Parents Sue Over NY Vaccination Order; One Child Care Facility Ordered Closed

Yesterday five mothers of children who claim religious exemptions from vaccination requirements filed suit in a New York state trial court challenging last week's emergency order by the New York City Health Department requiring everyone living or working in zip codes comprising the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn to be vaccinated against measles unless they already have immunity or are medically exempt. (See prior posting.)  The complaint (full text) in C.F. v. New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, (Kings Cty. Sup. Ct., filed 4/15/2019) contends:

There is insufficient evidence of a measles epidemic or dangerous outbreak to justify the respondents’ extraordinary measures, including forced vaccination. The Orders are, therefore, arbitrary, capricious, contrary to law and in violation of petitioners’ rights under the United States Constitution and New York State law.

The complaint also contends that the Order ignores the risk of harm from compulsory vaccination.  Courthouse News Service reports on the lawsuit.

Meanwhile yesterday New York officials ordered a child care center in Williamsburg closed for failing to provide the Health Department access to medical and attendance records showing that the school is excluding unvaccinated children. (New York Times; Yeshiva World News).