The Australian Education Union said that teachers under the age of 40 cannot be vaccinated which poses a risk to them and their students.

The union's Victorian president Meredith Peace said "unless education staff are able to have priority access to a vaccine, we continue to be at risk of more disruptions to the on-site education of our students".

St Patrick's College teacher Tom Ferguson is 38 and, at that age, he is not eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

He said he would jump at the vaccine if it was offered.

IN OTHER COVID NEWS

"The sooner we get a critical mass vaccinated then we can go about our business and get back to the important things, like teaching, learning, family, all those great things," Mr Ferguson said

The woodwork and building teacher said remote teaching and lockdowns had proved difficult for students and educators.

"Teaching, in its essence, is about relationships and the best way to build those is face to face and having that classroom interaction with kids. It's incredibly difficult to do it online; it's so easy for the kids just to tune out, not be a part of it, and sit behind the blank screen," he said.

"If you're a teacher and your preference is remote learning, it really indicates a lack of connection you have with your students and your colleagues."

The AEU, the Independent Education Union, and the United Workers Union want teachers, such as Mr Ferguson, vaccinated against the virus.

The unions have jointly written to Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to clear the way for the vaccine to be made more available to teachers and childcare workers.

"(We) seek that educators, teachers and education support staff across early learning and school settings are provided higher priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations in recognition of their critical role providing an essential community service," the letter said.

"Ensuring staff are fully vaccinated is also the most effective way to minimise the risk of infection amongst children, especially with new variants emerging."

Ms Peace said although the Andrews Government had approved vaccinations for teachers and childcare workers of any age working with disabled students, now is the time to expand the program to cover all staff employed at schools.

"The AEU Victorian Branch will continue to advocate for all education staff, across all sectors, to be prioritised for vaccines," she said.

And for Mr Ferguson, the COVID-19 vaccine waiting game will continue.

"I would like to see life return to normal; it's just been going on for far too long," Mr Ferguson said.

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