DC to Require Vaccinations for Most Indoor Congregate Settings

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

DC to Require Vaccinations for Most Indoor Congregate Settings

Dec 22, 2021, 13:02 PM by MSDC Staff

Patrons of most DC businesses will now have to show proof of vaccination to enter.

At today's press conference, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the District would require many businesses to require proof of vaccination for patrons. This new policy, dubbed VaxDC, will begin January 15.

DC will now require establishments such as indoor restaurants, cultural venues, gyms, and conference spaces to check patron vaccinations against COVID-19. Mayor Bowser said such establishments could not accept a negative COVID test instead. Medical facilities, religious buildings and grocery stores are exempt from this requirement.

The requirement begins on January 15 with proof needed of one vaccine dose for anyone 12 years or older. On February 15 that requirement extends to "full vaccination" which at this time is two mRNA doses or one J&J dose, although that may change if a "booster" shot is added to the required regimen. All businesses falling under this rule are required to post signage informing patrons of the requirement - DC created a sample here.

Patrons can show proof of vaccination one of three ways:

A physical CDC card
A digital copy or photo of a CDC vaccination card
A COVID-19 verification app

You can see the official order here.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.