Milwaukee mayor urges more teachers, child care workers to sign up for vaccine appointments

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City officials said Milwaukee has enough supply to allow all educators to have access to vaccines by March 15, and they're urging more to sign up for appointments.

Mayor Tom Barrett said he is reaching out to the Milwaukee Public Schools superintendent, school board and union to make sure they know the resources available.

"We want to make sure that we're providing vaccines for all the teachers that are currently in the classroom, and we're doing everything we can to make sure that we get the vaccines to the Milwaukee Public School teachers so that they will meet their deadlines," Barrett said. "We have been so exhaustive in our attempts to make sure that all educators have access to a vaccination by March 15."

He said the city still has thousands of appointments available this week at city sites, including the Wisconsin Center.

"Tomorrow alone we could accommodate more than 800 additional teachers and early childhood educators," Barrett said.

This week, Milwaukee is opening vaccine clinics on certain days at two high schools and two libraries. The sites at North Division and South Division high schools are only open to MPS employees. The sites at Mitchell Street and Villard libraries are open to child care workers and educators in the city.

There was a steady stream of teachers and other school staff members on Tuesday, March 9 at North Division High School. 

"It's convenient. It is much easier to get into than like a Walgreens or a Pick 'n Save. And it's a priority to get the teachers vaccinated and get on with school," said Jason Fellows.

Fellows, an MPS high school government and citizenship teacher, said he was happy to do his part to help reach herd immunity.

"I can't wait for the students to get back in the classroom. If it adds an extra protection for me and helps prevent it around the school, I think that's fantastic," Fellows said. "I think some students are probably thriving in the virtual world, while many others are really frustrated about it."

Alicia Moore, who is an MPS facilities and maintenance employee, said she wants to help protect herself and her loved ones.

"(There's) three people in my household: my mother and my husband and I. I want to make sure that she's especially safe because she's elderly, she's up in that class," Moore said.