To Combat Misinformation, NYC Council Passes Package of Legislation to Increase Public Education on Vaccinations, Especially for Children and Parents

 

Council also approves bills to improve coordination, outreach, and transparency during Code Blue emergencies

Today, the New York City Council voted to pass a package of legislation to combat vaccine misinformation by requiring the distribution of informational materials about vaccines to public school children and parents and implement a public education plan about the benefits of childhood vaccinations. Despite being one of the most effective public health interventions, vaccination rates have declined in recent years, including among children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2024-2025 school year, vaccination coverage among kindergarteners in the United States decreased for all vaccines from the prior year. At the same time, measles outbreaks have spread across the country, with nearly 1,800 confirmed cases in 37 states as of last week. The continued spread of misinformation about the impacts and benefits of vaccines has contributed to the reemergence of preventable diseases.

The Council also approved legislation to improve coordination during future Code Blue emergencies, extend deadlines related to the Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2027, and designate Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in New York City.

“At a time when the misinformation and disinformation about vaccines coming from the federal government is literally putting lives in danger, it’s incumbent on the City Council to take the lead in setting the record straight,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “This package of proposed legislation will give parents accurate information about vaccines and their role in protecting public health, while seeking to expand vaccine access so more New York families can benefit. When Washington steps back, New York steps up.”