Vaccine mandate for schools delayed until at least July 2023

California students will not be required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 until at least July 1, 2023, state public health officials announced Thursday.

The mandate cannot go into effect until the Food and Drug Administration fully approves the vaccines for children. At this time, the FDA has approved the vaccines for emergency use only.

In a statement, California Public Health officer Dr. Tomás Aragón encouraged families to vaccinate their children even though it is not required for school.

“Under the Governor’s SMARTER plan, California is making informed decisions on how to further protect students and staff, to keep children safely in classrooms,” Aragón said.

In addition, state Senator Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, has decided to put a bill on hold that would have removed the ability of families to opt out of the Covid-19 vaccine because of personal beliefs.