New Jersey moved up its daycare flu shot deadline this year. Children now need the current season’s flu shot by November 30, a full month earlier than before. The NJ daycare flu shot requirement also covers more kids. There’s no longer an upper age limit, so 5-year-olds in daycare or preschool need it too.
If you’re used to the old December 31 date, the new one is easy to miss. Pediatrician schedules also fill up fast in November. This guide explains what changed, who needs the shot, and what happens if a child misses the deadline. It also covers the special cases parents ask about most.
What the NJ daycare flu shot requirement says now
The rule comes from the New Jersey Department of Health. It applies to licensed child care centers and preschools, including ours. The updated version took effect this school year.
Who needs it
Every child 6 months and older who attends a child care center or preschool needs one flu shot each year. The old 59-month age cap is gone. That means 5-year-olds in a daycare pre-K room are now included.
When it’s due
Your child needs one dose of the current season’s vaccine by November 30. A shot given before September 1 still counts if it’s this season’s vaccine. Last season’s shot doesn’t count.
Who it doesn’t cover
The flu shot requirement doesn’t apply to children who only attend before- or after-school care. It also doesn’t apply to kindergarten through 12th grade.
One dose is the state minimum
New Jersey only requires one dose. The state notes that some children under age 9 may need a second dose for the best protection. Your pediatrician will tell you what your child needs.
What happens if you miss the November 30 deadline
The flu shot requirement has a clear consequence. It’s worth knowing ahead of time.
Children must stay home through March 31
A child without the shot by November 30 must be kept out of child care through March 31. In New Jersey, flu season is counted through that date. The center doesn’t get to choose here. It’s a state rule.
A late shot still matters
Children who miss the deadline still need this season’s shot. Bring proof to your center as soon as your child gets it, and ask when your child can return.
Special cases parents ask about
A few situations come up every year. Here’s how the rule handles them.
Starting daycare after November 30
Children who start after the deadline must show proof of this season’s flu shot before their first day. If you’re planning a December or January start, add the flu shot to your paperwork list.
Babies who turn 6 months during flu season
Babies can’t get a flu shot until they’re 6 months old. New Jersey’s chart lists the first flu dose as due by 7 months for babies in child care, so ask your pediatrician about timing at the 6-month visit. Our guide to infant daycare in Paramus covers other things to plan for.
Kids who already had the flu
Having the flu this season doesn’t count. New Jersey still requires the shot, since it can protect against other flu strains going around.
Medical and religious exemptions
New Jersey accepts valid medical and religious exemptions. A medical exemption needs a state form signed by your child’s doctor or nurse practitioner. Children with an exemption may be kept home during an outbreak.
How Paramus families can meet the November 30 deadline
The window is short once fall starts. Here’s how to get it done.
Book the visit now
Call your pediatrician as soon as you can. Ask for the shot and for written proof you can give to daycare. If your child needs a second dose, ask to book both visits at once.
Send proof to your center
Give a copy of the vaccine record to your child’s daycare once it’s done. A signed record from your doctor works, and so does a record from the state’s Docket app. Keep a photo of the record on your phone too.
For the full rules, see the NJ Department of Health immunization requirements. The page also lists the other vaccines required for child care.
Frequently asked questions
Is the flu shot required for daycare in New Jersey?
Yes. Children 6 months and older in a licensed child care center or preschool need one dose of this season’s flu vaccine by November 30 each year.
What happens if my child doesn’t get the flu shot by November 30?
Your child must stay out of child care through March 31, unless they have a valid medical or religious exemption. Bring proof to your center as soon as your child gets the shot.
Does my 5-year-old need a flu shot for daycare?
Yes, if they attend a child care center or preschool. New Jersey removed the old 59-month age limit. Kindergarten and before- or after-school programs aren’t covered.
My child is starting daycare in January. Do they need the flu shot?
Yes, if your child is 6 months or older. Children who start after November 30 must show proof of this season’s flu shot before their first day.
Does FluMist Home count for the daycare flu shot rule?
Yes, for children old enough to get it. You’ll need a pharmacy vaccination record or a record from the state’s Docket app as proof. A purchase receipt isn’t accepted.
How many flu shot doses does NJ require for daycare?
New Jersey requires one dose each season. Some children under 9 may need a second dose for the best protection. Your pediatrician will tell you.
Are there exemptions to the NJ daycare flu shot rule?
New Jersey accepts valid medical and religious exemptions. Children with an exemption may be kept home during an outbreak.
Get the flu shot done before November 30
New Jersey’s daycare flu shot deadline is now November 30, and it covers every child 6 months and older in child care. Missing it means staying home through March 31. Book your pediatrician visit now and send proof to your center. If your child is 5, don’t skip it this year.
Questions about health forms? Call JJ Paramus Day Care at (201) 500-2951. You can also read about our health and safety protocols, our security and safety practices, or the parent FAQ.
