Broadway Announces Requirement of Full COVID-19 Vaccination for Kids 5 and Older

Broadway announced new regulations requiring full COVID-19 vaccination for kids 5 and older on January 10, in the wake of the surging omicron strain sweeping across the country. 

A poster on Times Square advertises West Side Story at the Broadway Theater on February 7, 2020 in New York City. – Westside Story is returning to Broadway for the first time in more than a decade, directed by Belgian Ivo Van Hove. (Photo by Johannes EISELE / AFP) (Photo by JOHANNES EISELE/AFP via Getty Images)

The new regulations will begin on January 29, 2022 and will involve all 41 theaters of the Broadway League requiring full vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 for all performances. To be fully vaccinated, the guest attending a performance must be at least 14 days after their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or at least 14 days after their single dose of a one-dose vaccine. The owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theaters who are part of the Broadway League also have extended their mask and vaccine requirements through at least April 30, 2022.

Children under five years of age, who can not be vaccinated yet, must have a negative PCR test performed by a medical provider within 72 hours of the performance start time or a negative rapid antigen test taken within six hours of the performance start time to be allowed entry to the event. Also, the “Buy With Confidence” program has also been extended, allowing for flexible exchanges and refunds due to COVID-19 incidences. 

Being vaccinated means on the date of the performance a guest is at least 14 days after their second dose of a two dose COVID-19 vaccine OR at least 14 days after their single dose of an approved single dose COVID-19 vaccine. Any guest whose last vaccine dose (excluding boosters) was fewer than 14 days before the date of performance must, in addition to meeting these requirements, also present proof of (a) a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of the performance time, or (b) a negative COVID-19 antigen test within 6 hours of performance time. Proof of vaccination must come directly from the healthcare provider that performed the vaccination. Guests may display proof on a smartphone or present a physical copy. New York State residents, or anyone who received a COVID-19 vaccine in New York State, may present proof through the use of the Excelsior Pass (for more details, visit epass.ny.gov) or any other digital app.

Currently the regulations through January 28, 2022 stand as guests 12 and older will need to be Vaccinated (as defined below) with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine AND present a government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport. (Guests 12-18 may use a government-issued ID or school ID – no photo required.) 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. For international guests two doses of any “mix and match” combination of an FDA or WHO approved COVID-19 vaccine are acceptable.

For more information on the new COVID-19 vaccination requirements for kids at Broadway shows visit their website.

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