Hochul on vaccine mandate in schools: ‘Withholding judgement’ , but all options on the table

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) —New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she’s "withholding judgment" but stressed "all options" are on the table when it comes to a possible vaccine mandate in schools.

Hochul told WNYT, our Albany affiliate, she wants to make sure everyone does the "right thing" when it comes to getting the vaccine, but if there’s an increase in cases and people aren’t complying with COVID-related guidelines, that’s when those "options" will be weighed.

The Food and Drug Administration is set to discuss Pfizer’s vaccine for children between the ages of 5-11 this week. Hochul has already encouraged parents to get ready for the FDA’s emergency use approval.

New York City already implemented a vaccine requirement of its own, but does not give the option of weekly testing. The Rochester City School District announced its teachers and staff have to be vaccinated for COVID-19, or face weekly testing.

The governor previously shared a want to make vaccines mandatory for all staff.