Can Your Youth Program Require a COVID Vaccine?

As drug manufacturers work on vaccines for younger children, youth organizations need to decide whether to require them. The FDA has given emergency approval to COVID vaccines for children as young as 12. Policy-makers are cautiously optimistic that vaccines for even younger children will be available by the fall. Youth organizations need to plan now what policy they wish to implement as vaccines become available.

Except for states with a specific restriction, private schools and other youth organizations legally can require vaccinations for children in their program. Some states have childhood vaccine requirements for all schools, for example, and apply the same religious, medical, or conscience exemptions to both public and private schools. Even if the exemptions do not apply specifically to COVID vaccines, they provide good guidelines for the standard of care in that state.

You also will need exemptions for children who have allergies or other medical reasons to avoid this particular vaccine. The CDC recommends against vaccines for people with allergies to ingredients in the vaccine. It also recommends that people with a history of reactions to other types of vaccines consult with their doctor before getting a COVID vaccine.

Even if you don't have any legal restrictions on your ability to require vaccines, you may face pushback from parents or the community.  The FDA's designation of its approval as "emergency" and the quick approval process have raised concerns with some people, even though there are few reported reactions. Your clients may not be interested in your logical arguments, particularly when it comes to their children's health.  

In short, a vaccine policy is the same as a policy about masks or other precautions -- it depends on your unique circumstances. The main principles you need to follow are (1) decide early and plan ahead, (2) communicate clearly and frequently, and (3) get signed agreements and waivers from your parents. Be certain that your parents know and are willing to accept the risks of whatever policy you believe will work for your program.