THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 11, 2022 Page 3 Malden now rates among highest vaccination rates for schoolchildren in the state More than 70% of all school-age children in Malden ages 12-19 have been vaccinated; 40% of children aged 5-11 citywide ‘vaxxed’ By Steve Freker M alden’s vaccination rate for the majority of its schoolage children is among the highest in the state of Massachusetts. Among the numbers cited during Monday night’s lengthy discussion at the Malden School Committee meeting regarding the Malden Public Schools’ mask mandate was the city’s impressive COVID-19 vaccination rate. Particular numbers included in a brief, but detailed rundown by School Committee Chairperson and Mayor Gary Christenson was the number of schoolage children who have been fully vaccinated. The Mayor reported that over 70% of all schoolage children in Malden between the ages of 15-19 have been fully vaccinated. Also, some 70% percent of children ages 1215 have been fully vaccinated. Additionally, some 40% of all schoolchildren between the ages of 5-11 are also fully vaccinated, according to the fi gures as of March 1, 2022, the Mayor said. (Children below the age of 5 are not eligible to receive The COVID-19 Data Dashboard is available every day and is kept up to date – with school-by-school information – on the Malden Public Schools website, www.maldenps.org. COVID-19 vaccination.) “Malden has done a very good job,” Mayor Christenson said, referring to the school-age children’s vaccination rates. “We are ahead of the national average.” The Mayor said that nationwide 58% of all persons aged 15-19 have been fully vaccinated; 56.4% of those aged 12-15; and 22.6 of those aged 5-11. Each member of the Malden School Committee at Monday night’s meeting referenced both the Mayor’s vaccination numbers – as reported directly from the Malden Board of Health and Health Department Director Chris Webb; and the Malden Public Schools administration’s online “COVID-19 Data Dashboard” – as factors in their decision in voting on the mask mandate, whether they were “yes” or “no” on rescinding the mandate. See Related Stories in this edition. Out of Malden’s 66,000-plus residents, those in the age bracket of 15-19 represent approximately 1,400 of Malden High School’s overall student population. Citywide, that age bracket is about 1,700. There are similar numbers in the age 1215 age bracket in Malden, citywide, and about 3,000 children ages 5-11 in this city. Mayor Christenson cited the prevalence of many free ~ Letter to the Editor ~ Athletic fields in chronic disrepair O ur children love sports – but the sad part is they have nowhere to play. Parks are all in shambles. Example: Trafton Park and Salemwood – not used in 3 years. What is the problem here? Home taxes are very expensive. What are we paying for? For example: One or two baseball games have to be cancelled for 2 to 3 days due to fl ooding. Need Astroturf as other cities do. The fi elds are so bad in Malden. Example: Little League has a Jimmy Fund League Tournament every year for surrounding cities: Malden, Everett & Melrose. Malden teams had to play at Sacramone Park Everett because our Malden Parks were fl ooded. All games got in because they played on Astroturf. The children all loved it. No puddles, mud, etc. No more practices, games, etc. called off for days because of puddles, mud, etc. All parents from Malden had the same thing to say: Need lights, need Astroturf, need restrooms and no more cancelling practices and games. What about Pearl St. Stadium, Rotondi Park? Nothing appropriate for children 5-12 year olds! The children of the future. Devir Park Batting cage. Someone should fi x electrical box that has been broken for 1-2 years – needs a Guide so no one gets electrocuted! By the way – Thank you fans, and everyone who participated for the Jimmy Fund games–Tournament. Was a great weekend. Especially Everett President George Castriano and Joe Young. Signed, Ronald E. Butland $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ GET YOUR VEHICLE SPRING READY! 2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER 2015 HYUNDAI TUSCON $39.95 TRADES WELCOME! $12,900 Easy Financing Available! TRADES WELCOME! (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com For Your Vehicle! $14,500 We Pay Cash COVID-19 vaccination clinics that have been run across the city as contributing to this high vaccination rate, including a number of them that have been held at Malden Public Schools buildings. Also, he noted that thousands of free, take-home COVID-19 test kits have been distributed citywide, including over 3,000 to Malden Public Schools families alone. “In Au- Mayor Gary Christenson: “Malden has done a good job with citywide vaccination rates.” COVID | SEE PAGE 12
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