Information on vaccination policy in the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Trenton

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton, including diocesan, parish and independent schools, along with other public and non-public schools throughout the state, are required to comply with NJ state health law governing vaccinations of students and adults working in our schools.
 
Things to know about these laws/policies, since there seems to be some misunderstanding circulating:

1. Vaccination against COVID-19 is only recommended but not required for NJ schools, including Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton.
2. Vaccination against influenza is only required for students in a childcare and pre-school setting, including those operating in the Diocese of Trenton.
3. Information on all other vaccination requirements is provided by state health officials responsible for setting these policies at these locations:

 
The immunization requirements for childcare/preschool and schools are at N.J.A.C. 8:57-4. 
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/imm_requirements/
 
Preschool/childcare: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/imm_requirements/cc_preschool_re quirements_parents.pdf
 
K-12: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/imm_requirements/k12_parents.pdf
 
FAQ document: https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/documents/imm_requirements/vaccine_qa.pdf
 

4. The only established exemption from vaccines in NJ is medical and needs to be granted by the state, according to its criteria and requirements.

 

5. Although the issue of vaccines is a medical concern related to public health and not a religious matter, Pope Francis, the Church’s pre-eminent doctrinal leaders and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have been clear that there is no moral impediment to receiving vaccinations, and that taking the vaccine should be considered an act of love taken to prevent illness in others. A religious exemption to NJ state law requiring vaccinations is not provided by Church leaders.