Expanded coverage now of the measles situation — Rockland state lawmakers and health officials were in Albany yesterday for World Immunization Week urging support for a Senate bill that would eliminate all non-medical exemptions from children’s vaccination requirements. Rockland State Senator David Carlucci says when those who can be vaccinated, don’t get vaccinated, we take a giant step backwards…
North Rockland State Senator James Skoufis also emphasized that the bill is not anti-religion…
Rockland Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee says the freedom of religion rights guaranteed in the constitution must be balanced against what’s right for society as a whole…
Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski said he and his wife are sometimes uncertain where it’s safe to go even though their ten-month old daughter has gotten her booster shot…
Rockland County’s Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert recommends infants get their first vaccine between 6-12 months. Under normal circumstances a child would get a second one before entering kindergarten, but Dr. Ruppert says considering what’s happening in the county now, the second one could come as soon as 28 days after the first. Dr. Ruppert says the bill would help get the so-called “herd immunization” rate up to 95%, where it should be…
County Executive Ed Day, who re-instituted the state of emergency last week despite it being struck down by the court earlier this month, says the state needs to get the bill passed now…
The Health Department is offering free MMR vaccines at the Pomona health complex, just call 845-364-2497 for an appointment. The Spring Valley Family Planning Clinic is also offering free MMR vaccines. Call 845-364-2531 to schedule an appointment. Rockland has confirmed 202 cases of measles since the outbreak began in October.