Virginia High School to host student vaccine clinic as quarantines surge among teens

BRISTOL, Va. — The COVID-19 case surge among the unvaccinated in our region is now being reflected in schools. The number of students and staff quarantined is at a level not seen since the last surge, up from a low just three weeks ago.

“We had no students or staff in isolation or quarantine, and now we're up to about 45,” Bristol, Virginia schools superintendent Keith Perrigan said.

Johnson City schools are also seeing a rise, especially among teens.

“That 10 to 19 years old age group has really seen a significant rise,” coordinated school health coordinator Jennifer Norton said. “and right now, it's really unclear as to why.”

Who is getting sick could reveal what is driving the surge as more people get vaccinated. Perrigan points out kids under 16 still aren't eligible for the shots.

“Before when we were having cases, we were having more staff cases, and now, we're seeing that trend reverse and seeing more student cases,” Perrigan said. “Obviously, most of our staff have been vaccinated, so that would explain that.”

Some 16- to 18-year-old high schoolers have gotten their vaccines.

Virginia High is hosting a clinic Monday to expand access to as many students as possible. The second shot comes in mid-May, just in time for a more normal prom and graduation.

“We're trying to do everything we can to make sure our students have those memorable events that we think every student should have access to,” Perrigan said.

Johnson City school leaders have not yet made a decision on how to approach graduation. They're waiting to see what the spread is closer to time.