COVID-19 Science and Vaccination Frequently Asked Questions

SFUSD highly encourages anyone who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated before school starts, and is partnering with healthcare and community providers to make vaccines accessible and free for SFUSD families. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in San Francisco at sf.gov/covidvaccine. Visit SFUSD's COVID-19 vaccine webpage for a calendar of vaccination events and see which vaccines are offered at each site. 

Per state law, all students should also be up to date on all other vaccines required for school before attending. If the school does not yet have your child’s immunization record, or your child receives additional vaccinations, please bring the updated vaccination record to your child’s school. Information about health requirements for school is available on the SFUSD website.

SFUSD is requiring all staff to report their vaccination status. The district is actively promoting all who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated and is partnering with healthcare and community providers to make vaccines accessible and free for SFUSD staff and families. All school-based personnel who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 must test at least once weekly. 

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in San Francisco at sf.gov/covidvaccine. Visit SFUSD's COVID-19 vaccine webpage for a calendar of vaccination events, which vaccines are offered at each site, and the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccines. 

SFUSD requires all service providers to be fully vaccinated. Those who qualify for a medical or religious exemption must have a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of the first time entering a school, then weekly thereafter. In addition, all service providers must follow San Francisco Department of Public Health guidelines. Service providers can learn more about these requirements at the MOU information page, and review the vaccination FAQs for service providers for more information.

SFUSD is not mandating students to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

To protect the privacy and confidential health information of students and staff, SFUSD is unable to share detailed information about vaccination records. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

• Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
• Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
• Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads.

Learn more about the potential for associated long-term health impacts of COVID-19 in children. 

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