As of January 1, 2026, we require all in-person attendees, instructors, and staff to either:
- provide proof of a recent COVID-19 vaccine, defined as a vaccination date of September 2025 or more recent, or
- have applied for and received a policy exemption – more details on exemptions below
While we strongly recommend getting the most updated formulation, there is good evidence that the ‘24-25 formulation still provides protection against current strains. We care about the recency of your shot, not the formula.
We understand that for many, vaccination is more complicated than “just get a shot” – this isn’t a requirement we make lightly. We know that vaccinations can mean time lost to immune responses – a particular challenge for parents and folks who are economically precarious. We know that trust in vaccines is impacted by a long history (and present) of medical racism, fatphobia, homophobia, ableism, and all of the ways in which institutions tend to amplify prejudice.
Vaccinations are not perfect and they remain one of the best ways to care for each other.
Thank you for working with us to protect this space and the broad range of humans who use it!
How to Submit Proof of Vaccination
We’re streamlining the validation process! Momence, our ticketing platform, offers HIPPA compliant record keeping.
You’ll be asked to upload your vaccination record directly into Momence via a new intake form:
Take Me to the form
Don’t want to upload anything? You can still show your proof at check-in!
What counts as proof of Vaccination?
Documentation continues to be spotty and inconsistent. We want to work with you on this
We’ll absolutely accept a photo, scan, or PDF of:
- your Digital Vaccine Record with name, vaccination, and date received
- a physical vaccination card/record with name, vaccination, and date received
- a pharmacy receipt showing your name, the vaccination, and date received
How do I get a Vaccine?
Effective September 17, 2025, California state law ensures Californians have insurance coverage for immunizations recommended by the The California Department of Public Health [including COVID-19] at no cost.
Walk-in vaccines are available throughout LA; you do not need to visit a doctor’s office for a prescription.
Here’s Where we Recommend:
LA County Library continues to run free vaccine clinics across the metro. If you are uninsured or underinsured, this is your huckleberry.
Kaiser-Permanente has committed to offering no-cost vaccines for all members 6 months and older.
CVS offers “free COVID-19 vaccines with most insurance” – at the time of writing this, their only requirement for vaccination was self-identifying as eligible.
For additional resources – including additional no-cost/no insurance vaccination sites and simplified scheduling with health care providers & local pharmacies – visit myturn.ca.gov.
Policy Timeline
October 1, 2025: Policy is Published
January 1, 2026: Policy Goes Into Effect
We understand that everyone’s schedule is different and that finding time to get vaccinated can be a challenge. That’s why we’re providing a three-month window before the new requirement goes into effect.
Additional Risk Mitigation
While vaccination is a core part of preventing the ongoing spread of COVID-19, we also know it’s not sufficient.
Devil Mask Studio operates with a ‘swiss cheese’ model of risk mitigation.
While requiring recent vaccination is a core component of how we manage risk, it isn’t the only slice of cheese in our sandwich. Additional mitigation layers include:
- Upgrading our air exchange system! By January 01, 2026 Corsi-Rosethal Boxes and air purifiers in both the lobby and tying space will have increased our air change rate to at least 12 per hour – once every five minutes – the standard ASHRAE has set for high-risk environments like airborne infection isolation rooms (A.I.I.B.).
- We consistently run our HVAC and fan systems to increase air turnover in the space.
- Rapid tests and N95 (or equivalent) masks are available for free at the check-in desk. If you don’t see them when you arrive, please ask a host or staff member.
- We have strong community norms around shared risk – our students and community members understand that if they’re feeling sick, they should stay home. (Thank you!)
- Masking is normal – we host mask-required events and folks regularly wear masks at mask-optional classes & events. You won’t be singled out or atypical if wearing a mask increases your comfort in the space.
Questions or Concerns? We’re Here to Help
We understand that you may have questions about this policy update – please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via email.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and safety of our communities. We look forward to seeing you in the Studio!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Help! I’ve tested positive for COVID-19, what should I do?
1. Stay home, rest and hydrate.
Yes, even if you feel totally fine! The single best way to avoid COVID complications is intense rest – do us a favor and take care of yourself.
2. Email us for a refund.
Email us with your test results for credit. We know it sucks to miss an event you were looking forward to – hopefully the prospect of coming back will help it sting a little less. - Why do I need to get vaccinated to come to the Studio?
We’ve got a whole blog post about this!
We are aware that for many, vaccination is not as simple as “just get a shot.” The rollout for updated vaccinations was complicated. Pharmacies may be opaque about if or how no-cost vaccines are available. Vaccinations can mean time lost to immune responses – a particular challenge for parents and folks who are economically precarious. Vaccination rates are impacted by a long history (and present) of medical racism, fatphobia, homophobia, ableism, and all of the ways in which institutions tend to amplify prejudice. And still, despite all of this, vaccinations are the best way for us to keep ourselves & each other safe.
In short: taking care of each other matters. While COVID-19 vaccine programs are imperfect, getting vaccinated is still one of the best ways to take care of both ourselves and each other. - Why do I need an updated vaccine?
For the same reason we get flu shots every year: viruses evolve to overcome our immune defenses.
Older vaccines were targeted at the variants dominant at the time of their design, which means they offer less protection against the current strains. Staying up-to-date is one of the best ways to limit COVID-19’s ability to keep spreading and mutating further. If enough of us get vaccinated, there’s a world where we don’t need a new shot next year. - What if I can’t get vaccinated?
We know that not everybody is eligible. We offer exemptions for those who have been advised by a medical professional that they should not receive the vaccine.
Get in touch with us via email and we’ll work with you to document your exemption from this requirement. - Can I bring a negative test instead of getting vaccinated?
We accept a negative PCR test – taken within three days of the event(s) you’ll be attending – in lieu of vaccination.
We do not accept rapid tests in lieu of vaccination. While positive results on a rapid test are still reliable, rates of false negatives can be as high as 92% for folks who are contagious but asymptomatic. Even more conservative estimates (i.e. a 52% false negative rate) make relying on a rapid test a coin flip.
More broadly, our requirement is rooted in a commitment to community care. We’ll work with you if you are unable to receive the vaccine, but getting an updated vaccine is still one of the most effective ways to take care of both yourself and others. - What About the CDC’s Guidelines?
There’s been a marked divergence between the CDC’s recommendations and consensus among public health & medical organizations. We are prioritizing recommendations by The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health as the most specific & relevant to our communities (emphasis added):
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health endorses California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) respiratory virus season immunization recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory season. This guidance was developed in collaboration with California partners in the West Coast Health Alliance and informed by national medical groups, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Additionally, effective September 17, 2025, California state law ensures Californians have insurance coverage for immunizations recommended by CDPH at no cost.
All children and adults who choose protection are recommended to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Those with higher risk of severe disease should get the updated 2025-2026 formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available from their medical provider or local pharmacy. This includes: young children aged 6-23 months; children aged 2-18 years who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine; persons who are planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum or lactating; persons 6 months and older with underlying health conditions; persons aged 65 years and older; and persons living with or working with persons at high risk for severe disease.