NJ Parents
Varicella Vaccine Mandate
The New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) has been advised by the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) that it has recently proposed a regulation regarding varicella (chicken pox) vaccinations that may be finalized as early as this summer. According to the proposed regulation, as of September 1, 2003, every child born on or after January 1, 1998 will be required to have received one dose of the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine prior to entry into the school system (no earlier than their first birthday). This applies to students entering school for the first time in either pre-school; kindergarten or first grades or a comparable entry level special education program with an assigned grade (including pre-school). Additionally, students born after January 1, 1998 who attend or transfer into a New Jersey school from another state or country are required to have received one dose of the varicella vaccine.
Because the DHSS realizes that receiving notice of this proposed regulation during the summer months may hinder the ability of schools to comply by the start of the 2003-2004 school year, it has provided DOE with guidance for provisional compliance which gives students an opportunity to obtain the appropriate varicella vaccination by the end of the 2003-2004 school year. The DOE is asking that all schools send a notice to parents of children affected by this proposed regulation to ensure that children either provide documentation of varicella vaccination or immunity or obtain the appropriate vaccination by the close of the 2003-2004 school year under this provisional compliance. The DHSS has indicated that children that present laboratory evidence of immunity, a physician’s or a parental statement of previous varicella infection shall not be required to receive the varicella vaccine under this mandate. Please note that during this transitional period these children should not be excluded from school attendance for non-compliance prior to September 1, 2004.
Although generally mild and self-limiting, varicella can be associated with complications, which can include secondary bacterial infection, pneumonia and central nervous system involvement. As the incidence of chickenpox disease circulation among these young children decreases as a result of vaccination efforts, those who remain unvaccinated have a reduced chance of acquiring disease during early childhood when the disease is generally less severe, but may be at more risk of developing severe varicella disease complications later as susceptible older individuals.
Religious exemptions to immunization for a pupil enrolling in a private or public school or child care center pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.4 shall continue to be granted, provided the parent or guardian explains in writing how the immunization conflicts with the exercise of bona fide religious tenets or practices of the pupil. General philosophical or moral objections to immunization remain insufficient for an exemption on religious grounds. Medical exemptions to immunization for pupils as referenced at N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.3 shall also continue to be granted.
This mandate applies not only to children attending schools, but to those attending pre-schools, pre-kindergarten and childcare centers as well. As such, DHSS has indicated that it will provide more specific information to the affected entities after administrative rules have been formally adopted. Specific questions relating to this notification can be directed to the DHSS, Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at (609) 588-7512.
