Teachers will be first for the new, one-shot COVID-19 vaccine in Pa.

Here’s what we know about the rollout

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced plans this week to roll out the newly approved one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to teachers.

The announcement was met with excitement from educators and support staff, but has also drawn the ire of other essential workers, such as first responders and grocery store employees, who still sit in the next tier, called phase 1B, of the state’s vaccine rollout.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was approved late last month for emergency use authorization in people 18 years and older by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It’s the third shot on the market, joining the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Here’s what we know about the state’s teacher vaccination initiative, according to the state Department of Education:

Who’s eligible to receive it?

All prekindergarten to 12th grade public and nonpublic school staff will have an opportunity to be vaccinated, including administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, school nurses, speech/occupational therapists, custodians and early childhood education professionals.

Teachers in Philadelphia County are the only exception, as they fall under a different vaccine jurisdiction than the rest of the state.

When will the rollout begin?

Regional vaccination sites are expected to begin March 10-13.

Is it mandatory?

No.

How will they get the vaccine? Once the vaccine is received by state officials from the federal government, doses will be distributed to Intermediate Units based on the proportion of school employees and contracted staff in each unit’s region.

Are there any staff members within this group given priority?

Yes. Here’s the people within this group that will be given the opportunity for first shots:

■ Pre-K to grade 12 teachers of students with disabilities and English learners and related in-classroom support staff.

■ Elementary teachers and related in-classroom support staff, beginning with the youngest students.

■ Bus drivers/transporters, and support staff and contracted service providers who have direct contact with elementary students.

■ Other priority school staff who typically have regular, sustained in-person contact with students during the school day.