NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CONFIRMS THAT CHILDHOOD VACCINATION POLICIES REMAIN UNCHANGED
New York State Maintaining Existing Policies
ALBANY, N.Y. (January 6, 2026) – The New York State Department of Health today confirmed that New York State’s existing childhood vaccination policies, including school immunization requirements, remain unchanged at this time following a recent federal announcement revising routine childhood immunization recommendations.
There is no change to vaccine access, insurance coverage, liability protections or the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which continues to provide vaccines at no cost to eligible children.
“Despite changes announced at the federal level, New York State’s long-standing, childhood vaccine requirements remain the same,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “There was no new science, safety data or discovery presented by the federal government. New Yorkers can continue to be confident that vaccines offer the best protection from preventable childhood diseases.”
Health care providers in New York State should continue their existing, evidence-based immunization practices.
The Department remains committed to ensuring widespread access to vaccines and will continue to monitor federal actions and provide clear, timely guidance to health care providers and the public as appropriate.
###
Contact: New York State Department of Health
518-474-2043 x. 2
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!
