New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has vowed not to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for children “at this time,” saying the decision will ultimately be down to the state Legislature.
Hochul, a Democrat, made the comments during a debate on Tuesday against her opponent in the gubernatorial race, Long Island Republican Lee Zeldin, ahead of the midterm elections.
When asked if she would mandate the shots for children, Hochul simply stated “not at this time,” adding that the “Legislature makes the determination in consultation with health experts for next year’s school year.”
“You’re talking about this year. We’re not talking about mandating a vaccine for children in school at this time, but I’m encouraging—highly, highly encouraging,” Hochul said….