RE: Public Health Law Section 2164
Dear Administrator/Principal:
To date, it has been over a full year since the repeal of non-medical exemptions to school immunization requirements in New York State. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) recognizes that last year was an unusual year as schools made many adjustments to ensure all students were in compliance with the new legislation and to protect students and staff against COVID-19.
As we look ahead to the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, we want to remind you that we expect your school to fully comply with Public Health Law Section 2164. As partners in this extraordinary effort, we all need to remain vigilant to protect the children in this state against all vaccine-preventable diseases.
As we all continue to face challenges related to the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are aware that some students may have missed doses of vaccines that were due this past spring. At this time, most primary care providers and Local Health Departments have now resumed administering routine vaccines. Therefore, NYSDOH expects any students who missed doses of vaccines due to COVID-19 to receive any overdue doses within 14 days after school resumes (regardless if school resumes in person on remotely); this may be extended to 30 days for students transferring from out-of-state or another country.
If you have any questions regarding the 2020-2021 school entrance requirements, need information about the school survey itself or are looking for additional resources, please visit our public website at https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/schools/
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rausch-Phung, M.D., M.P.H. Director, Bureau of Immunization