INTO calls for flu vaccine to be made available free of charge to all teachers

The INTO have called for all teachers to receive the flu vaccine free of charge to acknowledge their critical role in schools, and to protect the health of the school communities.

The call was made by the teachers's representative body at their weekly engagement with the Department of Education this week.

The INTO pointed out to the Department that teachers across the country have contributed to the reopening of our schools and the resumption of classroom learning, and while all of us must prepare to live alongside the pandemic for an undefined period of time, teachers and schoolsmust be given 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.

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.”