Putnam County schools cancel classes after staff vaccinations

The Putnam County School District called off classes Thursday after the staff was vaccinated Wednesday.

Many staff members called in with adverse reactions to the vaccine and the school would have been understaffed, said Superintendent Carl Carlson.

The day will count as an emergency day and need to be made up at the end of the school year, Carlson said.

The CDC reports side effects from the vaccine can range from pain and swelling to fever, chills, fatigue and headaches. In most cases, a fever or pain for up to a few days is normal, the CDC reported. A fever is a sign the body is building protection against the virus, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.