The COVID-19 vaccine should absolutely be mandated for children in public schools, excepting those with valid health exemptions. A vaccine mandate would protect the health of students, school staff members, families, and the broader community, by contributing to herd immunity. Though children are generally less at risk of major complications and mortality due to COVID-19, there have been reported severe and fatal cases of COVID-19 in children. The vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective, in both reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 and reducing the risk of experiencing severe symptoms and hospitalization if infected. Schools have traditionally had the authority to require various vaccinations, such as the MMR and tetanus vaccines, to protect public health and decrease the possibility of rapid transmission of diseases among children and faculty who spend hours together in close proximity every day. The large majority of pediatric specialists, epidemiologists, public health experts, and other health professionals are in support of children receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible. This is a critical step in ensuring the end of this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Joyce Cheng

Medical Student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine