San Marcos High School students take a field trip to Cottage Health’s COVID-19 clinic

GOLETA, Calif. — 14 high school students spent their lunch break getting their second COVID-19 vaccine. The trip allowed students who might have a harder time getting to or making an appointment to get vaccinated. These students were 16 and up. They started their process before the vaccine was approved for 12 and up.

Other schools in Santa Barbara Unified School District have partnered to increase accessibility for the vaccine. This week Santa Barbara County Public Health is holding a clinic at Santa Barbara High School. The clinic is Tuesday through Thursday 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The San Marcos seniors who got vaccinated on Thursday said they wanted to get vaccinated so they could attend graduation in person. San Marcos’ dean of student engagement, Paige Dupont, said students need to be fully vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test to take part in graduation.

To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine go to MyTurn or call 2-1-1.