16% teachers in Haryana still not vaccinated amid COVID-19 surge

There are a total of 14,160 government-run schools in 22 districts of Haryana and 1,04,162 employees (the majority of them are teachers).

While the country is witnessing another wave of increasing COVID-19 cases, sixteen percent of teachers in Haryana’s government schools are yet to take their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Contradicting the state government’s claim of inoculating 100% eligible adults in the state with the first dose, the HT report states that 15% of teachers have received only the first dose.

There are a total of 14,160 government-run schools in 22 districts of Haryana and 1,04,162 employees (the majority of them are teachers). The official data revealed that until January 15, about 68% (71,180) of government school employees had been inoculated with both doses. While 16,167 teachers have taken only the first dose, 16,815 teachers have so far not ventured out to take the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine

Commenting on the teacher’s fraternity, Education minister Kanwar Pal said such vaccine hesitancy is not an inspiring example. Pointing out that students are showing enthusiasm towards vaccination, the education minister said, “Teachers are role models and an inspiration for students, who aspire to follow the footsteps of teachers more than their parents. We cannot force them to vaccinate themselves in view of recent court orders.” He further informed that until January 18, about 51% of students in the age group of 15-18 had been administered the first shot.

The data revealed that there are teachers in every district who have not administered the first dose. For example, at least 438 teachers in Panchkula, 467 in Ambala, 947 in Rohtak, 1,309 in Bhiwani, 411 in Karnal, 1,327 in Sonepat and 1,515 in Sirsa are among those 16% teachers who have not received the first dose.

“I hope the 16 % teachers, who have so far not taken the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, will inoculate themselves. The good results of the vaccine and how it has saved lives are before all of us,” Pal added.

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