Los Angeles Unified COVID-19 Testing Program

NEW RESPONSE TESTING PROTOCOL

Following the guidance of our medical advisors and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – and subject to changes to County Health Officer Orders – beginning Monday, June 13, 2022 and continuing for the new school year, Los Angeles Unified will implement a “response testing” protocol: 

Instead of requiring every student and employee to test weekly with a PCR test, only those who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or who have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive, will be required to test. (Students and employees at Early Education and Care programs will continue to test weekly with PCR testing through the end of their school year, which is June 30, 2022.) All testing will be conducted with take-home rapid antigen tests, which are available for students and employees at your school or worksite. All school campuses will also continue to use the Daily Pass portal for daily health screening questions, monitoring rapid antigen test results and to notify individuals if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive. 

TESTING TO RELEASE FROM ISOLATION

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and you are asymptomatic, you may wish to take a rapid antigen test on or after Day 5 of your isolation period to return early to work or school. Rapid antigen tests are available at symptomatic testing locations until Thursday, June 30th, or from your school or worksite. A photo of the test result must be uploaded onto the Daily Pass and include the individual's full name, date of birth, and date of test on a separate piece of paper, visible in the photo. Test results will be reviewed for approval by the Community Engagement team.

Los Angeles Unified COVID-19 Vaccination Initiative

STUDENT VACCINATION REQUIREMENT

The science is clear – vaccinations are an essential part of protection against COVID-19. Students are encouraged to receive their vaccinations. Los Angeles Unified has delayed its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students 12+ until at least July 1, 2023, in alignment with the state's implementation timeline.

At this time, booster shots are not required for students, but are strongly encouraged for anyone eligible. Pfizer boosters are available for eligible students at our Los Angeles Unified COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Students and families that have questions or concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine requirement are encouraged to call our family hotline at 213-443-1300 and review our Frequently Asked Questions.

VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS AGES 5-11

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-old children. We are delighted to be able to offer voluntary vaccine access to students in this age group. The COVID-19 vaccine is highly encouraged for children ages 5-11. 

Almost all of the LA Unified vaccine clinics have doses available for 5-11 year olds!