All DC students must get vaccinations in order to attend school in the fall, according to mayor Muriel Bowser

Mayor Muriel Bowser said that all D.C. kids, including those who attend private and charter schools, will need to be up to date on their shots and immunizations in order to start school in the fall.

Bowser announced Monday, in front of a big mobile vaccine clinic, that such clinics would go to neighborhoods and schools over the next several months to provide free vaccines to students who need them.

Among the usual immunizations are those against polio and measles. COVID-19 vaccination is necessary for students aged 16 and over, according to Bowser.

During the epidemic, many children skipped routine health appointments, according to Bowser during the news conference.

The District of Columbia has traditionally required pupils to have shots and immunizations in order to attend school, but Bowser has warned that the rule will be aggressively enforced this school year.

Bowser stated that if pupils are not vaccinated by the 20th day of the following school year, they will not be allowed to attend lessons, and no virtual option will be provided.

School-based health centers, in addition to mobile clinics, will provide free vaccines and immunizations.