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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 1,445 days ago

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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.