30th September 2020
Teachers across the country have contributed to the reopening of our schools and the resumption of classroom learning. While we prepare to live alongside the pandemic for an undefined period of time, we must ensure we give our teachers and schools all the resources and support they need to stay safe.
The seasonal flu vaccine (flu jab) protects against 4 strains of flu virus, which are the most likely to be circulating in Ireland this flu season. The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications.
Members of the public are encouraged to get a new vaccine each year because the strains of the flu virus change.
In our weekly engagement with the Department of Education this week, INTO called for all teachers to receive the flu vaccine free of charge to acknowledge their critical role in schools and protect the health of our school communities.
INTO General Secretary John Boyle said:
Owing to the trojan work of teachers and school leaders, our schools were reopened one month ago today. As we head into flu season, we must ensure all teachers are well protected and receive a free flu vaccine in the coming month. We believe this is a reasonable request, which will help to ensure all teachers receive this critical vaccine this year and help to ensure our schools can remain open. Earlier this week in our weekly engagement with the department we stressed the need to secure the flu vaccine free of charge for our members.