New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08496

Introduced
9/3/25  

Caption

Expands the entities that may make recommendations for administering immunizations to include the immunization advisory council and the 21st century workgroup for disease elimination and reduction.

Impact

If enacted, S08496 would enable pharmacists to administer a wider range of immunizations based on recommendations from established health councils, thus improving accessibility for the public. This change is designed to strengthen the response to infectious disease outbreaks by making it easier to implement vaccination programs at the community level. By allowing pharmacists to take a more active role in immunization efforts, the bill may lead to higher vaccination rates and better public health outcomes.

Summary

Bill S08496 proposes amendments to the education law in New York, specifically regarding entities authorized to recommend immunizations. The bill expands the scope of professionals who can make such recommendations to include the immunization advisory council and the 21st century workgroup for disease elimination and reduction. This aims to enhance the public health response by allowing licensed pharmacists to administer immunizations under specific conditions, particularly in situations where there is a threat of communicable diseases.

Contention

However, the expansion of authority granted to pharmacists may raise concerns among healthcare providers regarding the adequacy of training and the potential for mismanagement of vaccine administration. Critics may argue that such a move could undermine traditional roles within the healthcare system and may lead to complications in patient care stemming from a lack of comprehensive medical histories typically maintained by primary care providers. Thus, while the bill purports to advance public health objectives, the discussions surrounding it highlight the need to balance accessibility with safety and effectiveness.

Companion Bills

NY A09060

Same As Expands the entities that may make recommendations for administering immunizations to include the immunization advisory council and the 21st century workgroup for disease elimination and reduction.

Previously Filed As

NY A10292

Establishes the rare disease advisory council to identify best practices, raise awareness regarding rare diseases, evaluate barriers to access to care, and to make recommendations to the legislature and the governor.

NY S09724

Establishes the rare disease advisory council to identify best practices, raise awareness regarding rare diseases, evaluate barriers to access to care, and to make recommendations to the legislature and the governor.

NY A00837

Relates to the publication of immunization information; requires schools to provide immunization information to the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to make immunization information, including rates of immunization, available on its website.

NY S01946

Relates to the publication of immunization information; requires schools to provide immunization information to the commissioner of health; requires the department of health to make immunization information, including rates of immunization, available on its website.

NY S01947

Relates to the practice of pharmacy and administration of immunizations.

NY A08409

Relates to the practice of pharmacy and administration of immunizations.

NY S04783

Relates to including diagnosis of asthma or other respiratory diseases for which rescue inhaler treatment is prescribed in the statewide immunization information system.

NY A06594

Relates to including diagnosis of asthma or other respiratory diseases for which rescue inhaler treatment is prescribed in the statewide immunization information system.

NY S03117

Includes Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as occupational diseases for purposes of workers' compensation; clarifies that disability includes disability caused by Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases; requires insurance coverage of long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.

NY A04617

Includes Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases as occupational diseases for purposes of workers' compensation; clarifies that disability includes disability caused by Lyme disease or other tick-borne diseases; requires insurance coverage of long term medical care for Lyme disease and other tick borne diseases.

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