Broadway sets new vaccine requirements for children

The new mandate, in effect from December 14, affects children ages 5 to 11.

UPDATE: The Broadway League will require children to be vaccinated from December 14 on in accordance with de Blasio's new Key to NYC guidelines. In a statement on December 8, the League said, "Children ages 5 - 11 may enter the theatre only when (1) accompanied by an adult who complies with the theatre's vaccination entry requirements, and (2) has proof of at least one dose of an FDA or WHO approved vaccine."

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced new vaccine mandates for children attending public events, including theatre performances. According to a report from Broadway News, children ages 5 to 11 will now be required to have at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, received at least 14 days prior to the performance, to attend theatre indoors. The mandate will take effect on December 14.

Previously, Broadway and Off-Broadway shows have allowed children to show proof of one vaccine dose or a recent negative Covid-19 test, as long as they were accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult. Now that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been available to children as young as 5 for a few months, children ages 5-11 will only be able to present proof of a negative test in lieu of a vaccine if they have a religious or medical exemption.

All theatregoers ages 12 and older will continue to have to show proof of a full Covid-19 vaccination to enter the theatre unless they have a legitimate exception. All Broadway vaccine mandates are currently in effect through February 28, 2022.

Under de Blasio's mandate, the new vaccine requirements for children also apply to gyms, indoor dining, and non-theatrical indoor entertainment venues.