Teachers seek second vax dose after 28 days

Ludhiana: The district teachers are demanding that Covishield vaccine should be administered to them after 28 days. Their request comes in the wake of the state government’s orders, allowing only fully-vaccinated teachers to teach in schools.
Of the 7,360 teaching staffers in government schools of the district education department, 7,171 (97.43%) have got the first dose of vaccine and 4,899 (66.56%) the second. Of the 23,453 teaching employees in private schools of the district, 19,987 (85.22%) have received the first dose and 10,078 (42.97 percent) the second.
Teachers said they are waiting for the second dose and the health department should help them.
Deep Raja, an SST teacher at GSSS, Panjgrain, Machhiwara Block, who is also a member of master cadre union, said, “We were against the vaccination drive earlier, but when it was made mandatory, teachers went for it. Most of the teachers have received the first dose. They are now waiting for the second, which will be administered after the mandatory gap period.”
Another teacher said, “There were verbal orders by the education department that teachers can receive the second shot after 28 days. It is not possible for us to book a slot on Co-Win portal on our own. The department must manage this.”
According to the data, of 1,118 non-teaching staff in government schools, 1,050 have received the first dose. Of 1,436 mid-day meal workers, 1,147 (79.87%) have got the first dose.
Of 4,581 non-teaching staff in private schools, 3,322 have got the first vaccine dose.
In the past some days, 25 students and two teachers have tested Covid positive after the health department started testing in schools.
District education officer Lakhbir Singh Samra said, “The gap between vaccine shots should definitely be reduced for teachers. But whether it should happen or not can only be decided by the health department. Schools are allowing partially- and non-vaccinated teachers to conduct online classes.”
District immunisation officer Dr Puneet Juneja said, “There are no such government guidelines for teachers. Even, for international travelers, including students who are planning to travel in September, the vaccine will be available till August 31. Teachers are considered frontline workers, they should have got themselves vaccinated on priority back then.”