Priority COVID vaccines for teachers
Education staff have now been given priority access to vaccines at Qudos Bank Arena in Homebush.
Early childhood, TAFE NSW, VET and university staff have access to the Homebush vaccination hub for AstraZeneca vaccines.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Education Sarah Mitchell said tens of thousands of vaccinations had been reserved exclusively for education staff, with vaccinations one of the best lines of defence against the virus.
“The Qudos hub is complemented by 35 walk-in clinics in western NSW, and countless more clinics, GPs and pharmacies across regional NSW who are taking bookings,” she said.
“As we prepare for a staged return to school from 25 October, and holding HSC exams from 9 November, vaccinating all staff is essential to increase safety and minimise disruption.
“I’m pleased to see that large numbers of the teaching workforce have already come forward to be vaccinated. Vaccinating staff, along with stringent school restrictions including mask-wearing, will help make schools as safe as possible when students return.”
From 8 November 2021, all NSW school and preschool staff will be required to have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
“The Qudos hub and walk-in hubs across NSW provide an opportunity for any staff member 18 years and above to quickly start or finish their vaccination journey,” Mitchell said.
“With more supply entering the system I am hopeful we can create even more opportunities for staff and students to be vaccinated.”
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education Geoff Lee said the safety of the state’s students, apprentices and trainees, as well as teachers and support staff was at the heart of the education vaccination blitz.
“We know that skills training will play an important role in helping our industries and economy reopen and recover from COVID-19, which is why the NSW Government is prioritising vaccinations for those working in this sector,” Lee said.
“By getting vaccinated, you are ensuring apprentices can get back to learning the tools of their trade, students can get back into classrooms and teachers can get back to teaching face-to-face as soon as possible.”
The Department of Education will continue to work with NSW Health to prioritise vaccinations for all staff across NSW, as well as HSC students over the coming weeks.
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