New Jersey Moves Up Flu Shot Deadline for Pre-K and Day Care Children

New Jersey has moved up the flu shot deadline by a month for children attending pre-K and day care, according to KYW Newsradio.

Children ages 6 months through 59 months enrolled in preschool or child care must now receive the seasonal flu vaccine by Nov. 30. The previous deadline was Dec. 31.

State law requires the shots every year for that age group. Parents must give their child’s school or day care provider written documentation that the vaccine was received.

Children getting the flu vaccine for the first time need a booster 30 days after the first shot. A child who receives the first dose before Nov. 30 can still attend school or day care, but the family must book the booster appointment. Health officials say a child who skips that appointment will be excluded from preschool or day care, according to the Camden County Health Department.

Children who have not received the flu vaccine by the deadline cannot attend child care or preschool for the duration of flu season, which runs through March 31, until they receive at least one dose. Children who enroll after the deadline must show proof of vaccination before they can start.

New Jersey accepts medical and religious exemptions under state school immunization rules. Children without proof of vaccination may also be excluded during a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak.

Health officials say the earlier deadline is meant to get children protected before flu season peaks. Families can get the vaccine from their pediatrician or at a county health department clinic.

Virtua Health is offering free flu shots to children age 6 and younger at 22 mobile clinics across South Jersey this month. The clinics run on a first-come, first-served basis, and families are advised to call 609-304-0151 to confirm a location before going.

Parents should check with their child’s school health office about exactly what paperwork is needed and when it is due. With the new Nov. 30 cutoff, waiting until after Thanksgiving is no longer an option.