Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Obama Presidential Center at Jackson Park on September 28, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
SRDTF News
UPDATED 4:40 PM PT – Friday, November 5, 2021
Chicago Public Schools and Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) canceled classes for next Friday to give parents an extra opportunity to get their kids vaccinated. In addition to the cancellation announced on Friday, Lightfoot said all city workers will also get two hours of paid time off to get their children vaccinated.
With the holiday season approaching and vaccines recently scoring approval for children ages 5-11, city leaders want all eligible students to get the shot as soon as possible.
“It was a difficult decision for us to cancel classes on Friday,” said Pedro Martinez, CPS CEO. “I know it creates challenges for our parents. We are working with libraries, park district to provide family support.”
Dr. Frank Belmonte, Chief Medical Officer at Advocate Children’s Hospital, was joined by @chicagosmayor, city officials & other experts from the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance to discuss vaccine distribution, the importance of vaccinations & how parents can prepare kids. pic.twitter.com/7SRLWUXpad
— Advocate Children’s Hospital (@AdvocateKids) November 5, 2021
Some parents who say they are uncomfortable with the idea of their child being vaccinated said it was disruptive to their schedules. They pointed out they would make time to get their child vaccinated if they really wanted to do so.