facilities.

Phase 1B, Tier 3 is scheduled to open on March 15 and will include teachers, grocery store employees, government officials and individuals employed in the energy sector.

According to the state vaccination dashboard, 1.6 million total vaccine doses have been given out in Missouri.