COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates for California Students Aged 12 and up Being Considered: Official

Children arrive in line using physical distancing before getting their picture taken at picture day at St. Barnabas Catholic School during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scarborough, Ont., on Oct. 27, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Children aged 12 and older may have to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to school in California, the state’s top health official said Thursday.

While speaking at a news conference, Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly was asked about a potential statewide mandate for children returning to class. He said that no decision has been made yet for students but said officials are considering the move.