2 new COVID-19 vaccination sites open in Milwaukee for educators

Beginning Tuesday, March 9, Milwaukee Public Schools employees will be able to get vaccinated at North Division High School. 

MILWAUKEE - Beginning Tuesday, March 9, Milwaukee Public Schools employees will be able to get vaccinated at North Division High School. The site will be open 1-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

Educators outside of MPS can go to Mitchell Library. It will be open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The North Division and Mitchell Library sites are operating in addition to the Wisconsin Center, which offers shots seven days a week.

As more vaccine doses make their way to Wisconsin, the goal to get educators the COVID-19 vaccine in Milwaukee County is a priority during the first two weeks of Phase 1b eligibility.

"We know that there’s been a lot of disruption for the kids, we know there’s been a lot of disruption in education," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

After virtual learning for nearly a year, some schools will head back to in-person learning as soon as April 12.

The Milwaukee Health Department estimates there are 25,000 educators in Milwaukee, and Barrett said getting that number of people vaccinated won't be a problem.

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

Dr. Keith Posley, MPS superintendent, receives the COVID-19 vaccine

While MPS employees make up a considerable number of the city's educators, health officials reminded the public Tuesday that there are other people eligible.

"If you work at the Boys & Girls Club, if you work at the YMCA or a child care center, you are eligible for the vaccine," said Dr. Ben Weston with the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management.

Through March 15, 17,000 doses are being made available for educators who live and work in Milwaukee.

"We are leaving no stone unturned to make sure the vaccinations are there, now people have to take advantage of them," said Barrett.

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The vaccination sites are part of the new partnership between the Milwaukee Health Department, Children’s Wisconsin, and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee Public Schools Board is set to meet in March to discuss the phased-in approach.