City Approves Requiring Kids in Child Care Programs to Get Flu Shots

The city’s Department of Health has approved a requirement that children who attend day care and preschool programs in the five boroughs get flu shots.

The agency voted in favor of a resolution today that mandates the vaccination for children, ages 5 years and below, who are enrolled in school-based child-care programs.

A child’s parent would have to prove they were vaccinated by the end of each year or they could be excluded from day care and pre school programs.

“Getting an annual influenza vaccine is the best protection against this highly contagious infection,” Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said. “It’s especially important for children to get vaccinated because it protects their health and reduces the overall spread of the virus.”

Children with valid medical or religious reasons for not getting a flu shot would be exempt. The resolution will not take effect until next year.

For more information, visit the city Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's website.