Teachers and school staff will soon be able to get the flu shot free at work.
The program is being funded and organized by the Department of Education and the school boards to protect the health of staff and students.
Education Minister Mildred Dover advised that immunization clinics will be held at the teachers’ convention and staff events over the next few weeks. “Teachers and school-based staff are at high risk for the flu because they are exposed to many people in the course of a day,” she said. “By offering easy access to the vaccine through the clinics, we hope that as many employees as possible will be immunized.”
The only requirement of staff is to show up at the clinics with their health cards. There is no charge and no need to do anything to prepare. The vaccine will be administered by a nurse and a physician will be in attendance. People will be asked to remain for observation for 15 minutes after receiving the shot.
Chief Health Officer Dr. Lamont Sweet said such immunization programs can have a positive impact on the health of all Islanders. “Infectious diseases such as the flu can spread easily in the school setting among staff and students. Immunizing teachers, one of our largest employee groups, is important in preventing illness due to the flu,” he said.
The vaccine will be offered to approximately 4,000 school-based employees including teachers, administrative staff and bus drivers. Although the program is optional, staff are encouraged to receive the vaccine if at all possible.