A10711

The New York State Senate passed a controversial Governor's program bill amending the Public Health Law to allow pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines to children under 2 years old and older, with a vote of 39-23. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Stavisky and designated as Calendar Number 658, Assembly Bill 10711, removes the requirement that immunization scheduling comply with federal standards approved by the United States Public Health Service and instead vests authority in the New York State Commissioner of Health. Sen. Rhoads conducted extensive questioning of the sponsor, raising concerns that the bill eliminates federal FDA approval standards and ACIP guidelines as binding requirements, removes conflict-of-interest disclosure protections, allows consultation with unaccountable international organizations including the WHO, and could result in loss of $350 million in federal Vaccines for Children funding. He also warned the bill removes legal liability protections and allows the commissioner to recommend vaccines not approved by the FDA. Sen. Weik voted against the bill, arguing it eliminates individual medical choice and parental consent. Sen. Stavisky defended the legislation as necessary to address communicable disease concerns and misinformation from federal officials, emphasizing that COVID vaccination remains optional for parents outside school requirements. The bill passed largely along party lines, with 23 Republicans voting against it.