What Has Happened With This Bill?

Parents protest NY’s vaccination requirements
June 10 Westchester and Rockland county residents were among dozens of people who rallied in Albany today to protest childhood vaccinations. The activists held signs that said things like “Parents call the shots,” and chanted, “My kids, my choice.”

The families are against legislation that would increase the number of immunizations children have to get. Under the bill, seventh graders and students preparing to enter college would have to get meningitis vaccines, minors could get vaccinated for sexually transmitted infections without parental consent, and future requirements for vaccines would be tied to national standards.

Lisa Rudley of Briarcliff Manor said two of her children have suffered health problems because of vaccines. One has recovered and another is one the way to recovering, she said.

Dr. Lynn Friedman, a chiropractor, said she unsuccessfully sued the Clarkstown School District to allow her son, now 12, to attend school without vaccinations. The state grants exceptions to the mandatory vaccine requirements for medical and religious reasons. Friedman said the district questioned the validity of her religious exemption. Her son goes to private school.

Elisa DiBari of North Salem said her son, now 10, stopped speaking after receiving the measles/mumps/rubella vaccine at 15 months. He has had a lot of treatments over the years but is doing well.

“He’s a very positive kid. Nothing stopped him,” she said, holding a sign with blown-up photo of him.

The families favor separate proposals that would allow families to opt out of the mandated vaccine program for philosphical reasons, and protections for parents who decline to have their children immunized for religious reasons.