Public school children in California will soon be required to get flu shots in order to attend class, becoming the first state in the United States to make the vaccine mandatory.
The new law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week, will take effect on January 1, 2023. It requires all children enrolled in public and private schools, from preschool through 12th grade, to get a flu shot each year.
The law makes an exception for children who have a medical condition that prevents them from getting vaccinated. Parents or guardians can also opt out of the requirement for religious or personal beliefs, but they must submit a form to the school.
California is the first state in the US to mandate flu shots for school children, but several other states are considering similar legislation. In 2019, New York City became the first major city in the country to require flu shots for all public school children.
The move to make flu shots mandatory in schools is driven by a desire to reduce the number of children who get sick with the flu each year. The flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches. In severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the flu because their immune systems are not fully developed. They are also more likely to spread the flu to others because they are more likely to be in close contact with other children.
Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent the flu. They are safe and effective, and they can significantly reduce the risk of getting the flu, being hospitalized for the flu, and dying from the flu.
The California law is a significant step forward in the effort to protect children from the flu. It is likely to lead to a decrease in the number of children who get sick with the flu each year, and it may also help to reduce the spread of the flu in the community.
Here are some additional facts about the flu and flu shots:
* The flu season typically runs from October to May.
* The flu virus is constantly changing, so it is important to get a flu shot every year.
* Flu shots are safe and effective for children and adults.
* Flu shots can reduce the risk of getting the flu by up to 60%.
* Flu shots can reduce the risk of being hospitalized for the flu by up to 80%.
* Flu shots can reduce the risk of dying from the flu by up to 50%.
If you have any questions about the flu or flu shots, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist..
