South Lake Tahoe teachers and staff start to receive vaccines

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A major step in preparing to open schools back up to in-person classes, teachers and staff from Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) are receiving the first of two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The news of the available vaccines came earlier than the District expected. They hope to have all staff members receive the first vaccine within the next two weeks, and the second required injection within the next six weeks.

South Tahoe Middle School teacher Larry Lambdin was at El Dorado County Public Health to receive his vaccine Thursday with a dozen other teachers and LTUSD staff members.

"I'm excited, looking forward to it," said Lambdin as he was waiting his turn. "I signed up as soon as it was announced." Lambdin is in his fortieth year of teaching, 28 of those with LTUSD.

Although a specific target date for opening TK-8 classrooms to in-person learning is still not clear at this time due to a severe spike in recent days in local cases, the vaccines will help the District get closer to its goal.

LTUSD has 430 employees. Though not required, the District is recommending staff receive the vaccine.

The vaccines for the staff are being administered at Safeway and El Dorado County Public Health.