I wanted to provide you with an update on the vaccine mandate as of now.
In a state-hosted virtual meeting earlier in the week regarding the COVID-19 vaccination for students. Here is what was learned:
You will see, if not already, news reports of the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 will be approved for Emergency Use Authorization, possibly as soon as November 3.
It is very important that we understand this does not speed up the vaccine mandate for children to attend school.
July 1, 2022, is still the implementation date for students in Grades 7-12
There was no date given for students in grades K-6, only that it would follow sometime after the Grade 7-12 implementation
Under this mandate, the Personal Belief Exemption and the Medical Exemption, MUST BE included as outlined in Health and Safety Code 120388
Districts across the state will be surveying parents (or already have) regarding their response to the mandate. We want accurate data of the impact this mandate will have on our individual districts.
At the same time, with the implementation of the student vaccine, school staff will also be required to vaccinate. Many school districts are reporting a loss of staff (teachers, bus drivers, custodial staff, instructional aides, office personnel). We will also be reporting that data. When all the data is collected, I will share the results with our community.
Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding the mandate.