Children as young as six months will be required to get annual flu shots to attend preschool or day care following a vote today by the Public Health Council. The council also mandated three other vaccines, including two for sixth-graders.
The vote makes New Jersey the first state to require annual flu shots for children attending preschool or day care. State health officials say the new vaccine mandates -- which take effect in the 2008-09 school year -- will reduce disease, hospitalizations and the need for parents to stay home with sick children.
The council approved the measure 5-2, with one abstention, despite protests from parents concerned about vaccine dangers. The new regulations will not be finalized until state health commissioner Fred Jacobs signs the measure. However, Jacobs has been supportive of the new rules and is expected to sign them soon.
Opponents of the measure say there is inadequate proof the vaccines are both safe and effective. Opponents include the New Jersey Alliance for Informed Choice in Vaccination.
The new rules say:
--Children aged 6 months to 59 months (four years and nine months) must get the flu shot each year to attend preschool or day care.
--Children two months to 59 months old also must get the pneumonia, or pneumococcal, vaccine.
--A Diptheria-Pertussis-Tetanus (DPT shot) booster is now required for sixth-graders to attend school.
--A meningitis shot also is now required for sixth-graders.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/12/flu_shots_now_required_for_pre.html
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