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New rules target vaccine exemptions

Aug 20, 2019 12:00 pm
David Robinson is reporting for LoHud [dot] com state health officials have issued new emergency vaccination regulations to prevent bogus medical exemption claims and to clarify the rules created by the new state law that repealed religious exemptions for student immunizations. The new rules require doctors to complete detailed forms documenting any legitimate medical reason for why a student cannot be vaccinated. The rules were announced August 16 as back-to-school vaccine deadlines approached. "These regulations will ensure that those who have legitimate medical reasons for not getting vaccinated are still able to obtain medical exemptions, while also preventing abuse of this option by those without such medical conditions," said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. Effective immediately, physicians can no longer simply submit a signed statement for an exemption to be granted. They must complete a medical exemption form approved by the state Department of Health or New York City Department of Education, state health officials said. The regulations require physicians to outline specific justifications for each required vaccine before an exemption can be granted. Read the full story at LoHud [dot] com.