Healthcare

Prohibits the administration of COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations; requires the department of health to conduct a study and make recommendations on the benefits and risks of the administration of such vaccines; requires a self-controlled case series to be completed; makes related provisions.

This bill creates a religious exemption allowing children to attend school without required vaccinations if their parent, guardian, or legal custodian holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs opposing the vaccines. It directly affects families seeking to exempt their children from vaccination requirements for school attendance. The key provision amends public health law to require schools to accept such religious exemptions without demanding a certificate, while still reporting immunization status for exempt children. The exemption covers vaccines for diseases like measles, polio, and pertussis, as specified in existing law. This changes school vaccination policy by adding a religious exception to the current immunization requirements.

Prohibits incarcerated individuals who are determined to suffer from a substance use disorder for which there is no FDA approved addiction medications from being administered medication approved for a different disorder.