Wiseburn families and friends,
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today that all elementary through high school students will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it gains final approval from the U.S. government for different age groups.
As we have done throughout the pandemic, Wiseburn is required to follow all mandates from our state and local health authorities in order to operate. Therefore, the district will have a COVID-19 vaccine mandate in place upon the full safety approvals of the vaccine for each age group as directed by the state.
Currently, the status of each age group’s safety approval of the vaccine is as follows:
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Ages 16+: Vaccine fully approved following rigorous safety testing process
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Ages 12 - 15: Vaccine approved for emergency authorization
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Ages 5 - 11: Awaiting vaccine approval pending further testing
According to the Governor’s office, the requirement will take effect at the start of the term following full approval of that grade span. Currently, we expect these requirements will not take place until 2022, and Wiseburn is awaiting further clarification of the timelines for the requirements for our students.
It’s also important to note that local health jurisdictions and local education agencies may implement requirements ahead of a statewide requirement based on their local circumstances. Wiseburn is awaiting further information from our local health jurisdiction, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. While LADPH may decide to implement a mandate sooner, currently we know at least that Wiseburn will follow the directive from the state, and will require vaccinations by the term following approvals by age group. Should LADPH mandate a different timeline, we will share that information promptly.
We know our families may have further questions at this time. This situation is evolving and more information will be shared in the coming weeks. For now, if you have questions, please direct them to communication@wiseburn.org. We will compile these questions and seek to answer them in further district-wide communications as we receive additional information from our health authorities.
We are also currently working on additional opportunities for vaccinations for our community, and will share that information as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Blake Silvers, Ed.D.
WUSD Superintendent
