New Jersey Assembly Bill A4338

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/20/22
• Refer: 6/20/22

Caption

Requires vaccinations against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) be reported to New Jersey Immunization Information System.

Impact

The passage of A4338 is expected to enhance public health efforts by improving the tracking of vaccination rates across the state. This move is particularly crucial in helping identify gaps in vaccination coverage that could lead to potential outbreaks of COVID-19. Additionally, the bill facilitates timely vaccination for registrants and allows health care providers to access immunization data necessary for ensuring compliance with recommended vaccination schedules. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that providers who administer vaccines are required to register as authorized users within the NJIIS.

Summary

Bill A4338 aims to establish a framework for reporting vaccinations against COVID-19 to the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS). The NJIIS serves as a statewide electronic registry designed to consolidate immunization records for cost-effective disease management and control. As per the provisions of this bill, individuals born after January 1, 1998 are automatically included in the registry unless a written request for exclusion is provided by their parent or guardian. The bill mandates automatic enrollment for all individuals administered the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, again unless a specific opt-out request is made by the individual or their guardian.

Contention

While the bill overall aims to bolster public health safety through improved immunization tracking, there may be concerns regarding data privacy and the implications of mandatory reporting. Critics may argue that automatic enrollment in the registry could infringe upon individual rights to healthcare preferences. Nevertheless, provisions in the bill also ensure that no discrimination occurs against individuals choosing not to participate in the registry, signaling that the planning around the implementation of this bill takes privacy and choice into consideration.