I am writing with several updates since my last message.

As you likely know, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 was authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Oct. 29. During its meeting yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended the shot for children in this age group as well. As such, COVID-19 vaccination for children ages 5 to 11 may begin today.

The San Diego County Office of Education Communications team has updated our template letter to parents about COVID-19 vaccinations. We understand that parents may have questions about what the new authorization means in regards to the state's vaccination requirements; the state’s new requirement won’t apply for juveniles ages 12-17 and children ages 5-11 until vaccines for those age groups are fully authorized by the FDA. Once the vaccines are fully approved, students will have until the next term to complete their vaccinations to attend school in person. State officials have said that July 1 is the earliest the mandate is expected to begin.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its COVID-19 Testing Guidance on Oct. 29. Among other updates, the guidance now reflects that in schools and other settings (excluding health care, long-term care, and high-risk congregate settings), “Antigen tests are acceptable to determine both the presence or absence of active infection with SARS-CoV-2 in individuals with or without symptoms. Repeat antigen testing and/or confirmatory molecular testing should be considered in individuals who receive a negative result with an antigen test but have symptoms specific for COVID-19 (such as loss of taste and smell).” 

CDPH has released an online tool for managing confirmed or suspected COVID-19 among students in K-12 settings. The tool notes that local rules may differ and that schools should contact their local health jurisdiction for more information. 

Based upon a preliminary review, there are a number of differences between the state’s tool and the San Diego County COVID-19 e-Decision Tree for K-12 Schools. Unlike the local e-Decision tree, the state's tool does not include dates of exposure or positive tests and therefore does not compute any dates (of return to school, tests, etc.) and it does not include employees.

Thank you for all that you do. As always, please reach out if you have any questions.

email: paul.gothold@sdcoe.net