WHAT IS THE VACCINATION STATUS OF OUR SCHOOLS?

The recent debate over vaccinations in light of the measles outbreak elsewhere in the country prompted us to see exactly what students in our school district are required to receive.

The vaccination requirements are below direct for the district's own files. As you can see, measles are among the long list of vaccinations you must have to enroll.

But, as you can see, there are exemptions for religious reasons that require only a note from parents. NJ.com reported that some 9,000 students statewide are exempted for religious reasons, with 714 in Essex County. 

School district officials declined to reveal how many students are exempt, but Township Health Officer Robert Roe said there are some who have taken the exemption. He also reminded parents that getting vaccinations is highly recommended. 

IMMUNIZATION OF PUPILS

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Title 8-Chapter 57, New Jersey Department of Health Regulations require that all New Jersey pupils be immunized against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough (Pertussis), Polio, Measles (Rubeola), German Measles (Rubella) and Mumps. No pupil will be admitted to any school in our district without evidence of having been immunized by the following agents:

1.      Diphtheria Toxoid

2.      Pertussis Vaccine

3.      Tetanus Toxoid

4.      Live Poliomyelitis Vaccine - Trivalent

5.      Live attenuated Measles Virus Vaccine and Measles Booster Vaccine

6.      Live Rubella Virus Vaccine

7.      Live Mumps Vaccine 

8.      HIB Vaccine (Required for all incoming Kindergarten and Pre-School students)

9.      Hepatitis B Vaccine 

10.   Varicella Vaccine

11.   Meningococcal Vaccine (grade 6)

IN ADDITION:

Tuberculosis testing is required for all students entering from countries and cities designated by the

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. New Jersey State regulations require the

Mantoux test. PLEASE NOTE: The Mantoux test will only be considered valid if it was administered within the last six (6) months. *

New student physical form (blank form included in this packet) is to be returned to your child’s school nurse. Proof that your child has complied with the above requirements may be obtained by having the attached form, Certificate of Immunization, completed and signed by your physician, a public health officer, or a school nurse from your former school district. Failure to submit proof of immunizations could result in your child’s exclusion from school.

The school district will accept one of the following documents as an exception to above compliance:
1.      Pupils presenting a signed physician's certificate stating that the above immunizations are medically contraindicated.
2.      Pupils presenting a parent/guardian letter to request religious exemption.
3.      Pupils presenting a signed physician’s statement that immunizations are in progress and that the pupil is in the process of complying with the above, when the MMR, one DPT and one OPV have already been given.