California has announced a COVID-19 vaccination mandate for school-aged children.

It's the first state to do so, but could New York be next?

Gov. Kathy Hochul has made it very clear that if COVID-19 cases go up and children are in danger, she will strongly consider instituting a vaccine mandate for students.

If she follows Gov. Gavin Newsom's lead, a potential mandate would mean that students 12 and up would have to get a shot once full approval is given by the FDA. Officials say that's likely in the next few months.

California's mandate will take effect the semester after that, possibly as early Jan. 1.

It's the same process for children under 12.They'll be required to get shots the semester after that age group is fully approved.

Families can seek religious and medical exemptions, and the state Department of Health will handle the approval process.

News 12 asked Ossining Schools Superintendent Ray Sanchez about this news and if a vaccine mandate could mean saying goodbye to COVID-19 protocol in schools.

"If we want to get to the space of being without masks and the level of mitigating factors that we're putting into place, would the vaccine help? That I don't know just yet," says Sanchez.

Sanchez says he's unsure how breakthrough cases may come into play and is leaving that for scientists to answer.