New York State Eliminates Religious Exemption to Mandatory Immunization Requirements.

On June 13, 2019, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed a bill repealing the portion of New York Public Health Law 2164 that permitted families to apply for religious exemptions to mandatory vaccination requirements for children attending school or day care. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law later the same day.

Going forward, schools and daycares may not permit children who have not received the required immunizations to attend school for more than fourteen days. Schools and daycares may extend the period during which unvaccinated children may attend for up to thirty days provided those children can demonstrate that they have received the first dose of any required vaccinations and have age appropriate appointments to receive all other required immunizations.

This change in the law impacts all school districts, private schools and day cares throughout New York State, including those on Long Island. If you have questions, please contact one of our the attorneys in our Education Law Practice Group: Larry Tenenbaum at (516) 393-8271 or ltenenbaum@jaspanllp.com, Carol Melnick at (516) 393-8276 or cmelnick@jaspanllp.com, or Laura Granelli at (516) 393-8261 or lgranelli@jaspanllp.com