Dear Parent/Guardian:

What Families Need to Know About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Families, as you prepare your children for returning to school, the California Department of Education (CDE) and I urge you to add the COVID-19 vaccine to your child’s back-to-school checklist. By getting yourself and your eligible children vaccinated, it will ensure their safety and give you peace of mind.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and FREE! Vaccines are paid for with taxpayer dollars and will be given to ALL individuals living in the United States, regardless of insurance or immigration status. There is no need for any appointment since many school districts are holding walk-in clinics for staff, students, and families. Vaccines are also available at retail locations, community clinics, and elsewhere.

If you need time off from work to get a vaccine or to recover or care for a recovering family member, most are protected by California law to do so.

Nationwide, 99 percent of recent deaths from COVID-19 are among unvaccinated people.

Visit https://myturn.ca.gov/ or call 1-833-422-4255 to make your appointment or find a walk-in clinic today.

The health and safety of our children are of the utmost importance as they return to in-person classrooms and a secure learning environment. Please help us protect every student by getting everyone vaccinated today. We encourage you and everyone in your family who is twelve and older to get vaccinated—it can save a life!

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction