The health minister has said he does not support mandatory vaccinations in Northern Ireland.
Mike Nesbitt was speaking as a public consultation on a new Public Health Bill was extended by two weeks.
The draft bill has sparked concerns, particularly around vaccinations, with controversy on the draft legislation mainly stemming from references to vaccination policies.
The bill does not mandate compulsory vaccination and states that regulations must allow exemptions from vaccination and include provisions about someone can show that exemption.
But some are concerned that it could pave the way for more coercive measures in the future.
The issue of vaccination came under the spotlight during the Covid-19 emergency.
Some were deeply sceptical of vaccinations, citing concerns about side effects, safety and personal choice, with concerns amplified by misinformation and distrust of government policies.
Some people have also argued that the draft bill’s wording is too vague, particularly in how it addresses vaccinations, leaving open the possibility for stricter vaccine-related measures in the future.
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Mr Nesbitt said the extension to October 14 will help maximise the number of responses on the proposed legislation.
The planned bill will replace the 1967 Public Health Act, ensuring Northern Ireland can respond to a wider range of severe threats to public health.
While the 1967 Act focussed on infectious diseases, the new bill will also cover infection and contamination from biological, chemical and radiological sources.
This updating of the legislation to cover all hazards will bring NI legislation into line with the rest of the UK.
Mr Nesbitt said: “I would encourage any individual, group, or organisation with a view on the consultation to submit a response ahead of the new closing date of October 14. This is your opportunity to help shape this important legislation.
“There has been significant public interest in the consultation. As we seek to replace outdated legislation, it is important that we consider all options.
“I am not in favour of mandatory vaccination even in limited and tightly prescribed circumstances.
“Nevertheless, it is right that we have a public conversation about all potential options in the public consultation, as we decide what should be in the final Bill to protect us all.
“Unfortunately, there has been some misunderstanding about the planned new bill.
“Any draft legislation emerging from the consultation must go through the Northern Ireland Assembly’s normal scrutiny processes, including a detailed review by the Health Committee and an Assembly debate followed by votes of the full Assembly.
“It is important we have vigorous debate on the proposed legislation, which is why I welcome the strong interest in the consultation.
“I am determined that the planned Bill will strike the correct balance between the state’s responsibility to protect the public’s health, our collective responsibility to protect each other, and the autonomy, rights and dignity of individuals.
“The public consultation process and the subsequent Assembly scrutiny processes will help us achieve that balance.”