Philadelphia School District requires student-athletes to get vaxxed

The School District of Philadelphia will require proof of vaccination for student-athletes in grades 6-12 for the remainder of this school year.

What's happening: Students playing in winter sports must provide proof they've gotten fully vaccinated by Dec. 18, the district announced Friday.

• Those who plan to play spring sports have a March 1, 2022, deadline.

Details: Student-athletes will be tested twice a week until they can provide proof of vaccination.

• Those who don't comply with the vaccine requirements by deadline will be ineligible to participate in school sports until they're fully vaccinated.
• The district will accept exemptions for medical and religious reasons.

Between the lines: The district doesn't track how many students are vaccinated.

• District spokesperson Monica Lewis told Axios officials should have some vaccination figures for student-athletes in December.

What they're saying: "Requiring student-athletes to get fully vaccinated will reduce the need to quarantine teams, which will also prevent the cancellation of games, practices and potentially entire seasons," William Hite, the school district's superintendent, said in a statement.

What's next: The district plans to host virtual informational sessions for families this Thursday, Nov. 4, and next Tuesday, Nov. 9., both from 5-6pm. To attend, visit the district's website.