Gov. Gavin Newsom said Friday that students will soon need to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to attend school in person in California. Here’s what you need to know about the new vaccine mandate.
Q: What is the new requirement?
A: Starting the school term after the vaccines have full approval from the FDA for two different groups, children in those groups must be vaccinated against the coronavirus to attend public and private schools in person. The requirement will be phased in by grade span, first grades 7-12 and then K-6. School staff will also need to be vaccinated by the time the requirement applies to the first cohort.
Q: So what’s the deadline for getting my student vaccinated?
The exact date remains to be seen. But kids age 12 and up (the grades 7-12 cohort) could be required to be vaccinated as early as January 1, 2022. School staff — not just teachers, but bus drivers, custodians etc. — will also need to be vaccinated at that time. Vaccine requirements for younger children in Kindergarten through 6th grade are likely months away.
Q: What if my student isn’t old enough to be vaccinated?
A: The requirement will only apply to children eligible to be vaccinated.
Q: What other vaccines are required for California school kids?
A: The requirement is not unusual. California already requires kids to have immunizations for polio, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox).
Q: Will my child be forbidden from going to school if she doesn’t get a shot?
A: Students who are not vaccinated will be permitted to enroll in independent study, but they will not be allowed to attend class in person.
Q: Are there any exceptions?
A: Yes, there will be exceptions for medical reasons and personal and religious beliefs.
Check back for updates.