We are on the brink of a significant breakthrough. President Joe Biden has pledged to immediately release all available COVID-19 vaccines, as reported by CNN, which departs from the previous administration’s approach of holding back doses for second shots. Biden’s plan includes establishing federally-operated vaccination sites in school gyms and sports arenas, with a goal of administering 100 million doses within his first 100 days, according to The New York Times. This timeline allows ample opportunity for many individuals to receive their second doses and achieve full immunity. Given Biden’s commitment to accelerating vaccination efforts, we must prioritize closing schools until all teachers and staff have been vaccinated. Period.
We’re Almost There, Everyone
I understand the exhaustion we’re feeling. Remote learning is challenging and draining. A friend recently confided, “We had tech issues and my six-year-old was acting out, and I think his entire class heard me say ‘oh no’ the other day.” This was just a typical day with a generally well-behaved child. Another friend’s son, who is an only child, broke down in tears just the other day, lamenting, “It’s so tough.” These kids have parents who work from home and aren’t scrambling for childcare like so many other families. My own three children are fortunate to have each other, are accustomed to homeschooling, and have a stay-at-home parent. They are privileged, yet they still face challenges.
It’s undeniably tough right now. If we keep schools shut until teachers and staff are vaccinated, we might face a few more months of this situation. I get that. But we are so close. Waiting a few months to ensure that educators are vaccinated could save countless lives.
Sometimes I reflect on how far we’ve come—and I feel overwhelmed: ten long months since the days of “Tiger King” and endless snacking. I often feel lost and anxious about venturing outside when the positivity rate is at 33%. Thankfully, my husband, a teacher, is currently working fully online again, but I worry they might send him back without the necessary vaccinations.
Vaccination is Essential for Reopening Schools
Research indicates that children can be significant carriers of COVID-19. A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics highlighted that even asymptomatic children with COVID-19 can carry high viral loads. The CDC notes that up to half of infected children may show no symptoms, yet they can shed the virus for weeks through both respiratory and gastrointestinal routes.
If we cannot vaccinate children, sending teachers back to the classroom before they are vaccinated places them at serious risk. Children are not able to wear masks, maintain distance, or sanitize effectively. This is especially true in kindergarten and high school environments. Additionally, the safety of teachers hinges on proper ventilation, which is lacking in 41% of schools, according to the National Education Association.
We need to reopen schools fully—not with a hybrid model that exhausts teachers and leaves parents scrambling for childcare. Complete school reopening is necessary, but we cannot do so without ensuring that all educators and staff are vaccinated.
Children Will Still Be Vectors
Even with vaccinated educators, children will still pose a risk as asymptomatic carriers. However, we must move forward with reopening. We can afford to wait an additional two to three months for teachers and staff, along with other high-risk adults, to get vaccinated. We cannot hold off until children are vaccinated—potentially not until July or August.
Vaccines will protect teachers and staff, many of whom are considered high-risk. According to AARP, approximately 25% of teachers face serious complications from COVID-19. This statistic does not include other essential staff such as custodians, secretaries, and aides who support school operations. Many of my husband’s colleagues fall into this high-risk category. In fact, a 2008 report by ABC News indicated that teaching is one of the germiest professions—more so than healthcare.
If teachers become ill, they may bring the virus home, further straining our already overwhelmed healthcare system. Parents are eager for schools to reopen quickly; they are likely to prioritize returning to school over the risk of exposing their families. Yes, children might become potential vectors for the virus, but at least they won’t be stuck at home, yearning for social interaction.
Once teachers and staff are vaccinated, parents can return to work with confidence, knowing that their children’s schools will remain open and operational.
We Must Hold Out Until Vaccination is Complete
We have made sacrifices for ten long months. We cannot let that effort go to waste by reopening too soon, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 post-holiday surge, without ensuring that teachers and staff are vaccinated. Children who rely on schools for meals can still receive food through other means; districts have managed to do this during summer months, so it is possible.
Yes, there are kids facing dire situations, and arrangements should be made for those who need safe spaces in each district, staffed only by low-risk volunteers. I know many teachers who would willingly help. I have witnessed friends teaching remotely break down during their sessions, worrying for students who depend on school for food, care, and even love.
However, the path to reopening hinges on the vaccination of educators. We’ve already come this far. We are resilient. We can endure a bit longer. Those who can should support those who cannot. Lend a hand to your neighbor. Drop off toys for a child nearby. Show appreciation to service providers who are risking their well-being. Reach out to someone who may feel isolated. Connect with that overwhelmed parent via Zoom.
Let’s support one another. If we can ensure that educators and staff are vaccinated, we will be on the right track toward returning to normalcy.
For more insights, check out this blog post, as well as Make a Mom, which is a great resource on this topic, and Healthline for excellent information about pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary:
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial to keep schools closed until all teachers and staff are vaccinated. With President Biden’s plans to accelerate vaccination efforts, waiting a few additional months could save lives. Children can be significant carriers of the virus, making it essential to prioritize the safety of educators before reopening schools fully. Supporting one another during this challenging time is vital as we work toward a return to normalcy.
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