There are a lot of questions regarding a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for schools in California. Here is what we know.
Near the end of January of 2023 news outlets reported that it looked like California was quietly walking back plans for kids’ Covid-19 vaccine mandate. “The California Department of Public Health hasn’t made an announcement, but officials told EdSource that the end of the state’s Covid-19 state of emergency on Feb. 28 effectively ends its current plan to add Covid-19 vaccinations to the list of 10 vaccinations children are required to have to attend school in person.” - Edsource.org The California Department of Public Health’s email to FOX news stated:
"As such, CDPH is not currently exploring emergency rulemaking to add COVID-19 vaccinations to the list of required school vaccinations, but we continue to strongly recommend COVID-19 immunization for students and staff to keep everyone safer in the classroom. Any changes to required K-12 immunizations are properly addressed through the legislative process."
There has been no official press release or statement from Governor Newsom’s office on this subject. Still, if and when the Newsom”s administration plans to turn its “pending” COVID-vaccine mandate into an enforceable rule has remained an open question for California’s K-12 students and parents through the first month of 2023.” - Daily Press
California State of Emergency is due to expire Feb. 28th, 2023.
As of February 9, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its schedule of recommended immunizations to include COVID-19 shots and boosters for children, adolescents and adults.
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky stated why the experimental vaccine was added to the Childhood Schedule: "The reason ACIP recommended...getting the COVID-19 vaccine on the pediatric schedule, it was ONLY because it was the only way it could be covered in our 'Vaccines for Children' program".
So where does this leave things. As of right now, there is no requirement, law or mandate for Covid-19 vaccine to attend K-12 school in California. There have been a few rogue school districts that have tried to illegally mandate this. There has been ongoing litigation against these districts (PERK/CHD-CA VS. PIEDMONT SCHOOL DISTRICT, PERK/CHD-CA VS. LAUSD, PERK (ARNOLD) VS. GRANADA HILLS CHARTER SCHOOL, Let Them Breathe vs. San Diego Unified School District , etc.)
We have not heard of any COVID-19 vaccine mandate bills for 2023, but we are watching closely to alert you of any legislation submitted in this area. Stay alert and follow us on Twitter @perk_group for the latest updates.