CDC director says schools can reopen without teachers taking vaccinations
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that although teachers are in the category of essential workers in the agency’s vaccination plans, taking the injection is not a prerequisite for the safe reopening of schools.
WASHINGTON – The CDC director says that schools can reopen safely, even if teachers are not vaccinated against the coronavirus.
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As some teacher unions are hesitant to resume face-to-face education before teachers are vaccinated, Dr. Rochelle Walensky says: “Vaccination of teachers is not a prerequisite for the safe reopening of schools.” Walensky cited data from the CDC that show that social distance and wearing a mask significantly reduce the spread of the virus in school settings.
White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients asked Congress to approve additional funding to ensure that schools have the necessary resources to support the reopening.
President Joe Biden has pledged to ensure that almost all K-8 schools reopen for face-to-face classes within the first 100 days of his administration.
Teachers are prioritized as “essential workers” in CDC vaccination plans, although many have not yet received the doses, as the country continues to face a shortage of vaccine supplies.