Outgoing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed new legislation that changes how the state determines its vaccine recommendations. The move comes amid concerns from health professionals about what they describe as a reduction in vaccination rules at the federal level.
The law shifts authority for immunization guidance from federal recommendations to those issued by the New Jersey Department of Health. This also means that health insurance coverage requirements will now be aligned with state guidance rather than federal standards.
Additionally, the New Jersey Department of Health announced it will adopt a comprehensive update to N.J.A.C. 8:57, which is set to take effect on inauguration day for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. Previously, New Jersey relied on vaccine guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to officials, these changes are intended to maintain science-based public health policy in response to perceived changes at the national level.
