Cambridge School Committee Approves Vaccine Mandate For Students

CAMBRIDGE, MA — All students in Cambridge will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are elligible.

This makes the City of Cambridge the largest school district in Massachusetts to require children 12 and older to get the vaccine.

The school committee approved the new policy, requiring students to get a shot or be subject to some restrictions.

By November 29, unvaccinated children can still attend class, but they will not be able to participate in extra-curricular activities including sports, student clubs, and school events.

Vaccines are currently approved for children over the age of 12, and the committee says once a vaccine for children under 12 reaches federal approval, the school district will extend the mandate to younger students.

As of now, Cambridge vaccination rates for students ages 16-19 is around 50%, while 95% of students ages 12 to 15 have had at least one dose.

The school district said it is working with other city departments to host information sessions so families and students can ask more questions about the vaccine and its safety.

For more information check out Cambridge Public School's website.