Superintendent Hofmeister remarks on expanded vaccine opportunity for teachers, school staff

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.) State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister made the following remarks Friday after the announcement by Gov. Stitt that teachers and school staff will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine beginning at the same time as adult Oklahomans with a comorbidity. "Our teachers and support staff deserve and need to work in a safe and secure environment. Giving them this opportunity to receive the vaccine as soon as reasonably possible is critical. While in-person school is more dependent on COVID mitigation strategies such as masks and social distancing , ensuring the vaccination of teachers is vital to keeping school doors open. I urge all Oklahomans, teachers and non-teachers alike, to welcome the vaccine as soon as they are eligible."