We’re almost there. President Joe Biden has pledged to release the entire stock of COVID-19 vaccines immediately, diverging from the previous administration’s strategy of holding back doses for second shots. He plans to establish federally-operated vaccination sites in school gyms and sports arenas, aiming to administer 100 million doses within his first 100 days, as reported by The New York Times. This timeline allows ample opportunity for many individuals to receive their second doses and achieve full immunity. Given this accelerated vaccination plan, we should close schools until all teachers and staff are vaccinated—no exceptions.
We’re in the Final Stretch
I understand the fatigue. Remote learning can be incredibly draining. A friend shared her frustrations: “We had tech issues and my six-year-old was being a handful—I think his whole class heard me say ‘shoot’ the other day.” And this was just a typical day, with a well-behaved child. Another friend’s son, an only child, recently broke down in tears. “It’s so tough,” he sobbed. Their kids have parents who work from home, unlike many others who are struggling to find childcare. My own three children are fortunate; they have each other, are accustomed to homeschooling, and benefit from a stay-at-home parent. Yet, even they are feeling the strain.
The reality is tough for everyone. If we keep schools closed until all educators and staff are vaccinated, we may have to wait a few more months. I get it. But those months will save countless lives.
Sometimes, I can’t help but dwell on the past ten months, which feels like a long journey from “Tiger King” and endless snacking. I often feel overwhelmed, especially when I consider the high COVID-19 positive test rates. Thankfully, my husband, a teacher, is currently teaching virtually. But I worry he’ll be required to return to in-person teaching without the protection of a vaccine.
Reopening Requires Vaccinated Educators
Studies indicate that children can significantly transmit COVID-19. Research published in The Journal of Pediatrics highlights that even asymptomatic children carry a high viral load in their airways. Alarmingly, the CDC states that as many as half of all children who contract the virus may not display symptoms, yet can continue to spread it for weeks, both through respiratory and gastrointestinal routes.
Rushing to reopen schools without vaccinating teachers places them at serious risk. Children, especially young ones, cannot wear masks, maintain distance, or disinfect effectively. This is true for both kindergarten and high school settings. Additionally, many schools lack proper ventilation, which the National Education Association reports affects 41% of educational facilities.
We need to fully reopen schools—not a mix of virtual and in-person learning that exhausts teachers and leaves parents scrambling for childcare. To do this safely, we must ensure that all educators and staff are vaccinated.
Kids Will Still Pose Risks, Even When Staff Are Vaccinated
Even with vaccinated teachers and staff, children will still be potential vectors for COVID-19. However, we can afford to wait a couple more months for teachers and staff—and other high-risk adults—to receive their vaccinations. We cannot wait until the end of the school year for children’s vaccinations, which could stretch into the summer months.
Vaccinations will protect educators, many of whom belong to high-risk groups. According to AARP, 25% of teachers are at risk for severe complications from COVID-19. This statistic does not even include support staff, such as custodians, secretaries, and aides, who are essential to school operations. Many of my husband’s colleagues fall into this high-risk category. Moreover, a report from 2008 revealed that teaching is one of the germiest professions, even more so than healthcare.
Teachers can unwittingly bring the virus home, stressing our already burdened healthcare systems. Parents are eager to have schools reopen as soon as possible; they may prioritize childcare over the potential risks their children may pose. However, once teachers and staff are vaccinated, parents can feel secure about returning to work, knowing their children’s schools will remain open without disruptions from COVID-19 cases.
We Must Hold Off Until Vaccinations Are Complete
We have made ten months of significant sacrifices. We cannot let those efforts be in vain by reopening too soon, especially as we face a surge in COVID-19 cases amid the holiday season. Schools can still provide resources for children who rely on them for meals through alternative means; districts have been successfully managing this during the summer.
There are indeed children in precarious situations who require support. Arrangements should be made in each district for those who urgently need assistance, staffed by low-risk volunteers. I know dedicated educators who are willing to help. I’ve witnessed friends teaching virtually, breaking down in tears over their students who depend on the structure that in-person schooling provides.
Ultimately, with President Biden’s vaccination plans underway, vaccinating teachers must be prioritized before reopening schools. We’ve persevered this long. As a community, we can hold out a little longer. Let’s support one another. If you’re able, consider helping your neighbor or reaching out to someone who may be struggling. Together, we can pave the way back to normalcy once teachers and school staff are vaccinated.
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Summary:
The article emphasizes the necessity of closing schools until all teachers and staff are vaccinated against COVID-19. With President Biden’s commitment to expediting vaccinations, waiting a few months for comprehensive vaccination will protect educators and save lives. The piece highlights the challenges of remote learning and the risks posed by asymptomatic children, advocating for a cautious approach to reopening schools.
Keyphrase: Vaccination before school reopening
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