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By Michelle Sterling

Jan 28, 2026: Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and State Senator Shelley Mayer today announced new legislation A.9648/S.8853 they are jointly sponsoring to ensure that New York State's childhood vaccination requirements remain grounded in established medical science and expert consensus, amid recent changes to federal immunization recommendations.

The bill amends New York's Public Health Law and Social Services Law to clarify that childhood vaccine requirements and immunization schedules in New York are governed by regulations issued by the State Commissioner of Health. In developing those regulations, the Commissioner would be required to rely on generally accepted medical standards and consider recommendations from nationally and internationally recognized medical and scientific organizations, including 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.

"This legislation is about protecting children and giving families and providers clarity and confidence," said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. "Vaccines are one of the most effective public health tools we have. At a time when federal guidance has shifted in ways that have at best caused confusion and at worst will threaten the health of children, New York must reaffirm its commitment to evidence-based medicine.  Our immunization policies must continue to reflect the best available science."

On January 5, 2025, federal health officials announced revisions to routine childhood immunization recommendations, reducing the number of universally recommended vaccines from 17 to 11. This included removing longstanding and extremely effective vaccines such as hepatitis B from the standard schedule for children. These changes have raised concerns among parents, health care providers, and public health experts, particularly given New York's school and child care immunization requirements.

State Senator Shelley Mayer said, "I am proud to partner with Assemblywoman Amy Paulin to ensure that New York maintains a vaccine schedule grounded in accepted medical standards and the expertise of internationally recognized health organizations. We owe it to every family in New York to ensure our immunization policies are based on science, evidence, and trusted public health guidance. Over the past several years we have seen a shift away from vaccinations and as a result, increased outbreaks of preventable diseases that cause illness and put communities at risk. New York will do better by ensuring immunization policies continue to be based on science and reflect the best medical guidance."

Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of childhood immunizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, routine vaccinations for children born between 1994 and 2023 have prevented hundreds of millions of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths nationwide.

In addition to clarifying vaccine standards, the bill requires social services districts to provide families receiving public assistance with children under age five with information about age-appropriate vaccines, ensuring families have access to accurate and reliable public health information.

The legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment.