FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 24, 2022
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE ARIZONA STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP TEAM
States Determine School Immunization Requirements, Not CDC
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— The State of Arizona will not require the COVID-19 vaccine for public school students, despite a recommendation last week from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This past legislative session, Arizona State Senate Republicans voted in support of HB 2086 (DHS; school immunizations; exclusions), which clearly and explicitly states that COVID-19 vaccinations cannot be a requirement for school attendance in Arizona. This bill, signed into law by Governor Doug Ducey, ensures that parental rights are protected and that children in Arizona schools have an equal opportunity to receive the benefits of in-person instruction, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status.
"This is just another example of how out of touch the federal government and its agencies are with everyday families," said Senate President Karen Fann (R-1). "With Republicans currently in control of our state government, we can promise that we will never subject Arizonans to the requirement of an experimental vaccine that has raised questions over long-term health implications. Injecting something into our bodies is a very personal choice and is one that families should have complete control over. Parents with children in schools should not be forced to subject their kids to an experimental vaccine as a condition of in-class instruction. Senate Republicans believe parents ultimately have the right to make medical decisions for their child, and we will not take away that freedom."
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov