Assembly approves hepatitis B vaccination requirement for postsecondary students
April 22, 2026 | 2026 Legislature NY, New York
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The Assembly voted to require hepatitis B vaccination for students entering postsecondary institutions across New York State, applying to public and private colleges and to out‑of‑state and international entrants, the sponsor said.
Sponsor Assemblywoman Pollan told the chamber the requirement mirrors other college entrance immunization rules such as those for meningococcal disease and is intended to protect campus populations. Her explanation said the bill “is for post secondary. It’s for all,” and that most New York residents already receive hepatitis B in infancy; the new requirement is aimed at students from states or countries without similar practices.
Members asked practical and scientific questions. Assemblyman Jensen challenged the placement of the requirement in public health law section 21 65 rather than the section used for meningitis, and argued the legal framing differs; he said he would vote no because of that statutory placement. Several members asked whether commuter, adult, online and faith‑based institutions would be covered; Pollan replied the bill applies to all postsecondary students. Assemblywoman Walsh said hepatitis B is a bloodborne disease and argued the decision should be an informed choice rather than a mandate, and noted that many students fight off infection without treatment. The sponsor and supporters said CDC recommendations include hepatitis B among vaccines commonly required for college populations.
The clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 87, Nays 49; the bill was passed and will take effect July 1, under the reading of the final section.
Why it matters: The requirement affects admission procedures at colleges, including SUNY and CUNY, and may impose logistics (series dosing and record verification) for out‑of‑state and international students. Floor debate focused on statutory placement, exemption mechanics and operational feasibility.
The Assembly moved to other business after the recorded vote.
Sponsor Assemblywoman Pollan told the chamber the requirement mirrors other college entrance immunization rules such as those for meningococcal disease and is intended to protect campus populations. Her explanation said the bill “is for post secondary. It’s for all,” and that most New York residents already receive hepatitis B in infancy; the new requirement is aimed at students from states or countries without similar practices.
Members asked practical and scientific questions. Assemblyman Jensen challenged the placement of the requirement in public health law section 21 65 rather than the section used for meningitis, and argued the legal framing differs; he said he would vote no because of that statutory placement. Several members asked whether commuter, adult, online and faith‑based institutions would be covered; Pollan replied the bill applies to all postsecondary students. Assemblywoman Walsh said hepatitis B is a bloodborne disease and argued the decision should be an informed choice rather than a mandate, and noted that many students fight off infection without treatment. The sponsor and supporters said CDC recommendations include hepatitis B among vaccines commonly required for college populations.
The clerk recorded the vote as Ayes 87, Nays 49; the bill was passed and will take effect July 1, under the reading of the final section.
Why it matters: The requirement affects admission procedures at colleges, including SUNY and CUNY, and may impose logistics (series dosing and record verification) for out‑of‑state and international students. Floor debate focused on statutory placement, exemption mechanics and operational feasibility.
The Assembly moved to other business after the recorded vote.
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