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 meningococcal disease immunization requirements 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 authoritative source for these recommendations, rather than the ACIP.

Additionally, the bill requires heads of State agencies to adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement these changes, ensuring that all references to ACIP in existing regulations are updated to reflect the Department of Health's recommendations. This shift aims to streamline the immunization process and consolidate authority under the Department of Health, enhancing the state's public health response. 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