Teachers say rapid antigen testing should be rolled out in primary schools, while children should also be wearing masks while in class.
As schools return after Halloween, the question of just how safe classrooms are has once again become a source of concern.
Covid cases have risen sharply among children under 12 in the last few weeks,
And 100 substitute teachers are being recruited to cover staff shortages, but NPHET has said contracting the virus in schools is still uncommon.
Trinity College immunology professor Kingston Mills says cases will likely continue to grow as long as children are unvaccinated.
"It's the last cohort that hasn't been vaccinated. I think what we're going to see is this group continues to rise in the coming weeks and months."
Joe McKeown, president of the Irish National Teachers Organisation, says antigen testing in primary schools could help to drive down cases.
"It's should've been done in September. It absolutely should be a pilot programme of antigen testing done in the next two weeks to give us firm evidence.
"We think it would really have a role."
The government also plan to hire 100 extra substitutes due to staff shortages from teachers reporting flu-like symptoms.
The Irish National Teachers Organisation is worried about high virus case levels among children.
Despite the calls, education minister Norma Foley has said the decision is one which has to come from NPHET, which is currently considering the issue.
