Workers' Compensation: NJ Plans to Enroll COVID-19 Recipients in the New Jersey Immunization Information System

If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the state of New Jersey you will be now automatically enrolled in the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS). This information will reduce paperwork and increase efficiency and provide record-keeping data for those who are authorized to receive this information. The information will be electronically stored and available over the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Additionally, "Any authorized user reporting, retrieving, or disclosing information relating to the NJIIS pursuant to N.J.S.A. 26:4-131 et seq. ... shall be immune from liability for any error or inaccuracy contained in the NJIIS information and any consequences thereof as set forth at N.J.S.A. 26:4-135(b).”

While no employer cannot mandate a vaccine requirement to all employees, there may be several employers, in vulnerable situations, that will require vaccines in order to perform certain types of work.

In preparation for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines to New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy last night signed Executive Order No. 207, which automatically enrolls residents who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine into the state’s existing vaccine registry. The Governor’s Executive Order changes inclusion into the New Jersey Immunization Information System from an opt-in to an opt-out program for residents who elect to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. That group of residents will be automatically enrolled into the system, and will then be permitted to opt-out of the registry 30 days after the public health emergency expires.

Currently, all individuals born on or after January 1, 1998, are automatically enrolled in the registry, unless they opt-out of the registry. Any individual born prior to January 1, 1998, can elect to opt-in to the registry.

“As we continue to prepare for the first tranche of vaccines in New Jersey, we are exploring every avenue to maximize efficacy and efficiency,” said Governor Murphy. “We’re taking this step today to ensure that New Jerseyans who choose to receive a COVID-19 vaccine get the most effective course, on the proper timetable, without logistical or bureaucratic hurdles in the way.”

“Accurate accounting of every dose of vaccine is vital to monitoring implementation progress of New Jersey’s vaccination plan,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The system will also allow us to ensure residents are returning for the second dose of vaccine.”

A copy of Executive Order No. 207 can be found here.

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