As COVID-19 vaccine trials continue in age groups younger than 16, local school districts and health departments plan to work together to encourage families to get their children vaccinated once it becomes available. But the vaccine won’t be required for now. Once a vaccine for younger age groups is approved by the FDA, schools may treat it like the flu shot, said Kristin Jackson, student support services director for New Hanover County Schools. It will be encouraged, but not required. North Carolina requires students to have several vaccines to enroll in K-12 schools, including for Polio, measles, chickenpox, and several others. Vaccines are required prior to kindergarten, seventh grade and 12th grade.