DSHS says COVID-19 vaccines not mandatory for school
DSHS says COVID-19 vaccines not mandatory for school
The state is not making COVID-19 vaccinations a requirement for students in the fall despite kids age 12 and older being eligible.
AUSTIN, Texas - While COVID-19 vaccinationsare open to those 12 and older, the state is saying students do not have to be vaccinated for the next school year. However, many parents are still choosing to vaccinate their kids.
Family Hospital Systems told FOX 7 Austin they are getting a lot of interest from parents wanting to vaccinate their teen. On Thursday they had more than 2000 on their waitlist.
Texans as young as 12 years old can soon start getting the Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19 immunization, state officials announced Thursday.
The Texas Department of State Health Services advised providers that the vaccine can be administered to adolescents age 12 to 15 years old, in line with federal guidance.
“While children are less likely than adults to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19, they can be infected with the virus and spread infection in their homes and communities,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and chair of the state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel, in a letter to vaccine providers. “DSHS believes that promptly vaccinating the adolescents in this age group is another valuable tool that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic and have a direct and positive effect on schools being open for classroom learning.”
May 13, 2021
The coronavirus vaccine will not be required for Texas students going into the fall. Department of State Health Service Associate Commissioner Imelda Garcia told reporters today the inoculation will not be on the list of mandatory vaccines. Garcia says healthcare providers can give those 12 to 15 years old the COVID shot if they have parental consent. The state is pushing those in the 16 to 17 age group to get the vaccine. Almost 31% of Texans have been fully inoculated against coronavirus.
Photo: Getty Images