Hinsdale Central To Allow Unvaxxed Prom-Goers

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale Central High School announced Thursday it would allow unvaccinated students into its prom, which is set for April 30 at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Last week, the school's prom was up in the air with Chicago's order requiring proof of vaccination for indoor venues. But in Thursday's statement, Hinsdale Central said the Field Museum decided to exempt students at prom from the vaccination status requirement.

All adults, however, including chaperones and other personnel, will be required to show proof, the school said.

The school thanked students, prom sponsors and parents who "worked proactively to engage in a dialogue and alternative plans to address the COVID-19 mitigation measures that the Field Museum is operating under."

It was not immediately clear under which authority the museum could exempt students. The policy on its website said that everyone age 5 and older must show proof they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus before being admitted.

According to Hinsdale High School District 86, 81 percent of Central students are vaccinated, compared with 57 percent at Hinsdale South.

Last week, Hinsdale Central indicated it was looking for an alternate site, saying it wanted to make sure all students could take part.