This bill amends existing New Jersey law to replace references to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) with the Department of Health in relation to immunization and vaccination recommendations. Specifically, it modifies several sections of law to ensure that the Department of Health's guidelines are followed for immunizations required for students enrolling in higher education institutions, lead screening requirements, and annual influenza vaccination programs in healthcare facilities. The bill mandates that the Department of Health will now be the authority for setting these health standards, rather than the ACIP.

Additionally, the bill requires heads of State agencies to adopt necessary rules and regulations to facilitate this transition, ensuring that all references to ACIP in existing regulations are updated to reflect the Department of Health's recommendations. This change aims to streamline the immunization process and centralize health guidance under the Department of Health, enhancing the state's public health framework. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:62-15.1, 26:2-137.1, 26:2H-18.79