Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has called on her government colleagues to be empathetic and flexible when dealing with the issue of unvaccinated teachers and SNA’s returning to school.
Senator O’Loughlin said, “I firmly believe that we can reach an agreement with unvaccinated pregnant teachers, their unions and schools that will ensure a high level of education while also protecting unvaccinated teachers.”
“I am particularly concerned for those unvaccinated pregnant teachers and SNA’s who due to the timing of their pregnancies have been excluded from being vaccinated, on the basis of advice that they should not receive a vaccine until they are at least 14 weeks pregnant.”
“Pregnant teachers should not be forced to return to school if they are not vaccinated on the basis of health advice, and teachers and their representatives need clarity as to how this will be facilitated”
“I have been contacted by a number of teachers, some of whom have had difficult pregnancies, and unfortunately some of whom have suffered miscarriages on previous pregnancies. The worry and stress is palpable, and we need to do everything we can to relieve this stress and anxiety”
Fiona concluded “We need a resolution here that protects unvaccinated teachers, their unborn children and the quality of education that is given to students in our schools.”