A private school founded by an anti-vaccination activist in South Florida has warned teachers and staff against taking the Covid-19 vaccine, saying it will not employ anyone who has received the shot, AP reports.

The Centner Academy in Miami sent a notice to parents informing them of a new policy for its two campuses for about 300 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Teachers or staff who have already taken the vaccine were told to continue reporting to school but to stay separated from students.

Co-founder Leila Centner told employees in a letter last week that she made the policy decision with a "very heavy heart”. Centner asked those who have not received a Covid-19 vaccine to wait until the end of the school year, and even then recommended holding off.