SACRAMENTO, OCTOBER 1, 2021 – California State PTA has released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement today of a new vaccination mandate for students and school employees. The state mandate is expected to go into effect by July 1, 2022, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approves COVID-19 vaccines for those 12 and older. Additional details are expected in the coming weeks and months.
“California State PTA supports the use of vaccines to protect the health and safety of children and families across California. The state of California has required student vaccinations in public schools for years and PTA has long-held positions on vaccine requirements to protect our most vulnerable children.
“Vaccination is an important tool to ensure our schools remain open for in-person instruction while protecting the health and safety of our students, staff, and entire communities.
“Throughout the pandemic, California State PTA has been working with state leaders including the California Surgeon General, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the California Education Coalition, and various equity groups to advocate for children and families – and we will continue to do so. We look forward to working with parents and families, the governor, and policymakers to ensure students and families are involved in the rollout of this new regulation.”
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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools, and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators, and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health, and well-being of all children and families. For more information, visit www.capta.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Robin Klau
Vice President for Communications
communications@capta.org
925.380.1591
Sherry Skelly Griffith
Executive Director
sgriffith@capta.org
916.955.1699