Teachers to get vaccinated next month in schools that are open by March 1st

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Teachers in schools that agree to open or stay open starting March 1st will now be able to get vaccinated for the coronavirus in February.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine made that announcement Thursday during his media briefing but admits second doses for some educators may take place after they’ve already returned to the classroom.

Hours before the announcement, the President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers expresses concerns over quarantines, vaccines, and reopening schools.

Melissa Cropper said she did not feel quarantine requirements should be relaxed to keep kids in class. She also said if enough teachers do not get the vaccine either by choice or not, then remote learning should stay in place.

“Making it a precondition oversimplifies the issues that impact schools opening and face-to-face mode,” Cropper said. “It will slow down the vaccine distribution and communities hit hardest by the pandemic.”

If school districts want to require teachers and staff to take the vaccine, that must take place in collective bargaining.