NY department of health 'exploring options' after judge strikes down COVID vaccine mandate for health workers

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A New York Supreme Court judge struck down a mandate Friday that required all health care workers in the state to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, saying Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Health had exceeded its authority. 

In his ruling, Judge Gerard Neri said the mandate is "null, void, and of no effect" because the state can’t require health care workers to get vaccinations that aren’t required by public health law, which includes mumps, measles and hepatitis. 

The state health department said Saturday it is "exploring its options" after the ruling. 

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The state health department said Saturday it is "exploring its options" after the ruling.  (Scott Heins/Getty Images)

The lawsuit was brought by Medical Professionals for Informed Consent, which included health care employees who stood to or had already lost their jobs over the requirement. 

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Health care workers protest against being forced to get the Covid-19 vaccine, outside the New York State Office Building in Hauppauge, New York on August 27, 2021.  (Photo by Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

"The State Health Department strongly disagrees with the judge’s decision and is exploring its options," the agency said in a statement to the Associated Press, adding that the COVID-19 mandate protected the most at-risk patients and those who care for them.

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The N.Y. Department of Health didn't immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.