Fairfax County Public Schools Will Require Vaccines for Teachers and Staff

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Today, Fairfax County Public Schools announced that teachers and other school employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of October or submit regular proof of a negative test result. Fairfax County School Board member Karl Frisch (Providence District) released the following statement supporting the decision:

“Our teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to keep their students safe and healthy during the pandemic. Most signed up for vaccines as soon as they were available,” Frisch said. “This was the right decision. To keep our students safe and our schools running smoothly, it is critical that everyone in our community who is eligible gets vaccinated — not only our educators and school employees. That is how we will ultimately put this pandemic behind us.”

Why is FCPS taking this step?

To keep our commitment to provide students with five days a week of in-person instruction this year. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent severe illness. We must take every measure possible to keep our schools safe.

To give employees the peace of mind that comes with knowing their workplace is a safe place. Knowing coworkers are either vaccinated or have tested negative for COVID-19 provides confidence and comfort so we can focus on our mission- educating kids.

To reassure FCPS students and families they are learning in the safest environment possible. We can assure everyone who enters our building that our workforce is either vaccinated or is reporting to work with a negative COVID-19 test.

To lead by example. FCPS continues to promote vaccination for everyone, including our students, as soon as they are eligible. Our goal is for every eligible employee to be vaccinated. The sooner our community reaches a high vaccination rate, the sooner we begin to put the pandemic behind us.

How can FCPS employees learn more?

There are many details to share. Employees should read every week’s Employee News and check the Employee Hub regularly to stay informed.

What can FCPS employees do to be ready for October?

If you are not yet vaccinated but want to get vaccinated before the requirement goes into effect in October, you may find vaccination opportunities through the Fairfax County Health Department or Vaccines.gov. COVID-19 vaccines are accessible and free.