California became the first state in the United States on Friday to require the covid-19 vaccine for students 12 years and older.
California Governor Gavin Newsom made the announcement at a press conference in which he explained that the vaccination requirement depends on the final approval of the vaccine for this age group by the federal government.
The order would go into effect for students in grades 7-12 the following semester after full approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the COVID-19 vaccine is issued. 19 for this group.
So far the FDA has only approved emergency use of the vaccine for children 12 years and older.
“Once final approval comes in for anyone 12 and older, California will require immunizations for students beginning in the seventh grade,” Newsom said.
He added that “there is still a fight” to get California to where it should be in containing the pandemic, so “more and better must be done.”
The Democratic politician said California will also require the vaccine for children in kindergarten through sixth grade once the FDA has given final approval.
Once the order takes effect, students will not be able to attend classes in person on campus without being vaccinated, as with any other required childhood immunizations.
Newsom clarified that medical and religious exemptions are available.
Students not vaccinated against COVID-19 will have the option of enrolling in a school entirely online, attending independent study programs, or receiving homeschooling.
At least 78.5% of Californians eligible to receive the vaccine are immunized, according to figures from the state Department of Health.
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