New Jersey school vaccine exemptions
New Jersey allows medical and religious exemptions from school and childcare immunization requirements. The religious exemption is a written statement from the parent; no state form or provider signature is required.
Religious exemption. A parent or guardian submits a written, signed statement to the school or childcare center explaining that immunization conflicts with their bona fide religious tenets or practices. Schools may not question the sincerity of the belief, and no doctor’s signature is required. The statement stays on file; some districts ask for it to be resubmitted when a child changes schools.
Medical exemption. A licensed physician or advanced practice nurse writes a statement that a specific vaccine is medically contraindicated, citing a recognized contraindication. Medical exemptions must be renewed each year unless the condition is permanent.
What to ask a practice. Whether they will complete the school immunization record for a child on a partial schedule, and whether they will document a medical exemption when one applies. The religious statement does not involve the practice.
Where rules change. Efforts to remove the religious exemption in New Jersey have come up more than once in the legislature. Check the state Department of Health page or your district for the current rule before relying on this guide.
Last reviewed 2026-09-10. This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. Official New Jersey immunization page ↗