As Melrose Schools Cases Climb, Latest On Vaccine Is Welcome News

Melrose MA

14 October, 2021

9:11 AM

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MELROSE, MA — The anticipated approval of a COVID-19 vaccine for children between 5-11 years old is welcome news in school districts across the country, including right here. Positive test results continue to climb across Melrose Public Schools. As of Wednesday night, there were 61 cases reported among students and staff since Sept. 1. "We have seen more positive cases than we would like," Superintendent Julie Kukenberger said at Tuesday night's School Committee meeting. "It very much follows the trend of the unvaccinated." Indeed, four out of every five positive cases in the district has been among an unvaccinated individual. But in most cases, it's someone who is too young to be eligible for the vaccine rather than choosing not to be inoculated — the majority of student cases have been among students in Grade 6 or younger, according to district data. "It's exciting to hear news reports about the possibility of younger students having access to vaccines soon," Kukenberger said. "We know that it's much needed and will really help keep kids stay in school." The middle school has by far the highest number of cases with 27. Several middle school students had to be quarantined last week after five unvaccinated students tested positive in one day. Kukenberger also said well over 2,000 students in the district are taking part in regular pool testing. Pfizer has requested emergency use authorization of a vaccine specifically for younger children. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to discuss the request Oct. 26. The Biden administration has reportedly told state governors to be ready to expanded their vaccine programs. Related 6 Melrose Schools Among Best For Grades K-8: U.S. News Mike Carraggi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi and Instagram at Melrose Happening. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook. Watch the full School Committee meeting here.