Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines for Big Lake
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html#:~:text=None%20of%20the%20authorized%20and,types%20of%20vaccines%20in%20development
- Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
- After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
No. Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
- If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, vaccine should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first.
- Will a COVID-19 vaccination protect me from getting sick with COVID-19?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19.
- Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
No. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.
Messenger RNA vaccines—also called mRNA vaccines—are the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States. mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the mRNA cannot affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease. Learn more about how COVID-19 mRNA vaccines work.
Health Screenings: During the course of this year, various health screenings will take place. As per our school district policy for elementary all K, 1, 3, 5, and new to district students will have a health assessment done before the end of the school year. Additionally, a screening may take place if requested by a teacher, parent/guardian, or in-school intervention team referral. The assessment includes height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing, dental and scoliosis. The scoliosis screening is for 5th grade girls. You will be contacted if any of these basic screening tests indicate that further testing or follow-up is necessary.
Do I have to quarantine if I tested positive for COVID-19?
People who have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to quarantine or get tested again for up to 3 months if they do not develop symptoms again.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html
What do you do if test positive over Christmas break?
If someone in the household test positive for COVID-19 over Christmas break please call the school 907-892-9700 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and brief message. We will return your call.
Thermometers are in!! It is not too late to get your free thermometer.
Thermometer
Travel Guide
FAQ TRAVEL MANDATE
Question: When can I return to school after traveling out of state if I get tested at the airport?
Answer: If you get a negative test before you leave the airport, you will quarantine for five days. Day 1 is the day after you get back. If a person arrives in Alaska on Thursday, November 26th at 7 am, then Day 1 of quarantine is the next day, Friday November 27th. You would then return to school on Day 6. So the return date for school and other activities would be Wednesday December 2. I’m a visual person so I found it helpful to reference the jpg. Picture.
Question: When can I return to school after traveling out of state if I do NOT get tested at the airport?
Answer: Per the travel guidelines “At least 14 calendar days have passed since their return to Alaska.” Day 1 is the day after you get back. Then your students return to school will be on the 15th day. Please reference the picture for clarification and call the school nurse at 907-892-9705 with any questions or concerns.
Covid Exposure
Testing
FAQ for POTENTIAL CLOSE CONTACTS
- Q- If I am identified as a potential close contact does that mean I am also a close contact?
Answer- No! If you are a potential close contact is does not mean that you are automatically a close contact.
- Q- If I am a potiential close contact can I go to school?
Answer- No! Stay home until you receive more information from the school or pubic health.
- Q- If my child is a potential close contact can the siblings go to school?
Answer- YES! The child identified as the potential close contact must stay home but siblings can come to school.
- Q- If I am a potential close contact should I get tested?
Answer- Not necessarily. Get a Covid test if you have Covid symptoms or between 7-14 of quarantine if you are a close contact.
- Q- If I am waiting for Covid-19 test results can I come to school?
Answer- No! Do not come to school until you get the test results.
Please contact the Big Lake Nurse if you have any other questions or concerns at 892-9705
