On October 12, 2020, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Department of Health suspended, for a period of 30 days, the enforcement of the required vaccinations for students enrolled in K-12 schools. This extension applied only to students attending school exclusively remotely and only if the student intends to obtain the required vaccinations within the next 30 days. Then on November 10, 2020, this suspension was extended for another 30 days.

On December 11, 2020, the suspension was extended for an additional grace period of 30 days. The new deadline for submission of the required vaccinations for remote-only students will be January 10, 2021.

During this grace period, students learning remotely must obtain all required vaccinations, if they have not already, to be eligible to continue attending school following January 10, 2021. As a condition of attending remote learning during this grace period, parents of remote learning students must submit an affidavit, in a form and manner determined by the school, acknowledging intention to obtain the appropriate vaccinations during the grace period. If a school does not receive proof of all required vaccinations by January 10, 2021, the school shall not permit the student to attend, including through remote learning, until such proof has been received.

The vaccination requirements are found in the 2020-21 School Year New York State Immunization Requirements for School Entrance/Attendance.

As always, Honeywell Law Firm, PLLC, is available to assist School Districts in reviewing immunization paperwork and exemption requests. Contact us for further information and guidance.