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West Contra Costa Unified School District Approves Vaccination Mandate

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RICHMOND -- The West Contra Costa Unified School District’s Board of Education approved three resolutions on Thursday night on a series of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for students, staff, and organizations that work directly with students.

WCCUSD staff members and volunteers must show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status, either complete vaccination or first shot by October 15. Final proof of a complete vaccine status is due to the District’s Human Resources Department by December 7.

Starting November 15, WCCUSD students, ages 12-years and older, must have received their first COVID-19 vaccination shot and receive their second shot by December 15. For students younger than 12 years old, they must receive their first shot no later than 30 calendar days after their 12th birthday and second COVID-19 vaccine 60 days after their 12th birthday.

“We successfully reopened all WCCUSD schools 7 weeks ago because we took the necessary mitigation and safety measures to keep students and staff safe," Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Chris Hurst said. "The Board's decision Thursday was an additional safety measure that helps keep students, staff, and the WCCUSD community safe. When we opened we recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for those eligible, instituted weekly COVID-19 testing, and implemented several COVID-19 protocols like universal mask-wearing and staying home when feeling ill or sick."

“To keep you safe and to do our part to end this pandemic, tonight, West Contra Costa Unified School District’s Board of Trustees approved the administrator’s proposal to mandate vaccinations for all employees,” said Board President Mister Phillips. “I hope school districts across our state follow our lead. As County Health Officer Chris Farnitano advocated for the health of all individuals in our county, I hope state leaders will do the same.”

Students ages 12 and older who participate in in-person extracurricular activities must receive their first COVID-19 vaccination shot by November 1 and the second vaccination shot by December 1.

All students ages 12 and up, and other students as they become eligible for the vaccine, must receive their first shot within 45 days after adoption of the resolution, and the second dose no later than 75 days after adoption of the resolution. Students who will turn 12, or become eligible for the vaccine during the school year, will have a month after their birthday to get vaccinated. (Nov. 15 and Dec. 15) 


Students with qualified and approved exemptions under WCCUSD’s existing immunization policies are exempt from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement. Students with exemptions will be required to submit to rapid testing once every two weeks, in accordance with district policy.

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