I was so shocked I was speechless...

Mum2Mac wrote: I do think the teachers need to at least know the bare basics as they are the ones who build relationships with these kids and the kids tend to ask the teachers the questions first and ask their parents and/or health professionals later. The teacher should be able to at least say "It's ok don't panic. This is what it's for and you can go "here" to find out more information". You know, to at least ease the initial worries of the kid.

totally agree!!! its not alot of info to take in in regards to the vaccine so dont see why they cant be a bit more clued on incase they are questioned by a student..

Flake wrote: Because it's a surefire way of reaching the masses.

I get that....but if they are going to be stepping into THAT role then surely someone, or a few someone's, need to be EDUCATED about what it is that is going to be happening?

So though I agree in principle that teachers are NOT health workers, when the school is tasked with stepping into that sort of venture then there needs to be IMO at least a basic education to/from the staff about what the programme is.

Personally I would NEVER consent to my child getting a vaccine at school......if I fell it is necessary I will take them to the Dr.

mumtooboys - usually a school vaccination programme is in place where they have problems getting parents to take kids in. I fully agree that I would never let my child be vaccinated at schools.

The school would have had an information evening for parents (lead by a healthcare worker), the girls would have been told information about it and then a consent form is sent home so children can opt out if they like. The teachers are not there with the children when they are vaccinated. There is usually 2 nurses vaccinating and then 1 floating to calm and reassure.

You have to remember that techinally the school is only providing the venue the rest is done by outside agencies.

As for teachers being dumb, thanks. Its attitudes like this that make our job 10 x harder than it has to be. I love my job but hate that I have to take on teaching kids things that I fully believe are a parents role, only to have the said parents turn round and whinge about what the school isn't doing education wise for their child.

Edited to add: I would discuss the vaccine with children as I teach health and HPV is part of our programme but if I was a primary school teacher there is no way I would discuss it - I would take them over to the office and calm them and get them to ring their parents. I could get myself in alot of sh*t if I said the wrong thing esp considering not all parents explain fully what it is to their kids or maybe not vaccinate their children. It would be a mine field really.

Edited by Peanut

mumtooboys wrote: Personally I would NEVER consent to my child getting a vaccine at school......if I fell it is necessary I will take them to the Dr.

I personally wouldnt have a problem with it ... I got TB (well at least tested) and Rubella at school, so I dont see why I wouldnt immunise my children in that way if its a jab I think is worth it.

I also dont think its really a teachers place to explain what the injection is for ... thats what they have the healthcare workers come in for.

I cant recall who said it .. but it would be a minefield ... you would have parents complaining that their children were "swayed" .. other parents complaining that their child wasnt informed when they asked the teacher ... you cant win really.

*edited to delete my post because I couldn't word it right!*
But aside from the warts and the girl being scared (that's not really that funny when I think about it), I think teachers have enough to do and simply directing the child to the pamphlet and suggesting they talk to their parents would be sufficient action for me.

Edited by maysie

I guess it really comes down to what the teacher in question answered the student with.
OP, did the teacher say it was cervical cancer, or did they decline to comment?

Surely people have shared stories from their work day and laughed about things - a silly customer, phone call, colleague etc.  Teachers are humans too, not robots. The other things is this teacher wasn't laughing in front of the child - recounting a story from their day.  If they mentioned the name of the child this is unprofessional. 

Have you considered how many parents are out there that would not take the time to discuss the vacine or other health issues, and many other things including taking their child to the doctor.  Believe me it is a lot of parents - yes those of you on here would not be in that category but many don't and leave it all to teachers and health care workers to pick up their slack because they care about the kids.

Schools are just a venue for vaccinations, as pointed out just like the dental clinic, hearing tests.  Teachers are advised to point the students to the health worker or their parent to answer questions.  This is because they are not meant to "encourage" the vacine so to speak which can happened even when answering a questions.  And that they are not trained about each vacine (other wise they would be nurses or doctors).  Some people moan about them not teaching the basics well enough now - perhaps because they have to do too much other stuff unrelated to their core job as it is.

As for there being "dumb teachers' out there - there are dumb everything - police, parents, lawyers, banks, builders etc etc. 

 

Edited by aqua36

[QUOTE=kellie] If teachers are considered guardians of children whilst they are at school they should at least be aware about what the child is being vaccinated for (ie in parentis). I am sure most parents won't be there while they are jabbed and are putting their faith in the school to look out for their kid.
That is just my opinion though and I don't mean any offense to anyone.

QUOTE]

I am a teacher and all parents need to sign a permission slip before their child gets vaccinated so it's actually the parents choice if they get immunised. As for the support provided by the teacher, we are there for hugs (yes, I will give the kids a hug if they need one) and words of encouragement about not being worried about the injection etc

I was not told anything about this vaccine and at the time I had a class of Year 7/8's so the girls were getting it done. We had a district health nurse come in to teach the girls about the vaccine and for them to ask Q's etc

Yes you should always walk a mile in someones shoes before you critisize them.
That way, when you do...you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Anyway, I'm not sure what she (the teacher) actually told the student she didn't divulge that. And no, she didn't laugh AT the student in front of her.

Perhaps it was/is an unreasonable expectation on my part to think teachers should have some idea of the general basics of things like this. Perhaps it just highlights my own ignorance.