Covid-19: UAE school staff urged to get the jab as officials lead by example

Dubai - The authorities recently highlighted how important it is particularly for teachers and administrators in schools.

As the UAE’s mass Covid vaccination drive continues, leaders, movers and shakers go all out in sending the message that it’s time to get the vaccine. On Thursday, the chief of Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dr Abdulla Al Karam, took the jab, setting an example for the school community.

While all residents are encouraged to grab the chance to receive the Covid-19 vaccine for free, the authorities recently highlighted how important it is particularly for teachers and administrators in schools.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation — who is also Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council — urged employees at government and private educational facilities to get vaccinated.

Not only will this support the UAE achieve its target of vaccinating 50 per cent of the country’s population in the first quarter, it will help restore normalcy in schools and keep students safe from the coronavirus, Sheikh Abdullah said.

“We look forward to the return of our sons and daughters to their schools, to develop their capacities and skills in a safe and healthy academic environment where they can be overachievers, preparing a promising generation capable of leading the country in the future,” Sheikh Abdullah said as he chaired a virtual meeting of the council. The minister expressed his appreciation for the achievements of the council’s members in ensuring the continuity of the education process.

Overcoming the pandemic, he said, requires the cooperation of all members of the community. The minister said he is confident that education professionals and employees of educational establishments are aware of their role in supporting the nation’s efforts to combat Covid-19.

Besides the KHDA director-general, several school principals had recently come forward for the jab. In a previous KT report, they said they are all for vaccination for the school community. “We are open to any role we can play in ensuring the vaccine drive goals are achieved,” said Dr Brian Gray, principal of Springdales School Dubai.

The UAE has so far vaccinated eight per cent of its population and plans are afoot to cover more than half by the end of March. This, experts said, will keep the momentum for the UAE’s move towards herd immunity. Recently, the country has recorded more cases than usual, which authorities said could be attributed to the increased movement of people between emirates.

In an awareness guide that the Dubai Health Authority has released, it said the vaccine is currently “the best, safest and most effective method” to control the Covid-19 pandemic and stop it from spreading, to protect oneself and others.

Health authorities have reiterated that vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect oneself from preventable diseases. It stimulates the body to build resistance to a particular infection and strengthens the immune system by training it to form antibodies.

(With inputs from Wam)

reporters@khaleejtimes.com