The Queensland Teachers Union is backing the state government’s requirement for staff in the field to be fully vaccinated. 

Teachers, school staff and volunteers in both the public and private sector will need to have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by December 17, and their second by January 23.

Union President Cresta Richardson told Sofie Formica it’s important everyone gets vaccinated, including teachers.

“The health advice is for everybody within the school gate,” she said. “COVID doesn’t infect a teacher but not infect a groundsman.

“It seems like a sensible thing, it’s come from the CHO, so it’s a health directive and that’s really important.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Terry Burke, the branch secretary of the Independent Education Union Queensland and the Northern Territory, which represents faith-based and independent schools, said staff expected the mandate.

Press PLAY below to hear his take on the health order on 4BC Drive

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