Dear Needham Public Schools Families: With gratitude to our partners at Waltham-based pharmacy PelMeds <https://pelmeds.com/>, I am pleased to announce a COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine clinic <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-high-school?month=2021-05&date=2021-05-22>for all Needham youth and Needham METCO students <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-high-school?month=2021-05&date=2021-05-22> ages 12 and up will be held on Saturday, May 22nd in the Needham High School cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. A follow up clinic for the second shot will be scheduled at the same location. Please sign up here: COVID-19 Pfizer clinic at Needham High School, May 22nd <https://calendly.com/pelmeds1/needham-high-school?month=2021-05&date=2021-05-22> . Consent forms and other information are available when you register. Should you have any additional questions, please email PelMeds directly: info@pelmeds.com Lastly, let me take this opportunity to reassure families that, despite the incomplete reports you might read/hear in the media, the NPS will follow all guidance regarding required vaccinations for school entry. *I strongly encourage families to get their children ages 12 and older signed up for the COVID vaccine, believing it to be a necessary step to keep our students and staff safe and our schools open. * Of course, parents should always consult with their child's pediatrician with any questions or concerns. If the Massachusetts Department of Public Health does require the COVID vaccine for school entry in the fall, the NPS will absolutely expect that students will have been vaccinated before they begin classes - except for those who, according to the current law, have a medical condition or sincerely held religious belief that would preclude a child from receiving a vaccine. I'll provide updates when they become available. Stay safe and thanks for your partnership as we continue to support the best students around! Sincerely, Dan Gutekanst Superintendent of Schools Needham Public Schools 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492 781-455-0400 x11203 dan_gutekanst@needham.k12.ma.us ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services are available to you free of charge. Contact your child’s school for assistance. Chinese (Simplified): 请注意：如果您的母语不是英语，我们将免费提供您语言辅助服务。如需协助，请与您孩子 的学校联系。 Spanish: ATENCION: Si usted habla un idioma que no sea el inglés, hay servicios de asistencia lingüística disponibles gratis. Contacte la escuela de su hijo para asistencia. Russian: ВНИМАНИЕ: Если вы не говорите на английском языке, для вас доступны бесплатные языковые сервисы на вашем языке. Обратитесь за помощью в школу, в которой учится ваш ребенок.