Shots boost school staff

States became eligible for vaccines this week.

And i'm alan van zandt.among a bunch of several states that has been slower in getting out vaccinations.

But one local school administrator says this is a big step for schools nationwide..

Here's kq2's madeline mcclain with more.

<<school districts and local health officials across northwest missouri editing their vaccination lesson plans.

From buchanan county.... maria burnham, st.

Joseph school district: we've also been compiling a list of staff members that want to be immunized through our partnership, it's technically with mosaic and the local health department because we are all working together.to andrew county andrew county health department: the plan is for mosaic.

I've talked to a couple of the districts and if there's people that can make it the day that mosaic is going to do that then we will try to cover those ourselves."

All the way up to atchison county.julie livengood, atchison county health department: "we've already touched based with them.

We know about how many vaccinations are needed for that tier and we are ready to jump as soon as march 15th gets here and we have vaccine."

And for all these officials -- planning for what comes after vaccinations st.

Joseph school district: i think it's just going to be the icing on the cake.

I guess you could say.classrooms emptied out because staff or students were sick with covid or had been a contact.maria burnham, st.

Joseph school district: this has been a crazy year, i'll be glad when its over, i won't lie but everybody is really trying and we care about our staff and our kiddos and we are just thankful to be in school for one.

With vaccinations -- quarantine guidelines will be relaxed further.maria burnham, st.

Joseph school district: "that is why getting the vaccine to me is so valuable.

It will cut down on absenteeism and it will keep more folks in the buildings.."st.

Joseph school district nurses already received their vaccine shots.

And already feel the benefits.

Maria burnham, st.

Joseph school district: "for me personally, i just feel a little bit more confident being around others and feel, i don't want to give anyone anything and i know a lot of people feel that way.

I don't want to hurt anyone else and this pandemic.//but i do see that in folks that do feel a little more comfortable after having their vaccination."

Reporting, madeline mcclain kq2 news.

Missouri's phase 1b tier 3 -- extending vaccine eligibility to teachers and other essential workers -- doesn't officially open until march 15th.

But officials with the st.

Joseph school district say some teachers and staff were able to jump in line early through federal vaccine programs.