NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A1506

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1506

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits government entity or school from requiring influenza vaccinations for persons who are 18 years of age or younger.

Impact

The passage of A1506 would lead to immediate changes in public health regulations concerning influenza vaccinations, particularly for minors. By restricting requirements imposed by schools and government bodies, the bill could impact overall vaccination rates among children. This could increase the risk of influenza outbreaks in communities, especially during flu seasons. Proponents claim that this could boost parental rights, while opponents warn it may lead to public health risks. The bill introduces a broader debate regarding the balance between individual rights and public health safety.

Summary

Bill A1506, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to prohibit government entities and schools from requiring influenza vaccinations for individuals aged 18 years and younger. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance personal autonomy concerning health decisions, particularly in relation to vaccination policies affecting children. The bill's proponents argue that it empowers parents to make health choices for their children without governmental mandates, aligning with a growing trend of skepticism toward mandated vaccinations. This bill suggests a significant shift in how vaccination requirements are perceived in public health policy.

Contention

One notable point of contention related to A1506 centers on the implications for public health protection versus individual rights. Supporters of the bill believe that mandating such vaccinations infringes on personal freedoms and parental rights. Critics, including public health officials, express concern that relaxing vaccination mandates could undermine herd immunity, leading to increased incidences of influenza in schools and communities. The debate reflects the tension between individual autonomy and collective public health interests, especially in light of recent trends regarding vaccine hesitancy and mandates.

Companion Bills

NJ A774

Carry Over Prohibits government entity or school from requiring influenza vaccinations for persons who are 18 years of age or younger.

Previously Filed As

NJ A774

Prohibits government entity or school from requiring influenza vaccinations for persons who are 18 years of age or younger.

NJ HB1463

COVID-19 vaccinations; prohibit governmental entities and public officials from requiring for any person.

NJ A3741

Prohibits certain entities from requesting or requiring provision of personal health information.

NJ HB218

Health; lower the age from 50 to 18 years old at which hospitals shall offer inpatient vaccinations for the influenza virus prior to discharge

NJ HB2316

Federal government; mandatory vaccinations; prohibition

NJ S831

Prohibits certain entities from requesting or requiring provision of personal health information.

NJ A504

Requires health insurers to provide coverage for epinephrine for persons aged 18 or younger.

NJ SB23

Prohibiting mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for WV residents

NJ A1520

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring vaccinations against COVID-19 and monkeypox for students who attend remotely.

NJ A4661

Prohibits public institutions of higher education from requiring vaccinations against COVID-19 and monkeypox for students who attend remotely.

Similar Bills

NJ A4576

Requires DOH to revise emergency response plan for pandemic influenzas.

LA HR102

Requests DHH to collaborate with stakeholders in school-based vaccination programs to prepare for the 2013-2014 influenza season

TX SB424

Relating to a school-based influenza vaccination pilot program and study.

US SB3219

Influenza Act Protecting America from Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Act of 2023

NJ A1823

Requires students and certain other children to be annually vaccinated for influenza as condition of enrollment at public and private K-12 schools, preschools, child care centers, and institutions of higher education.

NJ A2007

Requires students and certain other children to be annually vaccinated for influenza as condition of enrollment at public and private K-12 schools, preschools, child care centers, and institutions of higher education.

NJ S1101

Requires students and certain other children to be annually vaccinated for influenza as condition of enrollment at public and private K-12 schools, preschools, child care centers, and institutions of higher education.

LA HB74

Requires schools to provide information relative to influenza and immunization against the influenza virus (EN SEE FISC NOTE LF EX See Note)