COVID-19 testing is becoming more common in Indiana’s schools, but the state is stopping short of requiring it. State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box says that more than 160 schools are now using rapid BinaxNOW tests, and testing will continue to be an important topic as health officials look ahead to the 2021-2022 school year.
“The federal government is encouraging testing in schools to help ensure that our students, teachers, and staff can safely return to the classroom and have a year that looks as close to normal as possible,” Box said during a press conference Wednesday. “I want to be clear about one thing: the State of Indiana has not mandated testing in schools. We have not recommended that schools do routine surveillance.”
Box encourages families to screen their kids at home and to use a dedicated COVID-19 testing site if they’re sick or been exposed to the virus.
Meanwhile, Box says that several Central Indiana schools will be busing hundreds of eligible students to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway today for vaccinations. Other schools, including some in the local area, are partnering with clinics to host on-site vaccinations.
Currently, the vaccine is only available to those age 16 and up. Box says an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to be given to kids as young as 12 could be in place by this summer, while younger children could have to wait until 2022. “Providers are really key, especially our pediatric and our family doctor providers, for the kids,” she added. “But we will be working with the school systems to set up vaccine sites, so that we can make sure that over the summertime, that there will be opportunities for families to bring the kids and get them vaccinated.”
In the meantime, Box says health officials are working with the Indiana Department of Education to review the CDC’s latest guidance on school operations, and recommendations for summer school and fall sessions will be coming soon.
