Schools should not expect all teachers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before reopening, said Dr. Anthony Fauci on Tuesday.
Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said it is “important” that educators receive the vaccine, but it is not necessary to resume classes.
“It is clear that it is not a sine qua non. You cannot say that we are not going to open any schools unless all teachers are vaccinated, ”Fauci told CNN anchor Jim Sciutto.
Fauci said that states should still prioritize teachers for vaccination, while following other health guidelines, such as masking, hygiene and social detachment.
“They are a priority when it comes to essential staff, but we think we can move forward as we vaccinate teachers, but it need not be that if they are not vaccinated, you cannot open the school,” Fauci said.
Fauci’s recommendations are in line with the new guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for returning to schools.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, told reporters that vaccinating teachers is “an additional layer of protection”, but should focus on other public health recommendations.
“We know that most clusters in the school environment occur when there are violations of the use of the mask,” said Walensky.
The CDC released its guide to reopening schools last week.