Three teaching unions have slammed Department of Education Guidelines for pregnant teachers.
Many of them are returning to work in the classroom in the comin days, which unions say is causing anxiety for their health and the health of the unborn child.
Currently women under 14 weeks pregnant cannot take a vaccine, and there's also been high levels of vaccine hesitancy among expectant mothers.
In a joint statement the ASI, INTO and TUI said they find it "incredible" that the Government expect "vulnerable members in the early stages of their pregnancy to return to school buildings without vaccine protection".
Joint statement: Teacher unions condemn failure to protect staff in early pregnancy: https://t.co/STZsHjvwT6@TUIunion @INTOnews pic.twitter.com/fgIy7gTUcy
— ASTI (@astiunion) August 25, 2021
ASTI President Eamon Dennehy said members are "extremely anxious" as the return of schools beckons.
He said pregnant teachers should be entitled "to every consideration".
Minister for Education Norma Foley said the measures in place are based on an expert review from Public Health.
She also said the rules are came from similar recommendations issued by the Institute of Obstetrics and Genecology.
