Vaccines Required: Phoenix Union Athletes Must Get A Shot Or Test

PHOENIX, AZ — Phoenix Union High School District announced Thursday that it would require coaches, staff, volunteers and students who participate in sports or select extracurricular activities to be vaccinated or get weekly COVID-19 tests, beginning Nov. 1.

Both vaccinations and tests are available for free at all Phoenix Union schools, according to a news release from the district.

"PXU's promise to prioritize the health and safety of our staff, students and families is unchanged," said Superintendent Chad Geston in the release. "We remain fully committed to what we call the Uninterrupted A's: academics, athletics, arts and activities. Requiring participants to be vaccinated or test weekly will help avoid COVID-shortened seasons and reduce spread during in-person learning when students return from their practices and competitions."

The district is continuing its universal masking policy as well.

Phoenix Union has hosted COVID-19 vaccine clinics at all of its campuses since January, in conjunction with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Albertsons Pharmacy.

Through the district's "Vax to the Max" campaign students who receive both COVID-19 shots before Nov. 1 are eligible for a $100 gift card and staff who get vaccinated can get an extra $200 on their December pay check.