Bill > S2813

This bill clarifies the existing statutory exemptions from mandatory student immunizations in New Jersey, specifying that exemptions can be granted based on either a written statement from a licensed physician indicating a medical contraindication for a vaccine, or a written statement from a student or their parent/guardian explaining how a vaccine conflicts with bona fide religious tenets or practices, with general philosophical or moral objections not being sufficient for a religious exemption. The bill also clarifies that the Commissioner of Health can suspend religious exemptions during an emergency and amends existing law to ensure that students seeking exemptions at elementary, secondary schools, or institutions of higher education will now refer to the exemption criteria established in section 6 of P.L.1974, c.150, which is the section being amended by this bill.