PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia’s schools chief said a COVID-19 vaccine mandate will not be in effect for the first day of classes August 31, but he expects to require employees to get the shot this fall.
“I do expect a vaccine mandate to be in place sometime this fall,” Schools Superintendent William Hite told KYW Newsradio.
In an interview, Hite said requiring employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine is a complex process that won’t be finalized by the first day of in-person classes on August 31.
“There are lots of things that are preventing individuals, whether it is misinformation or personal beliefs or fear,” Hite said.
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“We have to work through all of those things to ensure that we have the best possible chance to get as many individuals vaccinated as possible.”
The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has said it would support a negotiated vaccine mandate.
Hite said talks with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and all school unions are continuing, in coordination with the city. Hite says religious and medical exemptions are among the issues being discussed.
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“We’re also trying to find out as much about who has already received the vaccine as possible,” Hite said. “That’s why the conversations with the unions are so critically important.”
The American Federation of Teachers, the PFT’s national union, estimates that 90% of its members have been vaccinated.
When school begins, staff will have weekly COVID-19 testing. Students who show symptoms will also be tested. Hite said everyone in district schools – students and staff – will be required to wear a mask.