TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Department of Health and Baltimore County Public Schools have announced the start of a COVID-19 vaccine program for BCPS employees, starting Friday, January, 22nd.

Due to the national challenges with vaccine distribution and availability, the nearly 20,000 employees of BCPS will be offered vaccines in an order related to their direct contact with students. Members of the first priority group were invited over the weekend to register for the program through the Baltimore County Department of Health. After registering, interested staff will either receive an appointment (as early as Jan. 22) or be placed on a waitlist. By the conclusion of the program, vaccines will be made available to all BCPS employees.

The first priority group includes the “highest contact” employees: Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers, Infants and Toddlers teachers, staff at the Public Separate Day Schools (which serve students with severe and multiple disabilities), as well as bus drivers and attendants; nursing assistants; substitute nurses; pupil personnel workers; and related services, food services, and technology field staff. BCPS school nurses and social workers have already been offered opportunities to receive the first dose of the vaccine.

“Getting our employees vaccinated as early as possible is an important step in protecting their health and the health of their families, and continuing to move forward to a safe, phase-in of hybrid learning for our students,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Darryl L. Williams. “We are grateful to Health Commissioner Dr. Gregory Branch and his staff for their leadership and collaboration.”

Baltimore County is providing vaccination information on its COVID-19 Vaccinations Webpage. The Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline is 410-887-3816.

The BCPS Office of Health Services has created Vaccine FAQs for BCPS staff.