What You Need To Know
As the new school year approaches, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) reminds school and public health professionals that New Jersey’s student immunization requirements remain in effect (nj.gov/health/news/2026/approved/20260818a.shtml). Vaccination is an important tool for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases, protecting students and staff, and reducing the risk of outbreaks that can disrupt learning and affect the health of the school community. Encourage families to review their children’s immunization records and make sure they are up to date on required vaccines; eligible children can receive vaccines at no cost through the New Jersey Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.
On January 20, 2026, the Department adopted amendments to N.J.A.C. 8:57-3, the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS), and 8:57-4, Immunization of Children in Child Care Centers and Schools. Attached is a summary of the amendments. For more details review the administrative code, the immunization charts, and other content in the resource section.
ACTION ITEMS FOR SCHOOLS:
- Review student immunization records to ensure compliance with school immunization requirements.
- Refer uninsured or underinsured students to the New Jersey Vaccines for Children (VFC) and/or 317 participating providers to receive vaccinations.
- Participate in the official statewide immunization registry—the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS).
- Maintain a list of students who are in the process of catching up on immunizations to ensure timely receipt based on the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Catch-Up Schedule.
- Become familiar with the local health departments in your jurisdiction.
ACTION ITEMS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS:
- Make sure patients receive all vaccines required for school attendance, as well as recommended vaccines for the best possible protection.
- Consider participating in the NJ VFC Program to provide free or low-cost vaccines for eligible patients.
- Participate in NJIIS.
RESOURCES:
- Instructions for viewing N.J.A.C. 8:57 rules: nj.gov/health/cd/documents/instructions_viewing_regulations.pdf
- Immunization Charts and Child Care Centers and Schools: nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements/
- NJ VFC Program: nj.gov/health/vaccines/programs/vfc/
- Search VFC and 317-Providers: nj.gov/health/vaccines/programs/vfc/vfc-317-vaccine-locations/
- NJIIS: njiis.nj.gov
- AAP Schedule downloads.aap.org/AAP/PDF/AAP-Immunization-Schedule.pdf