Press Releases

Teachers' Union Welcomes Reversal of Vaccine Decision

Thursday, 29 October 2009

Speaking shortly after the announcement, Mr Tony Carlin, Senior Official, INTO said, “INTO welcomes this decision and we hope that the relevant agencies will now act quickly to ensure that the vaccination programme is extended to teaching and other front line staff in these schools”.

Mr Carlin continued, “INTO led the way with this proposal last week at a meeting with the Department of Education and health professionals. We believed that the proposal to vaccinate all staff in special schools was not only an efficient use of resources but also essential to protect those who may suffer serious consequences as a result of contracting swine flu. We however would urge the Minster to ensure that the vaccine will be offered to all staff in special schools and that there will not be a lottery as to who can be vaccinated at this time. This is about controlling risk and INTO believes that partial vaccination programmes will not significantly reduce the risk”.

Mr Carlin concluded, “INTO has been closely following the information provided by DHSSPS on the swine flu pandemic in Northern Ireland. We note with concern that the groups who are most affected are those in the age group 5 to 14 years with a particular cluster among 12 and 13 years old. INTO are therefore urging that, as further supplies of vaccine become available, that education will be prioritised and that teachers will be considered as front line staff in any ongoing vaccination programme.”

To obtain the latest guidance and advice on swine flu please follow the following link:  www.dhsspsni.gov.uk