FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 3, 2021
The following statement is from Assemblymember Michael Reilly (R-Staten Island) in response to recent remarks made by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio on the COVID-19 vaccination of students in New York City public schools:
“As I have stated previously, I believe that it is an individual’s personal choice as to whether they receive the COVID-19 vaccine or not. The same applies to those under the age of 18, whose parents should have the right to provide consent before inoculation occurs.
That said, if the COVID-19 testing that occurred in our schools taught us anything, it’s that the New York City Department of Education is not capable of handling such a program. Throughout the city, we know of at least several incidents where students were tested without parental consent because of glitches and other excuses. As a parent, this is something that worries me. How can we know that the same won’t happen again, this time with COVID-19 vaccinations?
While the Mayor’s remarks did not explicitly state that vaccinations would be required, I do fear that it is beginning to set the stage for what could possibly become mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for students who wish to return to school next fall. I am strongly against such a requirement and will soon be reaching out to City Hall to open a line of communication about these concerns, both as a parent, but also on behalf of the thousands of my constituents who are opposed to such a requirement as well.”