San Francisco (November 2, 2021) - As COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is expected to expand to individuals ages 5 to 11, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) is partnering with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to share information with the community and encourage vaccinations for elementary age students.

“I encourage every parent and guardian to get their child vaccinated as soon as possible. When your child is fully vaccinated, they won’t have to quarantine if they are considered a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID. Let’s keep our students in school and learning in person,” said Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews. “When preventative measures are appropriately taken, schools are low-risk and safe environments for students to learn, play, and thrive.”  

Fully vaccinated children will not have to quarantine if they are considered a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, public health officials are encouraging vaccinating before holiday travel and family gatherings increase in November and December. 

SFUSD is committed to making free vaccines accessible to students and families. In partnership with SFDPH, SFUSD has opened 4 vaccination clinics at SFUSD schools this fall. Parents and guardians can go to a pharmacy, primary care provider, or vaccine clinic to get their child vaccinated. If a child needs to miss school to recover from the side effects of the vaccine, their teacher will assign independent study work.

COVID-19 transmission rates have been low among youth and children and San Francisco residents have gotten vaccinated at some of the highest rates in the nation. Adolescents ages 12 to 17 became eligible for the vaccine this spring and SFUSD hosted vaccine clinics and encouraged vaccinations. Over 90 percent of youth between 12 and 17 are now fully vaccinated in San Francisco.

Health experts will answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and eligibility for children at virtual Town Halls this week: November 2 in English, November 3 in Cantonese, and November 4 in Spanish. 

###