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Frequently Asked Questions
Los Angeles Unified will update our COVID-19 site as more information becomes available. The following are frequently asked questions for families and employees about COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and the Daily Pass web app.
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SPRING 2022 POLICIESPlease note Los Angeles Unified updated these guidelines on May 4, 2022. Los Angeles Unified will continue to collaborate with our health partners at the county and state levels, as well as our panel of medical experts and university partners. We also continue to review updates to county, state and federal guidance on a daily basis, and we may adjust policies accordingly.
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Who will be required to participate in COVID-19 testing starting the Spring 2022 semester?
All students and employees will participate in baseline and weekly testing, regardless of vaccination status. Individuals who have recovered from laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 within the last 90 days are not required to test.
COVID-19 testing is conducted once per week at schools during the school day by a mobile testing team; parents do not have to make an appointment for those tests. If a student is not tested by the weekly mobile team due to absence or other reason, families should plan to take the student to any stationary testing site for a make-up test as soon as possible. -
Will stationary testing sites continue to be open for the Spring semester?
Yes, stationary testing sites will continue to operate for employees or students who wish to make an appointment to be tested. Stationary testing sites will be open from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Symptomatic testing appointments will also continue to be offered at select stationary sites for anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or for those who need a rapid antigen test to be released from isolation early.
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Will masking be required for the Spring 2022 semester?
Indoor masking is strongly recommended, but not required, for all employees, students and visitors at Los Angeles Unified elementary, secondary and adult school campuses and in all non-school locations (including school buses and vans), with some exceptions. This guidance also applies to Expanded Transitional Kindergarten/Preschool Collaborative Classrooms (ETK/PCC). This guidance does not apply to students, employees, and visitors at EECs, EECPCCs, CSPPs, Infant Centers, and PALS classrooms; indoor masking is still required for all individuals in those settings.
Effective May 4, 2022, all individuals who are identified as close contacts are required to wear a highly protective mask indoors at school for 10 days after the last date of exposure. Students with mask accomodations who are identified as a close contact must quarantine at home for 10 days following last date of exposure. -
What information should I include with the at-home antigen test when uploading on Daily Pass?
We ask that you include the following information: student name, date of birth, test type, test date, and test result (positive/negative).
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If my school was supposed to start on January 10, when is the new last day of the spring semester?
The last day of school for all Los Angeles Unified campuses is now Friday, June 10. You can see the updated calendar here: achieve.lausd.net/calendar
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Where can staff and students pick up surgical-grade masks?
Disposable masks will be provided for students or staff on request. They may obtain one at the entry of their campus.
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What happens if my student is exposed to a positive individual while at school?
If your student is identified as a close contact from an in-school exposure, and is not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, they will be able to come to school and participate in all before and after-school activities. They must participate in the weekly testing at their school site, monitor for symptoms, and are required to wear a highly protective mask at school for 10 days following exposure.
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COVID SAFETY PROTOCOLS
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What is the distinction between isolation and quarantine?
Health authorities require those who have tested positive for COVID-19 to complete an “isolation” period; those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 may be required to complete a “quarantine” period. In practice, isolation and quarantine both mean to stay home and stay separated from others who have not been exposed to COVID-19.
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What should I do if I or anyone in my household has COVID-19 like symptoms?
If you or anyone in your household has COVID-19 symptoms, it is important schedule a COVID-19 test at one of the "symptomatic sites" within LA Unified (see achieve.lausd.net/covid to find a site closest to you). The person with symptoms should self-quarantine pending the test results because COVID-19 is very contagious. That individual should also separate themselves from everyone in their household, so they do not transmit the virus to any family members in the home. They should wear a mask and social distance, if they must be in the same room as a household member. Follow hand hygiene recommendations and avoid sharing any personal items.
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What happens if an employee or student tests positive for the virus?
If a student or employee tests positive, the following instructions will be given:
If they tested positive at a non-LA Unified site, be sure the test result is uploaded into the Daily Pass.
Stay home until at least five days have passed since symptoms first appeared and there is no fever for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Symptoms such as shortness of breath and cough should also improve before going back to a school site. Anyone who has a condition that severely weakens the immune system may need to stay home for longer and should consult with their healthcare provider.
The student or the employee should take a rapid antigen COVID-19 test on day five (the day the student or employee tests positive is day zero). If they test negative on that test, have not had a fever for at least 24 hours, and have improving symptoms, they may return to school or work. Rapid antigen tests can be obtained at any LAUSD symptomatic testing site. Visit achieve.lausd.net/covid for to see the closest location.
If a student or staff who tests positive is asymptomatic, they still must stay home for at least five days after the positive test result and test negative on a rapid antigen test taken on day five.
If the test on the 5th day is positive, and/or they are still symptomatic, they should stay home for 10 calendar days.
After completing the isolation period and meeting the above criteria, the student or employee will receive clearance via the Daily Pass to return.
If the individual does not take a test and they remain asymptomatic, they can return after day 10.
Employees and students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and completed their isolation period should not take another COVID-19 PCR test for 90 days because of the possibility of a false-positive result.
Please see a graphic that outlines the isolation protocols: Download PDF | Spanish | Armenian | Korean. -
If I test positive for COVID-19, can I take another test to confirm?
If you tested positive on a rapid at-home antigen test, you can take a PCR test to confirm the result. Between taking those two tests, however, you must continue to isolate at home. Note that employees who test positive on an at-home antigen test are required to take a confirmatory PCR test.
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I was tested for COVID-19 at a non-Los Angeles Unified site, and tested positive. What should I do?
As per LA County, Department of Public Health reporting requirements, if you test positive at a COVID-19 testing site outside the Los Angeles Unified testing program, you should notify your school principal or supervisor that you will not report to work for at least 5 days from the date of your test or according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. You should also submit a copy of your test result to in the Daily Pass by selecting “Submit External Test Results” at https://dailypass.lausd.net.
The date of your test is day 0, day 1 of isolation period is the day following the test date. You should self- isolate according to the LA Department of Public Health’s guidelines and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
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Does an employee or student who tested positive need to take another test before returning to work or school?
Employees and students who tested positive can take a rapid (antigen) test on day 5 after their positive test. If this test is negative and they are asymptomatic, they can return to school or work on day 6. If they test positive, they should isolate for the full 10 day period after the initial positive test. Visit achieve.lausd.net/covid for more information on locations where rapid antigen testing is available.
Employees and students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and completed their isolation period should not take another PCR COVID-19 test for 90 days because of the possibility of a false-positive result. An individual who has recovered from COVID-19 may have low levels of virus in their bodies for up to three months and may continue to test positive although they are not contagious. After completing the isolation period and receiving clearance in the Daily Pass, students/employees should return to work or school.
More information is available here:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/end-home-isolation.html
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What is a āclose contactā to a case and what does it mean to be a close contact?
A close contact is a person who shared the same indoor airspace at school with the infected person during the infectious period for 15 cumulative minutes or more over a 24-hour period. In large indoor airspaces, close contacts may be limited to 1) those in a pre-defined or identifiable group (e.g. teammates, club members, cohort, etc.) or 2) those within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 cumulative minutes or more over a 24-hour period. Persons with an outdoor exposure at school are not considered close contacts.
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What is considered the first day of quarantine?
Day 0 is the last day the close contact was exposed to the positive individual. Day 1 is the first day of isolation or quarantine, following the date of close contact.
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What should an employee do if a member of their household tests positive?
Because all employees are fully vaccinated, they are exempt from quarantine procedures if they are a close contact. They should wear a well-fitting surgical style mask for 10 days following exposure, monitor for symptoms, and test regularly.
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What should I do if my child is in close contact with someone outside of school who is positive for COVID-19?
If your child is identified as a close contact of a positive individual, they can continue to attend school as long as they monitor for symptoms, wear a highly protective mask for 10 days after the last date of exposure, and continue weekly COVID-19 testing.
If your child recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days, they are exempt from testing, but are required to monitor for symptoms and wear a mask for 10 days following exposure.
If your child develops any COVID-19 symptoms, you should call your healthcare provider immediately and make arrangements for your child to be tested for COVID-19. -
Do household members of close contacts have to take the same precautions?
No, household members of identified close contacts do not have to take the same precautions, as long as they are not experiencing symptoms.
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What determines if a class will close, or a school will close because of an outbreak?
The LA County Department of Public Health will conduct an investigation and make a determination if a school or class should close due to an outbreak.
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Will I know about an outbreak in my student's school?
To see positive cases at a school site, families can access their school’s COVID Testing Report Card. This Report Card is updated daily and can be accessed here: https://achieve.lausd.net/covidreportcard
Principals will communicate all necessary information to the school community, in accordance with LA County Department of Public Health guidelines.
An outbreak is a specific event of multiple, linked cases that is determined in partnership with the LA County Department of Public Health. If an outbreak is identified, principals and the school's Compliance Task Force will follow specific protocols to inform the school community.
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Who is in the Community Engagement team?
The Community Engagement team is composed of nurses and administrative staff. If employees or parents have questions related to a positive result, potential exposure, or symptoms of COVID, they can email the Community Engagement team directly at CE@lausd.net.
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RAPID ANTIGEN TEST GUIDANCE
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When does the District accept rapid antigen test results?
Rapid antigen tests are most commonly used to release someone in isolation to return to school or work, after they've had a PCR-confirmed positive case to return to school or work. LA Unified families and employees who tested positive on a PCR test and want to end their isolation period before the 10th day can obtain a rapid antigen test at any LAUSD symptomatic testing location. Rapid antigen tests should be taken 5 or more days after the initial positive test was taken.
Employees must have their rapid antigen test administered and/or read at a symptomatic testing site in order to be released from isolation. Per CalOSHA, employee rapid tests cannot be both self-administered and self-read.
Students can either visit a symptomatic testing site to have a rapid test administered, or to pick up a rapid test kit to administer at home. If administering at home, students must upload a photo of the test result into the Daily Pass. The photo of the result must include the student's full legal name, date of birth and test date, handwritten on the test or a separate piece of paper. The Community Engagement team will review this test and approve or deny it within 24-48 hours. Once cleared, the student can return to school or work.
Note that rapid antigen tests may not be used in lieu of weekly PCR testing. If an employee reports a positive result on a rapid antigen test, they will be directed to a District testing site for a confirmatory PCR test. New student enrollees, as well students returning from school break periods like Spring Recess, are allowed to use a rapid antigen test to enter school but must get a PCR test within three days in order to continue generating a Daily Pass. -
Where can I pick up an at-home rapid self test?
LA Unified is administering at-home rapid tests at symptomatic testing sites to employees and students who have tested positive for COVID-19, are asymptomatic, and wish to test on or after Day 5 of their isolation period to return early to work or school. Individuals should bring a copy of their positive result to the testing site.
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What happens if an employee or student tests positive on the at-home rapid self-test?
If you receive a positive result on an at-home test, please upload a photo of the test result onto the Daily Pass with your full legal name, date of birth and test date, handwritten on the test or a separate piece of paper. The Community Engagement team will review this test and approve or deny it within 24-48 hours. You should isolate using the following practices: bit.ly/32TCtLF.
Note that the day you took the rapid test is "day 0" of your isolation period. You can get cleared to return to school or work on day 5 if you test negative on a follow up rapid test and do not have symptoms. If you test positive on the follow up rapid test, you must remain in isolation for 10 full days after the initial test.
You will be exempt from weekly PCR testing at school for 90 days after the initial test.
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My at-home test was negative after the initial 5 day isolation period, now what?
Make sure that a photo of the result is uploaded to the Daily Pass alongside a separate piece of paper that lists your full legal name, date of birth and test date. The Community Engagement team will clear you to return to school or work within 24-48 hours.
If you take the test at an LAUSD testing site, the testing team can automatically upload the result onto your Daily Pass account. -
My at-home test was positive after the initial 5 day isolation period, now what?
You should complete a 10 day isolation period. Day 0 is the day you took the test where you received your first positive result. After you complete the full 10 day isolation period at home, there is no need to test or submit a test result in order to return to work or school; you will be automatically cleared to return on Day 11.
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What if I take an at-home test and get a positive result, but take a PCR test and receive a negative result?
If the negative test is taken within 48 hours from the positive at-home test and you are asymptomatic, you will not need to isolate. You will continue to participate in weekly testing. If you are symptomatic, you will follow current isolation protocol.
If the negative PCR test is taken after the 48-hour window, please consult with your primary doctor for further evaluation.
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Is it safe to use a rapid antigen test kit with an expired date?
The use of test kits beyond their expiration date is endorsed by the California Department of Public Health. For more information on the emergency extension of expiration dates, please click here.
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STUDENT VACCINATION REQUIREMENTPlease note Los Angeles Unified updated these guidelines on May 11, 2022. Los Angeles Unified will continue to collaborate with our health partners at the county and state levels, as well as our panel of medical experts and university partners. We also continue to review updates to county, state and federal guidance on a daily basis, and we may adjust policies accordingly.
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Can my student 12 and older still attend in-person school if they do not get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, your child can attend in-person school this and next school year regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. Los Angeles Unified has delayed its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students until at least July 1, 2023, in alignment with the state’s implementation timeline.
All eligible students are still strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
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How much will the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all at no cost, regardless of insurance or immigration status.
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Where can I take my student to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Unvaccinated students are encouraged to visit one of five vaccine site options: City, County, or Federal Clinics; family pediatricians, local pharmacies and other healthcare providers; Los Angeles Unified Student Health & Human Services school-based clinics; Los Angeles Unified mobile or stationary pop-up vaccine clinics; and Los Angeles Unified's community partner clinics stationed on school campuses. You can see more information on the school-based options here: https://achieve.lausd.net/covid and the County options at http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/hcwsignup/.
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How do I make an appointment for my child who is 5-11 years old?
Families can schedule a vaccine appointment at dailypass.lausd.net. Information about the clinics will be available at https://achieve.lausd.net/studentvaccine.
You can also locate appointments through Los Angeles County at bit.ly/LACountyVaxSites. Families can upload their vaccination cards onto the Daily Pass at dailypass.lausd.net. -
Can my student participate in in-person extracurricular activities (eg sports, after school programs, district sponsored events) if they are not fully vaccinated?
Yes. Effective May 11, 2022, students who are not fully vaccinated are permitted to participate in in-person extracurricular activities (including all sports, after school programs and district sponsored events).
Los Angeles Unified has delayed its COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students until at least July 1, 2023, in alignment with the state’s implementation timeline.
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Is Los Angeles Unified offering or requiring boosters for students?
At this time, booster shots are not required for students, but are strongly encouraged for anyone 12 and over. Pfizer boosters are available for eligible 12+ year-old students at our Los Angeles Unified COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Appointments are available through the Daily Pass. For vaccine clinic locations, please log on to achieve.lausd.net/covidvaccineappt.
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What if my student got vaccinated in another country?
If a student got vaccinated in another country, please submit the vaccination record to community engagement at CE@lausd.net for verification.
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Does my student need to carry their vaccine card with them at all times?
No. Students should upload their vaccine card and information into the Daily Pass. Instructions for how to upload can be found here.
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What does āFully-Vaccinatedā mean?
“Fully-vaccinated” refers to an individual who has received the first and second doses of the vaccine (or, in the case of Johnson & Johnson, the single required dose) and has completed the two-week period that follows to ensure maximum immunity.
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What do I do if I have lost my vaccination card?
If a student has lost their vaccine record, they can get a digital record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.
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Who can my child talk to if they have concerns?
If a child has concerns, they can talk to their pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can also talk to the school nurse assigned to their school.
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What if my child has a reaction to the vaccine and has to stay home from school?
Most common reactions to the vaccine include redness/swelling at the vaccine site, fever and muscle aches/body aches. Most symptoms resolve within 48-72 hours. If a child has a reaction to the vaccine, they may take excused absences with the ability to make up their schoolwork for full credit.
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Do parents or guardians need to accompany students to be vaccinated?
Student 5-11 require a parent or guardian to be present at each vaccination dose. Parents and guardians do not need to accompany students 12-17 to be vaccinated. However, parents and guardians are welcome to accompany students for their vaccination, or to designate a responsible adult to accompany their child, and parents and guardians are encouraged to do so if they wish to be vaccinated themselves.
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Do students need parental consent to be vaccinated?
Yes. With limited exceptions for emancipated minors and others legally permitted to self-consent, students age 12-17 will not be vaccinated without written consent from a parent or legal guardian. Los Angeles Unified’s vaccination consent form for minors can be found here. Students age 5-11 require a parent or guardian to be present at each vaccination dose.
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If my child has already had COVID-19, do they still need to be vaccinated? Why?
While getting COVID-19 may offer some natural immunity from reinfection, it is not clear how long the immunity lasts. Because your child can still get reinfected with COVID-19 and have medical complications, the CDC recommends that those who have had COVID-19 get the COVID-19 vaccine. If your child received monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19, it is recommended to wait 90 days before getting vaccinated.
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What is acceptable proof of COVID-19 vaccination for the Daily Pass and Los Angeles Unified's verification process?
Acceptable proof includes any of the following: CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (White Card), World Health Organication Vaccine Record Card (Yellow Card), documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider or entity that provided the COVID-19 vaccines, or a California Immunization Registry Vaccination Record. The name on the document must match the individual's name.
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EMPLOYEE VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
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Will the District require employees to be vaccinated?
In order to both protect the health and safety of all students and employees, all Los Angeles Unified employees reporting to work in person are required to be fully vaccinated and upload their vaccine verification into the Daily Pass. Booster shots are not part of the employee vaccination requirement at this time but are strongly recommended.
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What does āFully-Vaccinatedā mean?
“Fully-vaccinated” refers to an individual who has received the first and second doses of the vaccine (or, in the case of Johnson & Johnson, the single required dose) and has completed the two-week period that follows to ensure maximum immunity.
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Will the District allow employees time for getting vaccinated, for vaccine reaction, and protect the notification/privacy of appointments and vaccination status?
Employees will:
- Be allowed to be vaccinated during their workday (up to three hours) including travel time.
- Be allowed time for vaccine reaction, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Be allowed to submit verifiable vaccination documentation from a health care provider.
- Be allowed to take up to three hours during their work day to take a dependent to be vaccinated.
- Notify their supervisor one day ahead (and secure a substitute if applicable) if they are scheduling an appointment during their workday.
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What if an employee refuses to be vaccinated due to a disability/medical condition or sincerely held religious belief?
Although the District is requiring vaccines for employees, the District will still engage in an interactive process to determine if a reasonable accommodation exists to permit an employee to continue working who cannot take the vaccine due to disability or sincerely held religious belief.
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Do I have to be vaccinated if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Although, currently, there is no contraindication to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy or if a person is breastfeeding, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor to determine whether or not you qualify for a medical exemption.
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When will employees receive educational information about the vaccines and vaccination process?
Vaccination information is available at https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/17454. Additionally, an informational video about the COVID-19 Vaccination is available on MyPLN (keyword: Covid Vaccine), where the District’s Medical Director shares information about the COVID-19 vaccine.
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How will the District address concerns from individuals who are vaccine-hesitant?
Educational materials and resources are available in the District’s website at http://achieve.lausd.net/covidvaccine. In addition, the Los Angeles Unified Medical Director will provide clear information about the vaccine through a MyPLN course (keyword: COVID Vaccine).
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What is the reasonable accommodation process that will be followed?
The process is outlined in LAUSD Policy Bulletin BUL-4569.1.
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Do I have to be vaccinated if I have already had COVID-19?
Yes, you are still required to get vaccinated to be fully protected against getting COVID-19. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, it is recommended you get the vaccination as soon as your isolation is over, and your symptoms are gone.
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Must employees utilize the Daily Pass to verify their vaccination status?
Yes. Employees who did not receive both doses of their vaccine through the District must upload any external vaccine verification through the Daily Pass. Attachment A provides a job aid on how to upload the external vaccine verification.
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What are the consequences of an employee failing to comply with the vaccine requirement?
The District may take disciplinary action, including but not limited to placement on unpaid leave and/or separation from service.
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Will there be a waiver for those on Leaves of Absences and not at work, such as an employee who is out on parental bonding time?
All mandated leaves remain in effect and any waivers for those on Leaves of Absences will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
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Are Los Angeles Unified employees required to take time off to receive the vaccination or do so outside of work hours?
Employees may receive the vaccine and accompany their child to receive the vaccine during paid working hours.
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Must Los Angeles Unified on-campus volunteers be vaccinated?
Yes, all on-campus volunteers must upload proof of full vaccination to the LAUSD Daily Pass. Please visit https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/10443 for more information about the Volunteer Program and view the steps to upload vaccination information to the Daily Pass here.
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Do employees get additional time off for booster shots?
Yes, employees may use up to 3 hours of MSND for their 3rd shot/booster.
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What is the District's implementation timeline for this policy?
Employees, partners, contractors and other adults who provide services on District property must receive one dose of the vaccine by October 15, 2021 to continue to report to work, and not be subject to separation from District service as long as they receive the second dose by November 15, 2021.
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ACCESSING THE VACCINE
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Will Los Angeles Unified administer vaccines?
Los Angeles Unified has partnered with a number of community clinics to administer vaccinations to eligible community members at school sites. Community clinic vaccination schedules can be found at: https://achieve.lausd.net/Page/17638
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How do I make an appointment to get vaccinated?
If you are a community member, staff person, parent, or guardian, you can make an appointment by calling our vaccine hotline at (213) 328-3958 or by walking onto any of the community vaccination sites.
When the LA Unified vaccination program is running, students can make an appointment for a vaccine at their school by logging into dailypass.lausd.net using their single sign on. A job aid for those appointments can be seen here.
Information about all of the sites and their hours of operation can be found at achieve.lausd.net/covidvaccineappt.
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What vaccine will Los Angeles Unified provide?
Both the LA Unified sites and the community clinic operated sites offer Pfizer for youth. Moderna is offered at some of the community clinic sites.
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Are COVID-19 vaccines free?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are absolutely free to the recipient – not even an insurance copay will be charged. You can choose to provide your insurance information when you schedule your appointment.
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Who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
Everyone age 5 and over in LA County is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
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What do I need to bring to my vaccine appointment?
When a student makes an appointment for a vaccine at their school site through the Daily Pass, a QR code is generated. They will receive a confirmation email with an attached permission form that must be signed by their parent and must be brought to the school at the appointment time. The student must also print-out the QR code or have it on their phone and available at the time of check-in.
For Students: Minors age 5 to 11 must have a parent or guardian present with them in order to be vaccinated. A vaccination consent form is required for all minors ages 5 to 17 at each visit, unless a parent or guardian is present.
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VACCINE SAFETY AND SCIENCE
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Why should I vaccinate my child if cases are low and children aren't severely impacted by COVID-19?
Vaccinating students age 5 and over is an important part of creating the safest possible environment at schools, and protects the student's family members.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that as of April 2022, almost 13 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic. COVID-19 cases among children spiked dramatically during the Omicron variant winter surge, peaking at 1,150,000 cases reported in one week. For the week ending April 28th, over 53,000 additional child COVID-19 cases were reported, an increase of about 61% from two weeks prior. It is important to get young people vaccinated to prevent new cases from increasing, starting with our 5 to 18-year-olds. -
Are the vaccines safe for youth?
Tens of millions of children and teens ages 5 through 17 years have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Through continued safety monitoring, COVID-19 vaccination has been found safe for children and teens.
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What side effects are seen in adolescents?
Side effects for young people are similar to those experienced by adults which could include a sore arm, fever, fatigue, chills, headache, and nausea. Some experience more symptoms than others while others have none.
As with any other vaccine, medical experts state that mild symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity and it is important to remember that the vaccines have proven to be safe and effective for all of us.
It is important for those who receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines to return for their second dose in order to gain the full protection the vaccines have to offer.
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Why is the vaccine only for adolescents 5 and over? When do you expect vaccines to be available for younger children?
Vaccine trials and approvals commonly begin with older, more vulnerable populations then extend to younger ages. Both Pfizer and Moderna are seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for their respective COVID-19 vaccines from the FDA. Pfizer is seeking EUA for its vaccine for children 6 months to 4 years of age, Moderna for children 6 months through 17 years of age. The FDA has tentative meetings set up in June 2022 to discuss these EUAs.
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Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No. According to the CDC, “None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.” It is important to have trustworthy and accurate information about COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html.
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After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
No. According to the CDC, “Neither the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.ā” Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
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Where can I get trusted information about COVID-19 vaccines in general?
Trustworthy and factual information is available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
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Where can I get trusted information about COVID-19 vaccines for youth?
You can read more about vaccines for 12-18 year-olds from the California Department of Health. You can read their FAQ for parents in English or Spanish.
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Do I need two vaccinations?
Currently, individuals who receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine need two doses to be considered fully vaccinated. To be considered up to date with the vaccine, a booster dose is needed and can be received at least 5 months after the 2nd dose. Students 5-17 are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccination. The booster vaccine is only authorized for those 12 years of age and older for Pfizer, 18 years of age and older for Moderna. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine can be received by those 18 years of age and above. A single dose of the primary series of Johnson and Johnson vaccine followed by a booster dose at least 2 months later is needed to be considered up to date.
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LOS ANGELES UNIFIED'S TESTING PROGRAM
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What are testing requirements for newly enrolling students or students transferring to a new school, before accessing campus?
New student enrollees are encouraged to make an appointment for a PCR test at a stationary testing site within 7 days of starting at their new school.
Rapid antigen test results are acceptable for admitting new student enrollees on their new school start date. However, the student must take a PCR test within three days of their first day at the school or they will be prevented from generating a Daily Pass.
After enrolling, all new students will participate in weekly PCR testing on campus. Rapid antigen tests will not be accepted in lieu of weekly PCR testing after the student is enrolled. -
Why is Los Angeles Unified conducting its own COVID-19 testing?
The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to providing high-quality, in-person education in the 2021-22 school year in a manner that safeguards the health of students, teachers and staff. To ensure the safest environment possible, Los Angeles Unified is working with a group of stakeholders and partners who are experts in their respective fields to conduct regular COVID-19 testing and community engagement for employees and students. Stationary test sites and mobile teams will continue to provide regular COVID testing for all students and employees, regardless of vaccination status.
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How often will the students and staff who work on campus be tested for COVID?
All students and staff must have a baseline test within 14 days before they return to campuses and District facilities. Upon the start of the school year, periodic testing will be conducted. This periodic testing will be conducted during the school day by a mobile team; parents do not have to schedule those tests. If a student is not tested by the weekly mobile team due to absence or other reason, families should plan to take the student to any stationary testing site for a make-up test as soon as possible.
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What if a student does not want to participate in the testing program?
Students who do not wish to participate in the COVID-19 testing program will not be permitted to return to school in-person, and may enroll in the District's online independent study program offered through City of Angels.
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Will Early Childhood Education and Adult School students and staff be part of the testing program?
Yes, all Los Angeles Unified students and staff are included in the program, regardless of age or grade level.
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What will happen if my child is absent on the day testing is scheduled?
If a child is absent on their school's weekly testing day, the test should be rescheduled at any stationary testing site as soon as possible by visiting the Parent Portal and logging into the dailypass.lausd.net.
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Do infants participating in the Districtās infant care program need to get tested?
Yes. There is no age limit as to who can be tested.
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Will my test results be shared with any other entities and/or agencies?
Any information shared with outside parties will be in full compliance with privacy laws and only with consent from any participant in the testing program.
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Why do vaccinated staff and students have to participate in periodic testing?
All in-person students and staff will have to participate in baseline and periodic testing, regardless of vaccination status. Testing is an additional layer of protection for all students and staff.
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Can my supervisor ask to see my test results?
No. A test result is personal health information and is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and an individual does not have to disclose test results.
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Will students and staff in independent charter schools be part of the program?
Students and staff of independent charters may be included in the program if the charter school has elected to participate. Otherwise, charter schools will need conduct their own testing and health screening program.
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Can I talk to someone who speaks Spanish if I have any questions?
Yes, please contact the Help Desk at 213-443-1300 and press 2 for Spanish.
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Can a relative or friend of a student get tested for COVID-19?
To ensure a safe return to School, the District is prioritizing student and employee testing. If appointments are available, a parent can schedule an appointment to test with their child. Please note that we are prioritizing student and employee testing for the 2 weeks prior to the start of the school year.
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WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN SCHEDULING AND TAKING A LOS ANGELES UNIFIED COVID TEST
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What is the testing process for employees and students who have made an appointment at a stationary site?
The testing process is simple. You can make an appointment at dailypass.lausd.net, using a phone or computer (including the one Los Angeles Unified has provided), at one of the many schools where testing is being provided. You can also call the Family Help Desk to make an appointment at (213) 443-1300.
There’s a quick check-in upon arrival at the testing site and a clinician will be there to help oversee the process.
The test is free and you’ll receive the test result within 24-36 hours via text and email.
All results are kept confidential and stored in a separate, secure database. Information will be shared only with the appropriate scientists, administrators and health authorities.
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Will I be able to choose the kind of COVID-19 test I receive?
While we recommend the use of nasal swabs, anyone can request a saliva test at all test sites if they prefer. Both tests are what’s known as PCR tests, the gold standard for COVID-19 testing.
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Who is conducting the testing?
Los Angeles Unified has contracted with SummerBio and Pandemic Response Laboratory (PRL) to provide test kits and lab services. Infiniti Health and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare provide trained staff and mobile testing teams to conduct testing at school sites.
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How much does testing cost?
There is no charge to Los Angeles Unified students or employees for COVID-19 testing.
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What safety precautions are being taken during the testing process?
Los Angeles Unified will follow precautions prescribed by public health agencies. All testing staff will perform hand hygiene before testing and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
All PPE and other testing-related materials will be properly disposed of once testing is completed, followed by additional hand hygiene.
Hand sanitizer is available to everyone who participates in testing, and the testing team has access to a handwashing facility with soap and water
The District conducts regular safety audits of testing sites that include inspections by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and other staff to ensure proper procedures and protocols are being followed. -
Is consent required for the COVID-19 test?
Employees and students must provide consent before testing can be conducted. Students who are at least 18 can provide their own consent. A parent/guardian must provide consent for students younger than 18. An online consent form will be provided as part of the appointment process.
Families must also consent to the periodic testing that will occur on their child's school during the school day. Consents can be modified at dailypass.lausd.net.
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Can an employee or student be tested by their own healthcare provider?
Yes. The test must be a PCR type test and taken within 14 days of an employee returning to their in-person assignment. Results must be valid and submitted within 3 days of taking the test. Employees and families upload their test results at dailypass.lausd.net.
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As an LA Unified employee, can I return to work after taking a test?
For those at school sites, a baseline negative test is needed before reporting to work. After the baseline has been established, staff should return to their assigned work sites while they await test results.
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How long does it take to receive test results?
Test results should be available in 24-36 hours after the test is taken.
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What should I do if my test result is inconclusive, invalid or if I donāt receive a result within 2 days?
You should schedule an appointment for a new test as soon as possible at dailypass.lausd.net.
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Where can I find my childās student ID since I need to enter their Student ID to schedule an appointment?
You can access the student ID in the Parent Portal, Schoology, report cards, Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and letters sent to parents from Student Integration Services, also known as reference numbers, for the following eChoices programs: - Permits With Transportation (PWT) - Magnet - PSMCP (Priority School Matriculate Choice Program, which replaces NCLB).
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If Iām symptomatic can I get a COVID-19 test at the school to enter the campus?
If you are symptomatic, please log on to make an appointment at Dailypass.lausd.net. During the booking process, answer “Yes” to “Symptomatic as defined by CDC?” The booking application will route you to test locations that allow for appointments for persons that are symptomatic or exposed to someone with a positive test.
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Can I call the help desk and ask them to schedule an appointment for me over the phone?
Yes. Families can call (213) 443-1300 to schedule an appointment. Employees can call (213) 241-2700 for technical support when scheduling their own appointment. The helpdesk is open 6 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday for any questions about Los Angeles Unified and the coronavirus pandemic.
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If I miss my appointment, can I reschedule my test?
Yes. Please make sure you cancel your existing appointment using the link in the appointment confirmation email and then reschedule at dailypass.lausd.net.
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What if I am having trouble booking an appointment?
The Los Angeles Unified help desk can provide assistance with scheduling an appointment from 6 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Families can call (213) 443-1300 and staff can call (213) 241-2700.
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DAILY PASS
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What is the Daily Pass?
The Daily Pass is a one-stop-shop online tool for students, parents, employees and others who are regularly on campus. The Daily Pass allows individuals to schedule a COVID-19 test appointment, view test results, submit test records, schedule a vaccination appointment, submit vaccination records and generate a Daily Pass QR code, when they answer the Daily Health Check screening questions prior to arriving at school or a District office. In addition, parents are able to manage the consents for testing for their child within the Daily Pass.
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What is needed in order to enter a school or a District office?
In order to enter a school or a District office, employees, students, parents/guardians, and visitors must answer the Daily Health Check screening questions. Employees and students will need a negative COVID-19 test result within 14 days of returning to work or to school.In addition, all students and employees will need take a COVID test periodically.
All current employees and parent volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated in order to receive a Daily Pass QR code. -
What are the Daily Health Check screening questions?
The Daily Health Check screening questions ask individuals if they have COVID-19 related symptoms and if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
The Daily Pass also generates the QR code used to gain entry, if they pass the Daily Health Check and meet other safety criteria.
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Can anyone use the Daily Pass to schedule a COVID-19 test?
Employees, parents, students 18 years or older, and others who are regularly on campus can use the Daily Pass to schedule a COVID-19 test. Students younger than 18 years old must have their parent or guardian schedule COVID-19 test appointments. Household members can no longer schedule their test using the Daily Pass. Once an appointment has been scheduled on the Daily Pass, a confirmation email will be sent to the person making the appointment. This confirmation email should be shown at the time of check-in.
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Who can schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment on the Daily Pass?
When the vaccination program is running, eligible Los Angeles Unified employees and students can use the Daily Pass to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
When checking-in at the vaccination center, Los Angeles Unified staff must provide a valid government-issued ID (example: California driver’s license, California identification, passport). In addition, when an appointment is made through Daily Pass, an appointment confirmation email with a QR code is generated. The QR code must be available at the time of check-in either printed or on a device or phone.
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Who can get a Daily Pass QR code?
Employees and students who have a recent negative COVID-19 test result and indicate that they are symptom-free and not exposed to a known COVID-19 case can get a Daily Pass QR code to be granted entry to a school campus or District site for that day. All current employees and parent volunteers are also required to be fully vaccinated in order to receive a Daily Pass QR code.
Employees and parent volunteers can obtain a Daily Pass via dailypass.lausd.net.
Only students who are 13 years and older can obtain a Daily Pass via dailypass.lausd.net.
Students younger than 13 years old will need their parents to sign-in to the Daily Pass via dailypass.lausd.net with their Parent Portal account to generate a pass. Parents may give consent so their children who are younger than 13 can obtain a Daily Pass QR code on their own.
Employees may obtain a Daily Pass QR code for a guest through the Daily Pass. -
How far in advance can the Daily Health Check be completed?
The online Daily Health Check can be accessed via the Daily Pass web-based portal as early as 12:01AM on the day a site will be visited. It is recommended that the Daily Health Check be done at least 30 minutes before the intended visit to a school or work site.
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What happens if the Daily Health Check questions are answered incorrectly?
The Daily Health Check can be revisited and resubmitted if questions were accidentally answered incorrectly.
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Does the Daily Health Check need to be completed for every site visited?
Yes, Daily Health Check screening questions are a requirement for each site visit during the day.
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What if someone does not have a device or does not want to use the Daily Pass on their personal phone?
Individuals without a device will be able to complete the Daily Health Check in-person. This is a verbal process of answering the Daily Health Check screening questions before entering a school or office.
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Who will have access to the information in the Daily Pass?
The information in the Daily Pass will be shared via a dashboard with the school’s administrators, office supervisors, or designees as appropriate.
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What are the next steps if access to a Daily Pass is not obtained?
There are four main reasons why an individual will not get a Daily Pass. There will be different steps to take depending on the reason why you did not get a Daily Pass QR code.
Note that all current employees and parent volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated in order to receive a Daily Pass QR code.
1. No Recent Negative Test – If the individual does not have a recent negative test result, an appointment at an LAUSD testing site can be made or an external test result can be submitted via the Daily Pass.
2. Symptomatic - If COVID-19 symptoms are present, the individual or caregiver must contact their doctor and/or get tested for COVID-19 at an LAUSD testing sites or other non-LAUSD test locations. A COVID-19 test can be scheduled at dailypass.lausd.net.
3. Exposure - If the individual was exposed to someone positive for COVID-19 the individual must follow the latest quarantine guidelines.
4. Tested Positive - If the individual received a positive COVID-19 test result, the individual must follow isolation guidelines.
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VENDORS & CONTRACTORS
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Will Los Angeles Unified School District require Vendors and Contractors to be vaccinated?
Yes. As part of the efforts of the Los Angeles Unified School District (District) to provide the safest possible environment in which to learn and work, all District employees, partners, vendors, contractors and other adults who provide services on District property, or directly to District students, must receive be fully vaccinated in order to continue to report to work on District property.
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What authority does District have to impose a vaccination requirement for Vendors?
All District Vendors are required to comply with the Los Angeles Unified School District Contractor Code of Conduct, which states: “Health and Safety – Vendors shall provide a safe and healthy work environment and fully comply with all applicable safety and health laws, regulations, and practices.” (Emphasis added.)
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What does āfully-vaccinatedā mean?
“Fully-vaccinated” refers to an individual who has received the first and second doses of the vaccine (or, in the case of Johnson & Johnson, the single required dose) and has completed the two-week period that follows to ensure maximum immunity.
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What proof of vaccination documentation will District accept from Vendors?
We will not collect, or request to see, individual vaccination records. Rather, Vendors will be required to submit a District Vaccination Certification Form certifying, under penalty of perjury, that every contractor employee or agent who comes onto a District campus or other District site or has contact with District students or staff has been vaccinated.
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Will District pay Vendors for the time it will take for them to have their employees vaccinated?
No. Any costs or time incurred to comply with the vaccination mandate shall not be passed on to the District.
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Can Vendors qualify for an exemption?
There will be no exemptions if you will have contact with District students or staff. Vendors are expected to comply with applicable laws in providing accommodations for their employees who may request an exemption; however, they will not be allowed to work at our District sites.
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Are my staff who provide services virtually (i.e., on line) still required to be vaccinated?
No. The vaccination requirement applies only to staff who provide services on a physical L. A. Unified site or otherwise in the physical presence of District students or staff.
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Will District be offering vaccinations for its Vendors?
Please visit www.vaccines.gov for a comprehensive list of vaccination locations.
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Whom do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact your contract sponsor. The contract sponsor is the school or office that initiated issuance of a contract to your organization or through which you provide, or your company provides, services to the District.
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If my employees work on a construction site and will have no contact with students or staff, do they have to be vaccinated?
Yes. All persons that visit or work on District sites are required to be fully vaccinated.
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CAMPUS AND FACILITIES ACCESS / VISITOR POLICIES
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Where can I find up to date information about requirements to access campus as a parent or outside provider?
Please visit https://achieve.lausd.net/visitorinfo or download a graphic here (Descargar PDF).
Choose Your Language
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Helpdesk
For families: (213) 443-1300
For employees: (213) 241-2700
The helpdesk is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for any questions about Los Angeles Unified and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Student & family wellness:
(213) 241-3840
The helpdesk is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call for support with mental health, immunizations, health insurance, food & housing, enrollment, and more.
