New Vaccine Requirements for Preschool and Grade 6
The New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) has recently revised Chapter 14 N.J.A.C. 8:57-4 which mandates the following four new vaccines for Preschool and Grade 6 effective September 1, 2008:
1. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Beginning September 1, 2008 every child 12 months through 59 months of age attending preschool shall have received one dose of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on or after their first birthday.
2. Influenza vaccine Beginning September 1, 2008 children six months through 59 months of age attending preschool shall annually receive at least one dose of influenza vaccine between September 1 and December 31 of each year.
1. Tdap vaccine (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) Beginning September 1, 2008 every child born on or after January 1, 1997 and entering or attending Grade 6 shall have received one dose of Tdap given no earlier than the 10th birthday and five years have elapsed from the last DTP/Dtap or TD dose.
Beginning September 1, 2008 children born on or after January 1, 1997, and transferring into a New Jersey school from another state or country shall have received one dose of Tdap, provided at least five years have elapsed from the last documented TD dose.
2. Meningococcal vaccine Beginning September 1, 2008 every child born on or after January 1, 1997 and entering or attending Grade 6 shall have received one dose of a meningococcal-containing vaccine, such as the medically preferred meningococcal vaccine.
Beginning September 1, 2008 children born on or after January 1, 1997, and transferring into a New Jersey school from another state or country shall have received one dose of meningococcal vaccine.
Immunization is the single most important way parents can protect their children against serious diseases. Contact your doctor NOW to ensure your child receives the required immunizations. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call your school nurse.