Teachers union appeals for immunisation for chickenpox

The Malta Union of Teachers has appealed with the education minister to introduce immunisation for educators and pupils in order to prevent chickenpox.

“Chickenpox is highly contagious and is easily transmitted. It occurs in outbreaks every year and in practically every school. It poses risks to pupils and adults alike. Moreover it is a condition which is a primary cause for concern for pregnant educators since it may have very serious consequences on the unborn baby,” the MUT said.

The MUT said that the fact that this concern as recurrent every year means that prevention can be planned in advance.

“In this case, planning means that the short-term costs would be much lower than the long-term consequences of not planning at all, in which case educators end up on long stretches of sick leave with direct consequences on the education and continuity of students.

“Furthermore the risks and the costs for the government in relation to pregnant educators – both the educator and the unborn child – are huge.”

The union said that while immunisation of the whole country would be highly expensive, the immunisation of educators in schools would be much less costly than doing nothing at all in the long run.

“The ministry, which is definitely aware of this issue, and has already been advised on the same lines [should] act accordingly as soon as possible,” the union said.