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The New Mexico Department of Health and Public Education Department announced Student COVID-19 Vaccination Week. During the week of May 3-8, students aged 16 and older will be given priority for making appointments on the NMDOH COVID-19 Vaccine Registration System, vaccineNM.org.

“Vaccinating against this virus protects students’ health and the health of the school community,” Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said. “Additionally, once students are fully vaccinated, they won’t have to quarantine if they’re identified as close contacts of someone with COVID-19. That could help reduce school closures in the future.”

As of Monday, all New Mexicans 16 years and older will be able to self-schedule their own vaccination appointments through vaccineNM.org, no event code required.

To schedule a vaccination appointment, register online at VaccineNM.org. Vaccinations for New Mexicans under age 18 require parental consent, and Pfizer is the only vaccine available for students 16-to-17-years-old.

The Department of Health can also assist those who need help registering – including those who do not have internet access. Call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-855-600-3453, press option 0 (zero) for vaccine questions, and then option 4 for tech support.

 

John Larson, El Defensor Chieftain