PUBLIC HEALTH INFO – INFLUENZA VACCINE MANDATE

As the flu season approaches, know that the seasonal flu shot is the best and safest protection available against the flu. New Jersey requires that all children aged six months to 59 months attending a licensed day care or preschool on or after September 1, 2008, receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine each year between September 1 and December 31 of each year. year. Please consult the required vaccination form to be completed by the doctor and returned to the school nurse no later than October 18, 2018

The NJDHSS is fully implementing the mandate of seasonal vaccination for children 6-59 months in child care, preschool and Headstart programs to receive the seasonal flu vaccine by December 31. There will be no grace period or waiver granted for unvaccinated children. Children who have not received the vaccine by December 31 will be excluded until the end of flu season, which is March 31 in New Jersey, or until they receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine. By law, the superintendent and education officials are responsible for excluding children. Local or regional health departments are responsible for verifying vaccination records and the power to assess fines.

In accordance with NJAC 8: 57-4.24, each violation of the rules will be punishable by the penalty set out in NJSA 26: 1A-10, (sic) Violation of the Sanitary Code, “each violation of any provision of the State Sanitary Code will constitute a separate offense and will be punishable by a fine of not less than $ 50 and not more than $ 1,000. Each fine will be prosecuted and recovered in a civil action in a competent court. ”and the NJAC 8:57 -4.2 Proof of vaccination: “A school principal, principal or other person responsible for a school, nursery school or daycare center must not knowingly admit or retain a child whose parent has not not presented acceptable evidence of vaccination of the child, according to the schedules specified in this subchapter. ” For greater clarity, the sanction is taken against the establishment or school and not against the parent. However, the code requires that the child not be admitted or withdrawn from school if he is unable to show proof of immunization as required by the Immunization Regulations. students at school. Accommodation is made for a parent / guardian to submit the necessary written letter requesting a religious or medical exemption as specified in each of the respective sections of the rule.

Health service staff work in conjunction with school nurses and / or administrative staff in each school district to monitor this and any other immunization mandates that affect school children and their families. This team dynamic has worked very well in the past and we expect this year to be no exception.

If you have any questions, please contact the State Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at (609) 826-4860.