St. Louis (KMOX) -- St. Louis Public Schools will require every employee be vaccinated against COVID-19. The Board of Education voted unanimously on Tuesday night to approve the new measure.
A deadline has been set for October 15th for all staff to demonstrate they've gotten the vaccination. Those who do not get it are subject to termination with each case handled on a case-by-case basis.
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The policy does include some medical and religious exemptions for eligible employees.
“It is our belief that taking this additional precaution will help protect students in that our staff that is before them on a regular basis, our contractors and volunteers, have been vaccinated. We believe that is the best way to protect students,” Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams told board members.
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The FDA fully approving the Pfizer vaccine was a green light for SLPS to move on the vaccine mandate.
“We were working feverishly to make sure every protection is there. This is a high bar," Dr. Adams said. "Some districts are doing this, New York, Chicago as well, because they know the seriousness of not having students engaged in education opportunities. We believe the vaccination policy will give kids and our families maximum assurance that we are doing everything in our power to protect our students.”
Adams told board members the teacher's union also vocally supported the vaccine mandate.
“This is a serious situation right now. We are losing people in droves, especially in the city due to this pandemic, and we have to take this seriously. And it’s not just about us as individuals but the people we are around,” board member Alisha Sonnier said.
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