Proposed bill could require New Yorkers to get COVID-19 vaccination

If passed, a new bill in the New York State Assembly may require New Yorkers to get a coronavirus vaccination--if it is determined to be safe and effective.

News 12 Staff

Dec 8, 2020, 12:38 AM

Updated 1,243 days ago

Share:

If passed, a new bill in the New York State Assembly may require New Yorkers to get a coronavirus vaccination--if it is determined to be safe and effective. 
If public health officials determine that state residents are not developing sufficient immunity from COVID-19, the government would mandate vaccinations. 
The bill was introduced on Dec. 4 by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal, whose district is in Manhattan. It is now being evaluated by the Committee on Health and it seeks to amend public health law when it comes to the vaccine. 
The bill states that once a coronavirus vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and the New York State Clinical Advisory Task Force for safety and effectiveness, the distribution would be required. 
If public health officials decide, they can make these vaccinations mandatory unless someone has proof of a medical exemption. 
A representative from the Informed Consent Action Network, a nonprofit that is critical of vaccines, says the idea of mandatory vaccinations would be troubling for many. 
The bill still needs to pass the New York State Senate and Assembly before it is delivered to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office to sign or veto. 
News 12 has reached out to Assemblymember Rosenthal’s office for a comment and hasn’t heard back yet.


More from News 12
1:50
Curfew enforcement for kids under 17 now in effect in Newark

Curfew enforcement for kids under 17 now in effect in Newark

2:48
Rain throughout Sunday for New Jersey

Rain throughout Sunday for New Jersey

1:46
Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

Officials: Man killed in house explosion in South River identified as retired Newark officer

0:42
NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

NJ lawmakers criticize how Rutgers officials negotiated with pro-Palestinian protesters

0:28
Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

Special election to be held to fill late Rep. Donald Payne’s seat in Congress

0:42
Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

Jersey Proud: Army ROTC students from Rutgers, Seton Hall and Princeton train together

1:32
Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

Knowing the early warning signs during Stroke Awareness Month

0:27
Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

Prosecutor: 2 people seriously injured in 3-car crash; driver charged with drunk driving

0:30
Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

Police: New York man pointed knife at pro-Palestinian protester in Teaneck

0:27
Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

Officials: Paterson man threatened to ‘shoot up’ JFK Int’l Airport

2:02
Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

Authorities: Major fire displaces 20 people from 9 families in Elizabeth

1:04
Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

Hillsborough school officials vote to end middle school sports, make staff cuts amid budget cuts

0:49
Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

Bridgewater-Raritan School District waives fees to participate in clubs, sports

0:39
Officials: 3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

Officials: 3 pedestrians, including 2 children, struck by NYC-based news van in Elizabeth

0:28
GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

GoFundMe started for 6-month-old boy and his grandfather killed by fallen tree in Verona

0:40
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

3:21
Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

Bridge over section of I-95 in process of being demolished due to damage from truck fire

1:12
Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

0:18
South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning