California has become the first state in the nation to require COVID-19 vaccines for all public and private school students. The mandate will go into effect as soon as the FDA fully approves the shot for 12-16-year-olds, which is currently under emergency authorization. Governor Gavin Newsome says the move will help to end the pandemic, although his announcement was met with mixed reactions. Listen to hear how some parents and teachers view California’s new school vaccine policy.
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September 20, 2021
4:53
The largest school district in California is requiring all students ages 12 and older to be fully vaccinated to attend school. The delta variant is causing COVID-19 infections to spread among young people, which is a key reason the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) says she decided to mandate vaccines. She believes a fully vaccinated student body will translate to a safer and better learning environment. Listen to the leader of the LAUSD explain more about her decision, and learn how people are responding to it.
Read MoreSeptember 9, 2021
3:52
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shifted from temporary authorization to full approval of the COVID-19 vaccine produced by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Full approval means the FDA has enough scientific evidence to conclude with confidence that the vaccine is safe and effective and that the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Some public health experts believe the decision will encourage more Americans to get vaccinated and could mark a key turning point in the fight against COVID. Listen to learn what the ruling means for kids younger than 16 and how it might affect vaccine mandates.
Read MoreApril 23, 2021
4:58
A vaccine passport certifies that a person is fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and therefore unlikely to have the infection or transmit it to others. Many businesses like the idea of requiring guests to prove their vaccination status. They say that ensuring a safe environment in stores, theaters, and other places would encourage people to enter, and many consumers agree. Others argue that giving privileges to the vaccinated would unfairly divide Americans, and that making people reveal their health status raises privacy concerns. Listen to learn more about the controversy over vaccine certification and then debate: Are vaccine passports a good idea?
Read MoreApril 12, 2021
3:56
A new study has found that a COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children as young as 12. The vaccine is currently approved for people aged 16 and older, but the drug company Pfizer has successfully tested its product on thousands of young people and will continue its research until a vaccine can be approved for all ages. The news is especially welcome because, like adults, children can become infected with COVID-19 and spread it to others. Listen to learn more about the study and what next steps are needed before the process of vaccinating kids can begin.
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