Adopted April 2022 – Health & Community Concerns Commission
California State PTA is committed to making sure that families and the public have scientifically accurate information about the virus and how to control its spread. PTA has responded to the state’s disruption and ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by providing resources and information to our members across the state. PTA’s priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all students, educators, staff and families.
California State PTA supports the use of vaccines to protect the health and safety of children, families, caregivers, and guardians. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, immunizations are a safe, effective way to protect children from disease, including some cancers, as well as hospitalization, disability, and death. Numerous diseases such as polio, smallpox, measles, and Ebola have been eliminated or controlled through immunizations.
California State PTA believes any vaccinations and COVID-19 treatments must be authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for children and families. Vaccines not only protect those inoculated, but also those who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccines save millions of lives each year.
California State PTA believes that testing, wearing of masks, physical distancing, vaccinations, and access to medical services are all important components in controlling the virus. Equitable and adequate access to these resources for all children and families is crucial.
Misinformation hinders the fight against COVID-19, and California State PTA is committed to providing our members with up-to-date science-based information. PTA believes good public health messaging to our communities in a language which they can understand and in a multitude of culturally sensitive formats is key to reaching all families.
The pandemic shut down of schools has shown that most of our students learn best in a school environment. Vaccinations are an important tool in ensuring that schools can remain open for in-person instruction while protecting the health and safety of our students, staff and family members. Not every child is able to attend school in person, and California State PTA is committed to advocating that equivalent quality learning opportunities are available for all students.
School districts must be provided adequate funding to cover testing, masks, cleaning supplies and other materials necessary to protect students and staff. Protecting staff and students also includes their social and emotional wellbeing. California State PTA believes that schools and communities need to provide adequate mental health supports to school staff and students to meet their needs.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
California Department of Public Health:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/DCDC.aspx
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/K-12-Guidance-2021-22-School-Year.aspx#
Stanford Children’s Health: https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/
