Religious exemptions removed from state vaccination law

On June 13, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that immediately removed the religious exemption for school vaccination requirements.

Per the amendment to Public Health Law Section 2164, children who attend child daycare or public, private or parochial school who previously had a religious exemption must now receive their first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series by June 28, 2019, to remain in daycare or school. Parents and/or guardians of these children must then show by July 14, 2019, that they have made appointments for all required follow-up doses in order to remain in daycare or school.

All other children who do not have their required immunizations face a deadline of 14 days from the start of school in the fall for their first dose vaccinations. Parents/guardians of these children must show within 30 days of the first day of school that appointments have been made for follow-up doses.

The medical exemption for vaccine requirements remains in effect.

For more information, visit the following websites:

Frequently Asked Questions About Legislation Removing Non-Medical Exemptions from School Vaccination Requirements (SED, DOH, OCFS)

Statement on Legislation Removing Non-Medical Exemption from School Vaccination Requirements (SED, DOH, OCFS)