Being a teacher is not a high risk position and vaccination should be based on risk. This priority is based on a perceived risk and not a real risk.
I understand, but essential personal are supposed to wait until the over 75 get it per most recommendations. I guess it depends on who you are trying to satisfy. I am trying to prevent deaths and keep our ICUs from being full.
I'll post a somewhat different perspective, with the caveat that I'm not being argumentative, just seeing things from a different viewpoint. The other caveat is that things are different in each state, and even within states. So the YMMV disclaimer applies.
OK, with my CYA thoroughly established, here's my point:
The vaccines have been available in some form to some people for well over two months now. Most states have been offering it to the elderly, high risk patients, and high risk medical professionals for much of that time. So, at least here in Indiana and in several states where I have a bunch of friends, those most at risk have had the ability to sign up for it for a while. Here in Indiana the supply seems to be steady enough compared to the demand that now anyone 50+ can sign up to get it (I'm 53- I signed up within minutes of the announcement that 50+ are now eligible--I get my first shot on 3/17, but could have signed up for a mass vaccination clinic this weekend if I had so chosen).
I have lots of teacher friends and several have gotten COVID-19, though mostly contact tracing has been inconclusive for them. Many of them-and their networks beyond my friends- believe they were infected at school, but with no way to prove it. Teachers, and school staff more broadly, represent a connection point between family bubbles. While I wouldn't prioritize them above patient-facing medical staff, it seems reasonable this far into the vaccination effort, that they should be added to the priority list.
I mean, are there still states where medical staff haven't had access to the vaccine? Just because Indiana is pretty far along doesn't mean it's the same everywhere, but from what I'm reading from across the country, one of the hold-ups in getting staff widely vaccinated is their willingness to get the shot.
For sure medical staff and the elderly should be first in line based on risk, but it seems like they have broadly had a chance to get it, or could sign up immediately if they just haven't personally prioritized it. So, my view is it's now reasonable to put others who have some level of enhanced risk into the queue.
In Indiana, teachers are I think now eligible, or will be starting soon. But I as a 53 year old work-at-home type would have gladly given my slot in line to a 30 year old teacher who sees students face to face. Just my two cents.
Edit: Teachers eligible now, here:
https://www.indystar.com/story/news...-any-age-eligible-federal-program/6906839002/