Calls to make Covid jab mandatory for teachers

Experts say the only way to stop students missing out on more class time is for Covid vaccinations to be made mandatory for all teachers.

Experts say mandatory vaccinations for teachers will prevent outbreaks and keep students safe.

It comes after Kew boys’ school Xavier College announced last week it would require its 400 staff to be double vaccinated by the start of term four, and other schools are expected to follow.

A letter sent on August 31 tells staff to get their first dose as soon as possible and their second by October 4.

More than a million Victorian students have lost up to two terms of face-to-face learning since the start of the pandemic. Associate Professor Margie Danchin, an immunisation expert at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, said vaccine mandates were justified for teachers.

“Protection of teachers would be essential. It will also be important that medical exemptions are available if needed for those teachers who may not be able to be vaccinated,” Professor Danchin said.

Experts say mandatory vaccinations for teachers will prevent outbreaks and keep students safe.

She said children aged 12 to 15 could be vaccinated with Pfizer from September 13 through vaccination hubs, GPs and pharmacies.

“Children under 12 may only be vaccinated next year – the phase III clinical trial data for Pfizer and Moderna in younger children is only due in October and approval by TGA and then ATAGI will require careful evaluation of the safety and effectiveness data,” she said.

Former World Health Organisation epidemiologist and University of South Australia professor, Adrian Esterman, said he would like vaccines to be made mandatory for teachers.

“Trade unions are starting to understand that sometimes it is necessary, the transport and general workers union are now pushing … to make vaccines not mandatory but essential for all truck drivers,” Professor Esterman said.

“I would like to see all teachers vaccinated, especially since many teachers are getting to the age where they are at risk.”

Deakin University epidemiology head Catherine Bennett said children aged 12 to 15 could return to school in term 1 next year – or sooner – depending on vaccine supply.

“Bringing forward the vaccine for children aged 16 plus will give us a clearer picture of what the vaccine supply in the pipeline is and what that could look like,” she said.

Xavier College announced last week it would require its 400 staff members to be double vaccinated by the start of term four. Picture: Mark Stewart

University of Sydney infectious diseases paediatrician Professor Robert Booy said vaccines should be “very highly recommended” for teachers and secondary school students.

“Kids are precious and we need to optimise their education, not just for their prospects for a job, for their mental health, physical fitness and their socialisation … we need to get kids back to school as soon as we possibly can,” Professor Booy said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said last week that an “enormous” amount of work was being done in the lead-up for a return to school in term 4.

The government will conduct ventilation assessments at schools to test classrooms for air flow.

Originally published as Calls to make Covid jab mandatory for teachers