Covid vaccine mandate for kids is ‘an option,’ Hochul says

A health care worker injects a person with Covid-19 vaccine using a syringe

Le Moyne College in Syracuse hosted a Covid-19 vaccine clinic in April.N. Scott Trimble | syracuse.com

New York — A vaccine mandate for kids ages 12 to 17 is possibility in New York, although the state isn’t there yet, Gov. Kathy Hochul said today.

“That is certainly an option,” Hochul said during a press conference in New York City. “I’m willing to take a look at all options.”

Hochul acknowledged some parents are anxious about the shots, but said getting kids vaccinated is the best way to protect them against Covid-19.

For now, Hochul wants to work on persuading parents that vaccinating their kids is the right choice. She said she’s hopeful they’ll listen.

But Hochul also said mandating vaccines for kids in schools is an action she’d consider if the state’s Covid numbers get worse. She doesn’t want to see a return to remote learning.

“I’m not letting the state go back there again,” she said. “I will take more actions if necessary.”

The Pfizer-BioNTech Covid vaccine has been fully approved for kids ages 16 and up. The shot has been approved for emergency use for kids ages 12 to 15.

State officials have said previously they can mandate shots once they are fully approved.

Vaccination rates among 12- to 17-year-olds lag other age groups, according to state data. So far, just half the kids in that age group are fully vaccinated. Other age groups range from nearly 60% fully vaccinated to over 80%.

Hochul announced a new campaign today to encourage more kids to get vaccinated. The state is planning a digital marketing campaign to push more shots, including a new website at ny.gov/vaxtoschool and an Instagram channel @VaccinateNY.

The state is planning pop-up vaccine sites aimed at kids and teens in areas with low vaccination rates. Mobile vaccine vans will head to places like basketball courts and parks as part of the new effort.

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