As students prepare to return to classrooms this fall—many for the first time since the onset of the pandemic—concerns are mounting, particularly regarding the Delta variant. Parents, especially those with children too young to receive vaccines, are understandably anxious. It’s critical that our kids are masked, classrooms are well-ventilated, and sufficient distance is maintained. Equally important is ensuring that everyone eligible for vaccination within school buildings, including teachers and staff, is vaccinated. Requiring vaccinations for educators should be an obvious step.
The Delta variant is serious. It has led to a significant rise in infections among children, some of whom are now facing severe illness and hospitalization. Parents of unvaccinated children are not only worried about immediate health risks but also about potential long-term effects of COVID-19.
Mandating vaccinations isn’t solely about protecting our children; it’s also vital for the safety of teachers and staff. Many educators returned to classrooms without the assurance of adequate protection, risking exposure to a virus that has tragically claimed lives. With vaccines now available, it’s imperative that we protect these dedicated individuals, their families, and their students.
Current Landscape of Teacher Vaccination Mandates
While many see the necessity of requiring vaccinations for school staff, the reality in America today is more complicated. Misinformation surrounding vaccines has led some to prioritize “personal freedom” over public health. This sentiment has resulted in pushback against vaccine mandates. Although the CDC and federal government cannot enforce vaccination, state and local authorities can. While the CDC encourages teachers and childcare workers to get vaccinated, it stops short of making it a requirement.
Some districts, such as those in Denver and New York City, have already implemented vaccination mandates. In Denver, all schools—public and private—require proof of vaccination for entry. New York City offers a choice between vaccination and weekly COVID testing. Unfortunately, some teachers’ unions oppose these mandates. For instance, the NYC union supports vaccination encouragement but resists making it compulsory, advocating instead for regular testing for unvaccinated staff.
It’s perplexing that educators’ unions wouldn’t back mandates, especially given the clear evidence that vaccines protect teachers. Some believe that once the FDA fully approves the vaccines, state mandates will become more feasible.
Voices from the Education Community
I have a family full of educators, and an informal poll among them suggests a strong desire for vaccinations to be mandatory. According to CDC data from April 2021, nearly 80% of teachers and school staff had received at least one vaccine dose. Additionally, a survey by We Are Teachers found that about two-thirds of educators support vaccine mandates or weekly testing for those who decline vaccination.
Teachers are acutely aware of the health risks in their work environment—schools can be hotspots for germs under normal circumstances. With the Delta variant spreading and COVID numbers rising, it is crucial that educators and all adults in schools are vaccinated. In light of the ongoing public health crisis, mandating vaccinations seems not just prudent but essential.
The stakes are too high to shy away from decisive actions. Vaccines are safe and effective; they protect not only those who receive them but also those they come into contact with. Implementing mandatory vaccinations for teachers and staff is a necessary and compassionate step forward.
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In summary, as we approach a critical school year amid the ongoing pandemic, it’s essential to recognize the importance of mandatory vaccinations for teachers and staff. This measure is not just a precaution; it’s a necessary step to safeguard the health of educators, students, and families alike.
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