The MUT has appealed to the Ministry for Education to introduce immunisation for educators and pupils in order to prevent chickenpox.

The Union said chickenpox, which is highly contagious and is easily transmitted, poses risks to pupils and adults alike. Moreover it is a condition which is a primary cause for concern for pregnant teachers since it may have very serious consequences on the unborn baby.

The fact that this concern was recurrent every year means that prevention could be planned in advance, the union said.

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 – were huge.