Sussex headmaster sparks controversy by calling for teachers to be vaccinated before schools reopen

Controversy has been sparked by a West Sussex headmaster’s call for all teachers to be vaccinated against Covid-19 before schools reopen on March 8.
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Ben Evans, head of Windlesham House School in Washington, says there is ‘a real danger’ for larger senior schools with more that 1,500 pupils to act as a ‘breeding ground for the virus.’

He said transmission of the virus ‘will undoubtedly be higher’ in larger schools.

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But while his views have been backed by many in Horsham, others have said that all front line workers should be vaccinated first: paramedics and police officers before teachers.

And others maintain that teachers should not be vaccinated until those more at risk of being hospitalised or dying have had their jabs.

People have taken to the County Times Facebook page to share their views. Lorraine Watts said: “Being vaccinated doesn’t mean you cannot transmit the virus so the kids will still take it home to parents and grandparents.”

She added: “In an ideal world all should be vaccinated but that isn’t possible. The kids and younger adults are less likely to become ill but regardless of vaccine may still transmit the virus.”

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And she went on: “I’m with the scientists here who have based priorities on facts. The teachers who are more vulnerable will be vaccinated in groups 1-9 along with the more vulnerable police, supermarket workers, postmen.... and hopefully the rest of us who are less likely to end up in hospital and die will receive the vaccine by the end of July. It isn’t about anything more than saving as many lives as possible.”

But Chris Jennings maintained: “Definitely (teachers) should be vaccinated before schools go back. They are putting their lives at risk each teaching day. Those that disagree - you go in a room with 30 young people who may be carrying the virus.

“Teachers are such an important part of every community. I know several teachers who have caught covid. Vaccinate now!!!!”

Simon Elvery pointed out: “This is why it’s done the way it is, there are too many groups with a valid reason to be ahead of other groups such that the problem still remains. Seniority and vulnerability remains the fairest method.”

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Piano tutor Louise Walters suggested all school staff and parents too should be vaccinated before schools re-open.

“I fail to see how re-opening prior to millions receiving their vaccination is productive....IF the vaccination program will work as effectively as we have been told it will.

“To complete the vaccination program of the population will take far less time than we have already had to live with restrictions in this pandemic. That way ALL can re-open ‘safely’ with the guarantee of no further restrictions.”

Sue Kornycky said: “If you want to be assured that when the kids go back they can have uninterrupted education then the answer must be yes (to vaccinating teachers).

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“If staff in schools become ill then many schools will not be able to cope with situations like that and will be forced to close. So it is self defeating not to.”

But Sally Goodwin said teachers should not be vaccinated before schools reopen unless they ware in vulnerable category. “What needs to happen is safer classrooms, ventilation, air purifiers, frequent hand sanitising, masked students/teachers, social distancing and a CO2 monitor in the room would flag when to ventilate more.”