Written by Mark Powell, first published on Times of San Diego
Gov. Gavin Newsom recently announced that California’s plan for COVID-19 vaccine distribution will prioritize health care workers, first responders and those in congregate healthcare settings. Right after those listed should be teachers and school support staff so we can reopen our schools and get students back into the classroom for full-time, in-person instruction.
However, many teachers are fearful of contracting COVID-19 and refuse to teach in person, even when provided with the same personal protective equipment that is worn by grocery clerks, bus drivers, janitorial workers, airline employees and restaurant workers. Such essential personnel show up to work every day, interacting directly with the public, and are not given the option to work remotely. Some teachers are eager to get back into the classroom for face-to-face teaching, but there are still many who are apprehensive and refusing to do so.
Even though the data shows that shutting down schools is not an effective way to protect teachers and students from contracting COVID-19, it’s not surprising that some teachers are afraid to return to the classroom. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for teachers to be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, because once vaccinated they can safely engage in on-campus instruction and our schools can be reopened safely.
Economists have forecast that until schools are completely reopened we cannot fully reopen our economy. It is estimated that 15% of our labor force cannot return to work if schools do not open. School closures have caused tremendous financial stress on many families as parents left the workforce to stay home with their children to assist them with distance learning. Once schools are completely open for full-time, in-person instruction, these parents can reenter the workforce and alleviate some of the financial burdens caused by the coronavirus shutdown.
Requiring teachers to be vaccinated before teaching in the classroom is another option to consider. Schools districts are no strangers to mandated vaccines. In fact, California health laws require that all students under age 18 to be immunized against certain diseases unless they are exempt for medical reasons.
At the time of registration, the school is required to have proof that a child has received all currently due immunizations. A student will be excluded from attending school if these requirements are not met. If schools require students to be immunized, then teachers could also be required to be immunized for COVID-19—because they could spread the disease to students.
