Another COVID one (sorry!)

[Rainorshine33]

I’m nearing the end of my second trimester and am increasingly worried about catching COVID at work. I am morbidly obese but aside from that there is nothing which would put me at an increased risk. I am a TA in a secondary school (1500 students).

I have had my first jab but am not due to have my second one until October half term. My workplace know this but during my risk assessment the advice they gave me didn’t make me feel any more secure.

My husband wants me to try and get a sick note so that I am not in work until after I have had my second dose of the vaccine.

What would you do in this situation, and do you think I would be unreasonable to go off work?

Are you able to get your second dose any earlier to give you additional protection? Dependent on when you had your first you should be able to get it 8 weeks after the first dose. October half term means you wouldn't have full protection until the start of November, and if schools are anything like they are in my area cases are climbing rapidly.

Get a fit note

It's rediculous you need to wait so long for your second dose! When was your first one Assuming? Assuming it's Pfizer/Moderna most countries only have a 3-4 week gap between doses. I would definitely try and ask for it sooner if possible!

I was in a very similar situation, and I work at a University in admin with student contact so kind of similar environment. When we got an email from the HOD the other day saying he wanted us all back in soon, I was also scared. However, I found this very handy resource online with a template letter to send to your employer to make sure they are aware of your concerns. It's quite outdated but you can adapt and update it to make sure its accurate. I sent it to my manager and they are allowing me to work more flexibly in light of my concerns. I think it's wise to go in explaining in a rational way, backed by evidence, why you are concerned and what the options for your work to take action are:

maternityaction.org.uk/covidmaternityfaqs/write-to-your-employer-for-health-and-safety-protection-during-pregnancy/

Good luck!

Worth checking as many teachers are on WFH in the third trimester, not sure about TAs though.

@shivawn

It's rediculous you need to wait so long for your second dose! When was your first one Assuming? Assuming it's Pfizer/Moderna most countries only have a 3-4 week gap between doses. I would definitely try and ask for it sooner if possible!

Just phoned the doctors to try and get it booked in earlier as it won’t let me online - the receptionist insisted the minimum gap is 8 weeks between doses frustratingly. Thank you for the suggestion though x

Are you anywhere near 28 weeks? The guidance previously was that if you cannot socially distance safely you are entitled to WFH and if they cannot facilitate this then you can be suspended on full pay. This is if you are vaccinated or not. I'm not sure that is still in place given the national guidelines seem to be 'fend for yourselves' at the moment.

Could you speak to your employer about putting you on desk duties in school away from the children or better doing work from home?

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-pregnant-employees/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-pregnant-employees

As a TA you probably have even closer contact with students than teachers. I'm a teacher in training and also work as a TA and I'm finding the latter much more risky. I would try to get a sick note- perhaps even use anxiety if you need to. It's not worth the risk. I say this while I keep working under risky conditions because they are trying to fire me. It's really a horrible situation. Good luck!