PLEASANT HILL, Calif.—Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey Friday voiced her support for Governor Newsom’s announcement that the COVID-19 vaccine would be added to other vaccinations required for in-person school attendance for students and for all school employees.
Vaccinations for COVID-19 will be mandatory for students beginning the term after it receives FDA approval for that age span. It is anticipated the is expected to apply to grades 7-12 starting on July 1, 2022. A vaccine mandate for grades K-6 will follow once it receives approval for that age range. However, the Governor’s announcement encourages local health jurisdictions and local education agencies to implement requirements ahead of a statewide requirement based on their local circumstances.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, schools have faced many challenges and developed new solutions to mitigate the effects of the virus on our communities. From safety procedures and testing protocols to cleaning standards and vaccination requirements, schools districts have implemented and refined many of the practices currently in place. I look forward to working with county health services to ensure that all students and staff get vaccinated as quickly as possible to comply with the new mandate announced today by Governor Newsom and ensure the long-term health of our county, especially those communities that have been severely impacted by COVID-19,” Superintendent Mackey said.
