In Virtual Hearing, Pennacchio and Testa Hear Medical Experts Espouse Effectiveness of Naturally Acquired Immunity Against Future Infection

Antibodies in Those Who Have Been Infected Should Be Considered in NJ’s COVID Policies

Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator Michael Testa, after listening to compelling testimony during a virtual hearing on naturally developed immunity, called on Governor Murphy to revise the state’s COVID policies.

“As the Governor hides behind useless mask orders and constitutionally questionable vaccine mandates, support for the benefits and effectiveness of natural immunity is growing in the medical and scientific communities,” said Pennacchio (R-24). “Murphy says he is following the science. He’s not following it, he is ignoring it, and the confusion and fear is causing the public to lose confidence in the leadership and messaging emanating from Trenton.”

This week, Pennacchio and Testa hosted a virtual hearing on natural immunity and COVID, and the testimony from experts in the medical field was eye opening.

“The hearing was an opportunity for doctors and other medical professionals to share their insights about COVID and naturally acquired immunity with lawmakers and the public,” said Testa (R-1). “The take-away was clear. The science of natural immunity is very real. It can be as effective, if not more effective, at fighting off the virus than vaccination, and Murphy’s public health policy should reflect that reality.”

Pennacchio and Testa introduced legislation (S-4136) last month that would allow schools, workplaces, restaurants and other businesses and venues to accept an individual’s verbal confirmation that they have natural immunity due to a prior COVID-19 infection to satisfy any vaccination or testing requirement that may be imposed as a condition of employment or to receive services, participate in activities, attend school or college, or gain admission to a place or venue.

“Nature has blessed us with remarkably adaptive bodies with the ability to heal from injuries and fight off infections,” said Pennacchio. “Natural immunity acquired from a previous COVID infection is the human body’s biological defense, allowing each of us to develop antibodies designed specifically to protect us from threats like COVID-19.”

“Just as the virus has adapted with variants, it is about time for the state’s COVID policies to adapt,” said Testa. “Real people are being fired, kicked out of college, and discriminated against in various ways due to vaccine mandates imposed by Governor Murphy and others.

“It’s modern segregation that’s not the least bit based on the latest science. Our bill is an effort to save more than a million New Jerseyans with natural immunity from unnecessary harm, discrimination, and compliance burden,” continued Testa.

To view a replay of Wednesday’s virtual hearing on natural immunity and New Jersey’s COVID-19 response, CLICK HERE.