FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2019
Contact: John Lyon 845-638-5645

Statements from County Executive Ed Day and Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert

"This is a great step forward in protecting the public health here in New York. This law should lead to a substantial increase in vaccination rates and to improved protection of our most vulnerable residents; infants, the immunocompromised and those who have legitimate medical issues. With Rockland being an epicenter of the current measles outbreak, we greatly appreciate that our advocacy and local efforts were heard and acknowledged. I thank the sponsors of this bill, our local State Representatives who worked to see it passed and Governor Cuomo for understanding it's importance and signing it so quickly," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

"For the past eight months, I have led the Rockland measles outbreak response and witnessed the effects on our community including multiple hospitalizations including ICU admissions and even a premature birth caused by this disease. Ending non-medical exemptions to vaccination will lead to significantly improved health outcomes for our residents and for everyone across New York State. This bill will make a world of difference for those who need it the most," said Rockland Commissioner of Health Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

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