New Jersey Mandates More Vaccines For Preschoolers, Students

Trenton, NJ (AHN) - New Jersey's health commissioner on Friday approved the mandatory annual flu vaccination of all preschoolers required by the Public Health Council starting on Sept. 1, 2008.

Preschoolers will also be required to receive a pneumococcal vaccine and sixth-graders will be required to receive vaccines against meningitis and a booster shot against whooping cough. The meningitis vaccine is already a requirement for college dormitory residents.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Fred M. Jacobs' approval made New Jersey the first state to have such policy aimed at reducing illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths in children.

The mandatory flu shots had met opposition from parents, who questioned the safety of giving children dozens of vaccine doses. The parents also did not want the government to interfere in their medical decisions.

The state allows exemption from the immunization program for religious and medical reasons.