With the recent emergence of positive COVID cases in schools—including BGGS—we were pleased to see the prioritisation of teachers to receive the vaccine, and the extension of vaccine eligibility to children aged 12 to 15 years. This is an important step in protecting not only the BGGS community, but the broader community as well.
We know many parents have already arranged for their daughters to receive the COVID vaccine over the upcoming holiday break with many students having already had their first dose. The School is investigating opportunities to make it easier for our students to receive the vaccine, though we anticipate most families will have already organised for this process to occur through existing vaccination clinics or their GPs. If you have not, and wish to access a vaccination, the Bowen Hills Medical Centre is offering a COVID vaccine clinic (Pfizer) from 8 am to 5 pm each Sunday for BGGS staff and students. Book via 3252 7775 or online: http://www.bowenhillsmedicalcentre.com.au/.
Please read the Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young’s letter to parents and guardians regarding the vaccination of children aged 12 and over here.
At this stage, vaccinations are not mandatory for teaching staff in Queensland schools, though we expect this may happen at some stage, given other states and sectors (such as aged care and health) have declared the vaccine mandatory.
While the decision to be vaccinated remains a personal choice for those in our community who are currently eligible to receive a vaccination, Brisbane Girls Grammar School sees the vaccination of staff and students as an important measure in providing a safer environment for all. As such, we continue to work closely in consultation with staff to support them to become fully vaccinated, and we strongly encourage our families to vaccinate their daughters, if they are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Further advice from Queensland Health about child vaccination eligibility is available here: https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/.
