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Bill

A 10711

Relates to immunization vaccines for children

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathan Jacobson and 6 co-sponsors

Expands and standardizes childhood immunization requirements and access, including broader pharmacist authority to administer vaccines in line with current public health guidelines

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Bill Summary · A 10711

Bill A. 10711 (2025-2026) – Relates to immunization vaccines for children (New York)

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: New York
  • Introduced: March 26, 2026 (A. Paulin, at request of the Governor)
  • Status: Reported and referred through the Legislature; has progressed to third reading in the Assembly and Senate as of April 2026
  • Primary objective: Update and clarify immunization requirements and related regulatory provisions for children, expand and standardize the administration of vaccines, and strengthen pharmacist and other provider authority to administer vaccines in line with public health needs.

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure timely and comprehensive immunization of children in accordance with current medical standards and nationally recognized guidelines.
  • Modernize references to immunization standards to align with recommendations from major medical organizations and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
  • Expand authorized immunization administration pathways (e.g., through licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists) to improve access and response to outbreaks or public health needs.

Key provisions and changes

Public Health Law changes

  1. §2164(2) – Immunization requirements for children

    • Reaffirms that children in parental relation must receive adequate doses of vaccines covering:
      • Poliomyelitis, mumps, measles, diphtheria, rubella, varicella, Hib, pertussis, tetanus, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis B.
    • Updates language to reference adherence to regulations and generally accepted medical standards, incorporating recommendations from:
      • American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
      • American Academy of Family Physicians
      • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
      • American College of Physicians
      • ACIP and/or other recognized scientific organizations
    • Ensures vaccines meet standards approved by appropriate national or international bodies and regulated by the Department.

  2. §2164(2)(b) – Booster for school-entry immunization

    • Requires booster immunization for children in a defined cohort:
      • Born on or after Jan 1, 1994
      • Entering 6th grade or equivalent age/education program with an unassigned grade on/after Sept 1, 2007
    • Booster must include diphtheria-tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP/DT) and pertussis vaccination per applicable standards and guidelines.

  3. §2164(2)(c) – Meningococcal immunization

    • Requires meningococcal disease immunization for children entering 7th and 12th grades or comparable programs with an unassigned grade on/after Sept 1, 2016.
    • Aligns with ACIP recommendations and other recognized scientific guidance.

  4. Definitions updates (§2165(1)(d) and §2167(c))

    • Redefines “immunization” for measles, mumps, rubella; for meningococcal disease; and related vaccines, ensuring consistency with current guidelines and approvals.

Pharmacist and provider authority

  • §6527(7) and §6909(7) – Expanded ability for licensed physicians and certified nurse practitioners to authorize pharmacists to administer vaccines and related medications, within scope of practice and under:
    • Patient-specific orders or non-patient-specific regimens
    • For vaccines including influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal, herpes zoster, hepatitis A/B, HPV, measles/mumps/rubella/varicella, meningococcal, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis
    • Emergency treatment medications for anaphylaxis
    • Provisions allow statewide non-patient-specific regimens during outbreaks or imminent threats
  • Prohibits unlicensed individuals from administering immunizations

Public health information and education

  • §6802-6803: Education law provisions regarding immunization administration and schedules
    • Updates to reflect modern immunization recommendations; clarifies pharmacist administration standards and linkage to patient orders or regimens
  • §6803-j: Immunization schedule and newborn immunization education
    • Establishes a newborn immunization schedule and requires information dissemination to parents, including department toll-free contact information
  • §131(13): Social services immunization information for families
    • Requires districts to provide immunization information and schedules for children five years and younger, including local county health department contact information

Administrative timing

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment

Who is affected

  • Children and their families in New York State, particularly:
    • Those entering various school grades (6th, 7th, 12th) and corresponding programs
    • Young children and applicants/recipients of public assistance with young children
  • Healthcare providers:
    • Physicians, certified nurse practitioners, and licensed pharmacists
  • Public health departments and education and social services agencies responsible for immunization schedules and outreach

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill follows standard legislative progression (committee referral, readings, and passage in both houses) with an immediate effect upon enactment.
  • If enacted, the updated immunization schedules and pharmacist authority would become operative promptly, with regulations to be issued by the Department consistent with public health guidance.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law vs. A. 10711 language, or a plain-language FAQ for parents and providers.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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