Some youth coaches in the San Francisco Bay Area are now eligible to be vaccinated as California begins expanding its vaccination program.
The San Francisco ABC affiliate reported this week that coaches are finding out that some counties in the region are opening up vaccinations to coaches because of their role in student activities.
"I feel comfortable being outdoors with masks on, I'm not worried about it, but really happy that we can get vaccinated," John Vantress, who is a parent and volunteer coach for the Marin Highlanders Youth Rugby Club, told ABC.
A Bay Area health official said that state vaccine guidelines that relate to student care and education are up to the counties to interpret.
San Francisco and Marin counties are indicating that all youth coaches are eligible for the vaccine, while others are limiting eligibility to only those coaches associated with a school.
"Teachers, coaches, they're in line to get it right now," said Patrick Walsh, the football coach at Serra High School in San Mateo.
Walsh said he would wait to get the vaccine but supports whatever decision others make.
“If people choose to get a vaccine, I support it 100%. If people choose not to get a vaccine, I support that 100%," explained Walsh.
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