S8853

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Mayer to align school vaccination requirements with scientific recommendations from major medical organizations, in a 39-21 vote along largely party lines. Senate Print 8853 requires the Department of Health commissioner to base mandatory vaccination requirements for schoolchildren on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Sen. Mayer argued the bill ensures New York's vaccination schedule is driven by science rather than politics and does not exclude parental choice regarding infant immunization. Opponents, led by Sen. Weik, contended that mandatory medicine should not assume a one-size-fits-all approach and that vaccination decisions should remain between doctors and patients or parents. The bill takes effect immediately.