February 4, 2023 – In California, vaccination is not any longer required to attend in-person classes.
Public health officials said the move aligns school policies with the upcoming end of the federal public health emergency in May. Los Angeles Times reported.
In October 2021, California became the primary state to mandate vaccinations for schoolchildren, although the rule was later relaxed. Across the country, pandemic rules in schools sparked protests as communities wrestled with decisions on distance learning, masks and vaccinations.
California parents usually tend to have their children vaccinated against COVID than other Americans. In California, 37.6% of youngsters ages 5 to 11 have received the first vaccination line, and 67.2% of 12 to 17 12 months olds have received the vaccine. Data at country level show.
In comparison, the national average is 32.6% of 5- to 11-year-olds and 61.6% of 12- to 17-year-olds, in line with the CDC.
California Department of Public Health officials proceed to recommend COVID vaccinations and are organizing vaccination clinics to make the shots easily accessible.
“Vaccination against COVID-19 is an important tool to keep our children healthy and schools open,” the state Department of Health said in an announcement.
“Health officials strongly recommend vaccinating students and staff against COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization and other serious complications, including death. Widespread vaccination has helped keep California's children in school to learn and strengthen social bonds.”
Some school districts within the U.S. have adopted watered-down policies that require either vaccinations or regular testing for student athletes or for participation in proms.
In New York City, school visitors are still required to indicate proof of vaccination to enter buildings, but this policy is currently newly ratedThe District of Columbia plans to require COVID vaccinations for varsity children this fall. The Associated Press reported.