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Back to Article List Vaccination Requirements Changing in the State of NJ Release Date: December 19, 2007 Cape May Court House - On Friday, December 14, the State of New Jersey became the first state to require an annual flu shot and pneumococcal vaccination for children attending licensed child care centers and preschools beginning in September 2008. “The amendments to the rules governing immunizations will have a direct impact on reducing illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths in one of New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations – our children,” said New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, MD, JD. “Vaccinations have proven to be one of the most effective and safe forms of disease prevention.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu shots for children 6 months of age to 5 years, as a high priority group. Cape May County Health Officer Kevin Thomas said, “In Cape May County, we have been promoting flu vaccinations for children by holding special free flu shot clinics for children and their parents, by providing the CDC’s recommendations to all primary care physicians and pediatricians in the County, and by communicating directly to families through our website, at our Health Department clinics, and through information about the flu that we sent through the schools.” So far this year, the Cape May County Health Department has vaccinated at least 250 children through public clinics using preservative-free flu vaccine. In Cape May County there are approximately 1,100-1,500 children in a licensed child care or preschool facility. The Department will be contacting primary care physicians and pediatricians in the County to inform them of the new requirement so they can plan accordingly for their patients. Thomas added, “this is a very exciting public health policy that will have an impact not only on illness among our children, but vaccinating our children against the flu should also affect illness among the elderly and others with chronic health conditions that are at high risk for influenza complications.” Parents with questions about the flu vaccine can check our website, at cmchealth.net or call 465-1200. Also, the Cape May County Department of Health does have flu vaccine for this year. If you still need your annual flu shot, please call 465-1200.

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