We no longer expect a state COVID vaccine mandate for the 2022-23 school year following a pair of developments Thursday.
On Thursday evening, the CDPH signaled that the pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, which continue to be allowed under a federal emergency use authorization but do not have full FDA approval, will not be required until July 1, 2023, at the earliest for K-12 school settings. You can click here to read the full CDPH statement on the issue.
Earlier Thursday, a bill in the state Legislature that would have mandated COVID-19 vaccines and eliminated personal belief exemptions was withdrawn by its sponsor, state Sen. Richard Pan, D-Sacramento. It is no longer being considered for this legislative session. You can click here to read a statement by Dr. Pan about his decision to withdraw the legislation.
Despite the lack of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for school-aged children, vaccines remain an important tool in helping limit the transmission and severity of the disease, and students and staff are urged to stay up-to-date on vaccinations. A current list of planned school vaccine clinics can be found at scoe.org/vaccines.
People wishing to schedule a free vaccine also can visit myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255 to make a vaccine or booster appointment.