How Do I Opt Out of the New Jersey Mandatory Flu Shot?

New Jersey students may opt out of mandatory flu vaccinations.

On December 14, 2007, the State of New Jersey enacted regulations that require children attending schools within the state to receive influenza vaccinations. By December of the following year, the state required parents to show proof that their children had been vaccinated, or the children were not allowed to attend school. Although the law requires vaccination, the language includes two ways to opt out: by claiming a religious or a medical exemption.

Instructions

1. Submit a document, written by the parent of a New Jersey student, objecting to the administration of the shot on the ground that it "interferes with the free exercise of the pupil's religious rights." According to a memorandum by Janet DeGraaf, the Director of the Communicable Disease Service, the exemption applies to public, private and parochial schools. When they have received a written objection on the basis of religious observance, officials may not challenge the sincerity of the religious belief. Include the word "religion" or "religious" in the objection.

2. Submit a document, written by a "physician licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy or an advanced practice nurse (certified registered nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist)" certifying that the immunization is medically contraindicated. Include the time period for the medical contraindiction and a valid medical reason per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices or the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines. Submit the statement to the child's school.

3. Monitor the possible passage of the "Conscientious Exemption to Vaccination Bill S1071." If it passes, the current law will be amended to allow students to reject vaccination based on a conscientious basis. See the "Action Alert" link to updates about the pending bill in the "References" section.

References

• New Jersey Alliance for Informed Choice in Vaccination: NJ Vaccination Mandates Allows for Two Exemptions
• New Jersey Alliance for Informed Choice in Vaccination: Action Alert
• The New York Times: Flu Shots for Children Grow Near in Jersey
• Janet DeGraaf; Director, Communicable Disease Service, State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services; Trenton, NJ
• New Jersey Department of Health: Immunization of Pupils in School (Language)