Every student must be immunized against diseases as set forth in the State Health Code unless excluded for one of the reasons approved by law. Failure to comply with this provision will result in exclusion from school. Certain communicable diseases require a period of isolation. Call your school nurse if you have any questions.
Meningococcal and Tdap vaccines are required for all entering 6th graders who are 11 years of age or older.
If in 6th grade and under age 11, children must receive the vaccines within 2 weeks of their 11th birthday. Meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccines administered at age 10 or older will be accepted for NJ school attendance.
As of the 2020-2021 school year, children who receive a Tdap before age 10 would need to receive an additional dose to meet NJ’s immunization requirements for sixth grade and higher.
Children without proof of immunity as defined by ACIP, including those with medical and religious exemptions, may be excluded from a school, preschool, or child care facility during a vaccine preventable disease outbreak or threatened outbreak as determined by the Commissioner, Department of Health or his or her designee. In addition, anybody having control of a school may, on account of the prevalence of any communicable disease, or to prevent the spread of communicable disease, prohibit the attendance of any teacher or pupil of any school under their control and specify the time during which the teacher or scholar shall remain away from school. The Department of Health shall provide guidance to the school of the appropriateness of any such prohibition.
