Is DCL requiring vaccines for kids under 5?

[disneypanda11]

I’m hoping someone can confirm whether DCL is requiring vaccines for children under 5. I see their policy was updated on June 30th (after vaccines were approved for <5) but it still seems to contradict itself.

The first part makes me think yes, required, since under 5 is now vaccine eligible, but the second mention of the requirement applying to 5 and up has me confused.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Not yet, but they almost certainly will.

 

[Cheburashka]

No.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I’m hoping someone can confirm whether DCL is requiring vaccines for children under 5. I see their policy was updated on June 30th (after vaccines were approved for <5) but it still seems to contradict itself.

The first part makes me think yes, required, since under 5 is now vaccine eligible, but the second mention of the requirement applying to 5 and up has me confused.

Also remember, 5 year olds cannot be "fully vaccinated" yet. The approval came out on June 18. The Pfizer regime is 1st dose, wait three weeks, 2nd dose, wait three months, 3rd dose, wait two weeks before they're considered fully vaccinated. That means that none of these kids will be fully vaccinated until mid-October at the absolute earliest.

If and when Disney changes their policy, I'd expect them to give at least four months notice so people have time to respond.

 

[nancipants]

Also remember, 5 year olds cannot be "fully vaccinated" yet. The approval came out on June 18. The Pfizer regime is 1st dose, wait three weeks, 2nd dose, wait three months, 3rd dose, wait two weeks before they're considered fully vaccinated. That means that none of these kids will be fully vaccinated until mid-October at the absolute earliest.

If and when Disney changes their policy, I'd expect them to give at least four months notice so people have time to respond.

Moderna is six weeks, so the first under 5s can be considered fully vaccinated by the second week of August. However, Pfizer seems to be much more available, which would make any policy impractical prior to November. Considering how difficult it has been to find vaccines for kids under 2-3 who can't be vaccinated at pharmacies, I can't imagine any DCL policy going into effect before 2023.

 

[gkrykewy]

Even if not required, they should update the policy language to address <5 kids who are fully vaxxed- I assume they’ll be able to just do the rapid test like other fully vaxxed passengers, but DCL should specify that.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Even if not required, they should update the policy language to address <5 kids who are fully vaxxed

That's my point. There are none yet. When there are, of course the policy will be updated.

 

[nancipants]

That's my point. There are none yet. When there are, of course the policy will be updated.

Well, my 2 year old will be fully vaccinated before our cruise in August. I assume he will only need to test once two days beforehand, but the policy doesn't address that situation directly.

 

[gkrykewy]

That's my point. There are none yet. When there are, of course the policy will be updated.

I guess, but that really isn’t sufficient. People cruising in the next month are making plans for testing now, and 2 days vs 3, and rapid or not, makes a difference for people’s logistics. The first kids with the Moderna vax will be fully vaxxed+14 days in the first several days of august. Our daughter will get her second dose on 7/20.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Well, my 2 year old will be fully vaccinated before our cruise in August. I assume he will only need to test once two days beforehand, but the policy doesn't address that situation directly.

I guess, but that really isn’t sufficient. People cruising in the next month are making plans for testing now, and 2 days vs 3, and rapid or not, makes a difference for people’s logistics. The first kids with the Moderna vax will be fully vaxxed+14 days in the first several days of august. Our daughter will get her second dose on 7/20.

Safe Passage doesn't even open until 15 days before your sail date. You'll know by then.

 

[disneypanda11]

Thanks to all. Good points about the timeline of the vaccine and no kids under 5 being considered fully vaccinated yet.

I agree with those who have mentioned advanced planning… I hope DCL announces their intended plans and timelines soon.

 

[Pigwie]

Also would like to add that the vaccines for under 5 are only approved for the US (possibly some other countries too, not sure) but we are still waiting on approval here in Canada, and probably many other countries as well! So there will be no chance of any children in these countries being fully vaccinated any time soon!

 

[GigEmAgs]

Just for anyone that didn't know this, the FDA guidance says a child who will turn 5 between two doses of Pfizer can get the 5 year old vaccine and dosage for their first and second shots. This was able to help me make sure my child turning 5 next week is fully vaccinated by my August cruise date