LATEST: COVID-19 vaccine mandated for teachers and childcare centre workers

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be mandated for teachers and staff at every Victorian school and childcare centre.

The government announced the news on Wednesday.

Every worker will have to have their first dose by October 18 and their second by November 29.

Deputy premier James Merlino said without the jab, they would not be allowed to return to school in term 4.

A $190 million investment will be spent on lowering the risk of airborne transmission in schools.

More than 50,000 air purification devices will be installed in every government, catholic and independent school, with the first load to arrive next week.

School children and their families will also soon form a trial of rapid antigen testing.