Religious exemptions removed from state vaccination law

With the worst outbreak of measles in more than 25 years in the United States, including outbreaks in New York state primarily driving the crisis, on June 13, Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that immediately removed the religious exemption for school vaccination requirements.

Per the amendment to Public Health Law Section 2164, children who attend daycare or public, private or parochial school who previously had a religious exemption must now receive their first age-appropriate dose in each immunization series by June 28, 2019 in order to remain in daycare or school. In addition, by July 14, 2019, parents and/or guardians of these children must show that they have made appointments for all required follow-up doses in order to remain in daycare or school. The medical exemption for vaccine requirements remains in effect.

All other children who do not have their required immunizations face a deadline of 14 days from the start of school in the fall for their first dose vaccinations. Parents/guardians of these children must show within 30 days of the first day of school that appointments have been made for follow-up doses. Queensbury UFSD is working with families to make sure the necessary certificate or other acceptable evidence of immunization is provided in accordance with the law. If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at 518-824-5600.