Require Monkeypox Education, Prevention, and Vaccine Scheduling
In committee as of Jul 29, 2026Under review by an assigned committee.
✦ Plain-Language Summary
This law would require the NYC Department of Health to launch a public education campaign about monkeypox, including how it spreads and how to get vaccinated. The Department must also work with community groups to make vaccines more accessible in neighborhoods hit hardest by the outbreak, adjusting clinic hours and locations based on community needs. Additionally, the city would create an online portal where New Yorkers can schedule appointments for monkeypox, COVID-19, and other infectious disease vaccines.
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Details
- Introduced
- Feb 12, 2026
- Body
- Committee on Health
- Type
- Introduction
- Status
- Committee
Sponsors (8)
Official Description
This bill would require the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to develop a plan to prevent the spread of monkeypox in response to the ongoing monkeypox outbreak. DOHMH would be required to conduct an education and outreach campaign about the monkeypox outbreak, including transmission, prevention of infection, and vaccination and treatment. DOHMH would also be required to coordinate with agencies and community organizations to ensure that communities most at risk of contracting the virus and communities with low vaccine accessibility have adequate vaccine access. DOHMH would evaluate the demographics of monkeypox vaccine recipients, and adjust the hours of operation and location of vaccination sites based on such examination and the needs of communities most at risk of contracting the disease. The bill would also require DOHMH to maintain a vaccine portal that allows individuals to schedule appointments for COVID-19, monkeypox and other infectious disease vaccinations.