Vaccination rules change
Following an extensive review, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced new rules, effective Sept. 1, 2008, requiring vaccinations for younger children and infants if they are attending a licensed child-care facility.

"The new rules, which were published in the New Jersey Register, require parents to present a vaccination certificate to the facility showing their child, ages 6 months to 59 months, received age-appropriate seasonal flu immunization sometime between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 of each year," said Edward Rumen, Ocean County public information officer.

In a February 2008 "Dear Colleague" letter, Dr. Eddy A. Bresnitz, Deputy Commissioner/ State Epidemiologist, DHSS, stated that the department made several changes to vaccine requirements for school, preschool and licensed child-care centers. He noted the changes were formally adopted by the New Jersey Public Health Council on Oct. 9, 2007, and published in the New Jersey Register on Jan. 7, 2008.

In his letter, Bresnitz said, "We encourage both private and Vaccines For Children (VFC) program providers who provide care to commercially insured children to order enough vaccine to meet the higher demand anticipated due to the new vaccine requirements."

Additionally, on Feb. 27, 2008, the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to expand its recommendation for vaccinating children against influenza to include children ages 6 months to 18 years. Formerly, the recommended standard was to vaccinate infants and children from 6 months of age to 5 years old.

The expanded recommendation, which is accepted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DHSS, is to take effect as soon as feasible, but no later than the 2009-2010 influenza season, according to a CDC press release.

"We want parents to remember that their children can receive seasonal influenza vaccinations next fall at a variety of locations," said Ella Boyd, VMD, Ocean County Public Health Coordinator. "In addition to Health Department clinics, vaccinations will be available at any Federally Qualified Health Center and at other public health providers who participate in the Vaccines For Children program."

She added the department staff will be busy working on plans to help meet the anticipated demand.

"We are facing two new challenges," Boyd said. "The state has changed the influenza vaccination requirement for infants and children attending licensed child-care facilities effective Sept. 1, 2008 and the federal government changed its vaccine recommendations effective for the 2009-2010 seasonal influenza season.

"Our staff will be busy working out our schedule of clinics to support these changes. Parents should remember that other sources of obtaining immunizations are here and can supplement the Health Department clinics, also," Boyd added.

Rumen said parents with questions can call the Health Department at (732) 341-9700, ext. 7604 or, if out of the local area, 800-342-9738 for information.