Sarah Bennett
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the question of whether college professors should be considered teachers for vaccine priority status sparked debate in the United States. While kindergarten, primary, and secondary school teachers were prioritized for vaccination in states like Tennessee and Florida, college professors were notably absent from the priority lists in these states. This discrepancy led to concerns and frustration among college professors, who argued that they face similar or even higher exposure risks due to teaching in small classrooms and instructing college-age adults, who have been identified as frequent asymptomatic spreaders. While some states heeded the CDC's recommendation to prioritize the entire education sector, including college professors, others prioritized teachers of younger students to prevent learning loss and support parents in the workforce.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| College professors' eligibility for vaccines | College professors are not considered essential workers and are therefore not prioritized for vaccines in some states like Tennessee and Florida. |
| Reasons for non-prioritization | College professors teach adults, who are less susceptible to the virus than children. |
| College students are a frequent source of asymptomatic spread due to their social activities, so professors are at high risk. | |
| College professors can teach remotely, unlike primary and secondary school teachers. | |
| Exceptions | In some states like Illinois, college professors over 65 or with health conditions are eligible for vaccines. |
| In Florida, college professors can get vaccinated if they are 50 or older. | |
| Student vaccination mandates | Some universities require students to be vaccinated, but with leniency for those who opt out. |
| Some schools have expelled students who do not comply with vaccine mandates. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- College professors in Tennessee are not considered a priority for vaccination
- Professors at the University of Illinois Springfield want to be on the priority list
- In Florida, kindergarten and primary school teachers have access to the vaccine, but not college professors
- College professors are scared because they don't know who is vaccinated
- The largest U.S. public universities are not mandating vaccines for students
College professors in Tennessee are not considered a priority for vaccination
In Tennessee, college professors are not considered a priority for vaccination. While the state has prioritized vaccinations for educators, this only extends to K-12 teachers and staff. College faculty and higher education workers have been excluded from the priority list, despite appeals from college and university presidents across the state.
Tennessee's decision to exclude college professors from the priority list is in contrast to federal recommendations and the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC had recommended bumping the entire "education sector," including faculty at colleges and universities, to the second-highest priority level. However, Tennessee leaders have affirmed that they are not considering adding professors as a priority, citing the need to prevent "learning loss" among young students and keep parents in the workforce.
College professors in Tennessee have expressed their concerns and frustrations about not being prioritized for vaccination. They argue that they are at high risk of exposure to COVID-19, as they teach adults who are more susceptible to the virus and interact with college-age students who have been identified as frequent sources of asymptomatic spread. Additionally, professors are often required to teach in-person classes, increasing their risk of exposure.
While some states, such as Arkansas, Alabama, and North Carolina, have prioritized college and university workers in their vaccination plans, Tennessee has denied appeals from higher education leaders seeking vaccination priority for their employees. College professors in Tennessee must wait until they are eligible due to their individual age or health status, rather than their exposure risk.
The decision to prioritize K-12 teachers over college professors in Tennessee's vaccination plan has sparked discussions about the value of higher education instructors and their safety during the pandemic. However, state officials have defended their position, stating that K-12 teachers are prioritized due to their critical infrastructure role and the need for in-person learning.
Unvaccinated Children: Am I a Bad Parent?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Professors at the University of Illinois Springfield want to be on the priority list
Professors at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) want to be on the priority list for the COVID-19 vaccine. They argue that since many are returning to face-to-face instruction, they should be allowed to get the vaccine under Phase 1B, just like K-12 teachers. UIS Assistant Professor Betsy Goulet expressed her love for being in the classroom with her students but acknowledged the necessity of remote learning until they can get vaccinated.
John Miller, President of the University Professionals of Illinois, also spoke out against college professors being left out of the priority list. He pointed out that higher education has been excluded from current vaccines in Illinois, which doesn't make sense from a public safety perspective. Miller further explained that college and university staff working in on-campus centers and those in contact with students should receive the vaccine in Phase 1B.
The Illinois Federation of Teachers started a petition to get those in higher education moved up in the vaccine distribution plan. Miller emphasized that they want to ensure that individuals in a face-to-face climate in higher education, who interact with students and the community, are also eligible for protection. While some health departments in Illinois are vaccinating those in higher education, there are specific requirements and priority lists in place.
The IDPH responded to the concerns raised by professors and the petition, stating that college and university professors will be included in phases following 1B. They acknowledged that local health departments should currently focus on vaccinating populations within 1A and 1B, prioritizing those disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and at higher risk of exposure. They asked for patience as the vaccine supply is limited, and they must prioritize individuals at greater risk.
The situation in Tennessee highlights a similar issue, where college professors are not prioritized for vaccination. Tennessee leaders did not follow a federal recommendation to prioritize college instructors, and professors must wait until they are eligible due to their individual age or health status. University leaders and professors have expressed concerns, especially considering the risk of asymptomatic spread among college-age adults. However, the Tennessee Department of Health affirmed that professors are not considered a priority in preventing "learning loss" and keeping parents in the workforce.
Essential Vaccines for Seniors: Protecting Golden Years
You may want to see also
Explore related products
In Florida, kindergarten and primary school teachers have access to the vaccine, but not college professors
In Tennessee, the decision to exclude college professors from the vaccine distribution plan was made by state leaders, who did not follow a federal recommendation to prioritize college instructors. The Tennessee Department of Health affirmed that professors are not considered a priority for the vaccine rollout because they are not deemed essential to preventing "learning loss" and keeping parents in the workforce.
College professors in Tennessee have expressed frustration and confusion over their exclusion from the vaccine distribution plan, especially considering the risks associated with teaching college-age students. Some professors have also raised concerns about their health and safety, as they are in direct contact with students who may be more likely to contract and spread the virus due to their social activities.
In Florida, there is a mixed picture when it comes to vaccine uptake and attitudes. On the one hand, health experts are encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated as kids return to school across the Tampa Bay area. There are also efforts to provide access to vaccines and physicals at schools, such as at Leto High School in Hillsborough County.
However, there are also reports of declining vaccination rates in Sarasota County, with kindergarten vaccination rates dropping below 80% in 2025. This decline has been attributed to the rise of viral misinformation and disinformation, fueling vaccine hesitancy among parents. Additionally, some doctors and health professionals in Florida have contributed to vaccine skepticism by promoting false claims about vaccine safety.
Vaccine Reactions: What Do They Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
College professors are scared because they don't know who is vaccinated
College professors have expressed concerns about their safety as they return to face-to-face teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, many professors are worried about the lack of vaccination requirements for students, leaving them uncertain about the level of risk they face in the classroom.
In the United States, the decision to mandate vaccines is largely left to individual states and educational institutions. While some universities have implemented vaccine requirements, others have been prevented from doing so due to executive orders from state governors, as seen in Florida. As a result, there is a mix of vaccine policies across the country, with some schools mandating vaccines, while others rely on incentives and outreach to encourage student vaccination.
In states like Tennessee and Illinois, college professors were initially not prioritized for vaccination, despite their direct contact with students. This has caused anxiety and stress among faculty members, who feel they are being put at risk. Professors argue that they should be prioritized for vaccination, especially considering that college-aged students have been identified as a frequent source of asymptomatic spread.
The situation has improved over time, with Tennessee and Illinois eventually including college professors in their vaccination plans. However, the initial exclusion caused uncertainty and fear among educators. The lack of a clear vaccination plan for staff at some universities has also contributed to the anxiety felt by professors.
To address these concerns, some professors have advocated for schools to be allowed to set their own policies regarding vaccinations. They argue that mandating vaccines would help ensure the safety of both students and faculty, allowing a return to normalcy on campus.
Vaccines and ACA: What's Covered?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The largest U.S. public universities are not mandating vaccines for students
In 2024, it was reported that 20 US colleges continued to require their students to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, this number is down from approximately 100 colleges in 2023. These mandates face criticism from some medical doctors and scholars who question the vaccine's safety, efficacy, and necessity.
In 2025, former President Joe Biden ended the official national emergency for COVID-19. Following this, President Donald Trump issued an executive order prohibiting federal funds from going to colleges that mandate a coronavirus vaccine for students. House lawmakers will seek to codify this order, with Reps. Mark Messmer and August Pfluger filing the No Vaccine Mandates in Higher Education Act.
Some universities that have ended their vaccine mandates include Columbia University, Cornell University, and San Diego State University. However, some universities still requiring vaccines include the Southern University System and three California State University campuses. Students at these universities may opt out through a letter of dissent or an exemption form but must submit a negative COVID test monthly.
While the debate around vaccine mandates for students continues, it is important to note that the decision to mandate vaccines ultimately rests with the universities and their respective state governments.
Asking About Vaccination Status: Is It Okay?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, college professors are not considered teachers for the vaccine in Tennessee.
Tennessee leaders prioritized teachers but not college professors to prevent \"learning loss\" among young students and allow their parents to stay in the workforce.
The decision on who gets the COVID-19 vaccine first is up to state leaders. While the CDC recommended bumping the entire "education sector" to the second-highest priority level, Tennessee is the only state that has responded by elevating only teachers and childcare workers.
College professors have expressed concern about the lack of a vaccination plan for staff, with some stating that it is creating a great deal of stress and anxiety.
Yes, college professors teach adults, who are generally more susceptible to the virus than children. Additionally, college-age adults have been identified as a frequent source of asymptomatic spread. Small classrooms and young adults with a poor record of personal responsibility are also contributing factors.
