Assembly Passes Vaccine Package to Safeguard Immunization Access and Promote Public Health

Assembly Passes Vaccine Package to Safeguard Immunization Access and Promote Public Health

Speaker Carl Heastie and Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin today announced that the Assembly has passed a package of legislation to safeguard access to lifesaving vaccines in New York State and establish critical public health measures to keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.

"Vaccines are foundational to public health and have long been a trusted and effective bulwark against harmful and deadly diseases, especially for our most vulnerable populations," said Speaker Heastie. "New York will stand on the side of proven science as attacks on lifesaving immunizations continue from the federal administration place our residents at risk. This legislation puts the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers first and ensures that these vital resources remain accessible for our communities."

"As our federal administration continues to undermine the long-trusted science behind lifesaving vaccines, it is critical that we take decisive action to ensure our communities remain safe and healthy," said Assemblymember Paulin. "This legislation safeguards vital guidance New Yorkers need to make informed choices regarding their health and ensures that our residents continue to have access to the immunizations they need. This legislation also takes necessary steps to ensure that our college campuses are protected against a harmful disease that devastates students and their loved ones."

This package includes legislation (A.10711, Paulin) that would allow the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to recommend immunizations utilizing generally accepted medical standards and taking into consideration recommendations from the American Academy of Family Physicians and other nationally recognized medical organizations. This bill would also allow pharmacists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages two and up.

Also included in the package is a bill (A.2078, Paulin) that would require certain students entering college in New York State to be immunized for Hepatitis B.

Legislation in the package (A.765, McDonald) would require health care providers to report any vaccine administered to an adult aged 19 or older to the state or New York City immunization registry, as appropriate.

"More and more New Yorkers are receiving their immunizations from providers other than just their primary care physicians," said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh. "Ensuring that New Yorkers can keep track of their immunization records is essential in promoting public health overall and keeping our communities healthy, and this measure brings adult vaccine records in line with the long-term practice of children's vaccines required reporting, hence allowing generations to have a full record to share with their provider if they desire and aligns state law with the evolving health care needs of our residents."

Also included is a bill (A.3254, Dinowitz) that would require all children attending children's camps to have received all required school-age childhood immunizations to attend or work at the camp.

"We see too often the burden placed on families as harmful illnesses spread throughout our state and communities," said Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. "It is critical that we implement measures to promote public health, especially of our vulnerable populations, and this bill will give parents peace of mind knowing their children are protected while they are at camp."

The package also includes legislation (A.9140, Rosenthal) that would extend liability protections for healthcare providers that administer immunizations in accordance with state or local guidelines. This would give providers the same level of protection as when they administer vaccines recommended by the federal government.

"The federal government is making it more difficult for medical professionals to immunize Americans," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. "Healthcare must be rooted in fact and research, and I firmly believe that the states must act as the bulwark against the deadly and anti-science policies emanating from Washington, D.C. That's why I'm proud that my bill protects medical professionals who choose to administer life-saving vaccines based on state level recommendations, instead of federal guidance."

Lastly, the package includes legislation (A.10710, Dilan) that requires commercial health insurance to cover, without cost-sharing, immunizations that are recommended by the DOH to the superintendent of the Department of Financial Services. This would be in addition to the current requirements that immunizations with a recommendation from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices must be covered.

"As the federal government continues to erode established science behind lifesaving vaccines, it is critical that we take immediate action to safeguard access to immunizations that keep New Yorkers healthy," said Assemblymember Erik M. Dilan. "I would like to thank Governor Hochul and Speaker Heastie for their leadership and commitment to protecting our communities and ensuring no New Yorker will lose coverage for the lifesaving vaccines they need."