Louisiana health officials want to add the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of immunizations required to attend school. The rule could go into effect as kids return from Christmas break.
The Louisiana Office of Public Health filed notice to alert the state legislature of their plans in September. The Advocate reports the period for the legislature to hold oversight hearings, make changes, or reject the rule all together expired 30 days later.
Shots for measles, mumps, polio and other preventable diseases are required in order for children to be enrolled in school. The requirement for the COVID-19 vaccination will only take effect for vaccines that have full FDA approval. At this time, that would only be the Pfizer vaccine for students ages 16 and older.
Louisiana also has a broad opt-out. The statement of exemption from immunizations only requires that a parent claim medical, religious, or philosophical reasons -- although students opted out by their parents can be kept from attending school in the event of an outbreak.
