Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria have confirmed that teachers are not yet eligible for the coronavirus vaccination.

In a statement released on Sunday, 14 February, teachers were thanked for the essential service they are providing during the pandemic.

They statement said: “The vaccine supply is constrained, and the most vulnerable need protecting, and vulnerability to serious illness and death is strongly linked to advancing age.

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“People who provide direct care to the highest risk groups are being prioritised.

“Current evidence strongly indicates that the single greatest risk of mortality from Covid-19 is increasing age, and that the risk increases exponentially with age.

“National evidence indicates that the optimal strategy for minimising future deaths is to offer vaccination to older age groups first.

“The NHS are not yet able to offer vaccination to critical workforces who do not work directly with older adults.

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“At this time those who work with children and young people – including teachers and early years practitioners – are not eligible for the vaccination and they have been asked to be patient and wait until they are invited.”

People who have not yet been invited for the vaccination are being reminded not to book an appointment at a large scale vaccination centre, as they will be turned away without a pre-booked appointment.

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Do you think teachers should be given the vaccine before they return to work? Let us know in the comments below.