State senators may require health officials to start vaccinating teachers within 30 days.

Gov. Henry McMaster has resisted calls for immediate teacher and school staff vaccinations. With limited supplies, the governor says those age 65 and older need vaccines 1st.

The Senate proposal also would require all school districts to offer in-class instruction 5 days a week by March 22.

Recent research indicates closed schools and remote instruction are doing irreversible damage to student learning and mental health.

“Thousands of South Carolina students have not been in a classroom for 11 months,” Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey who represents Lexington County said.

The Senate is expected to vote this week.