NJ To Require Pox Shots

The state has taken a first step toward requiring that young children be vaccinated against chickenpox before entering school or day care programs.

The New Jersey Public Health Council approved a plan on Monday to mandate the vaccine for toddlers at least 19 months old who are entering day care and children born after Jan. 1, 1998, who are entering kindergarten.

The rule could be in place as soon as September 2003.

Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia currently require chickenpox vaccinations for children. The "varicella" vaccine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1995.

Chickenpox is a contagious disease caused by a virus, which results in a rash, itching, fatigue and fever. In rare cases, it can be fatal. Forty-eight people nationwide died from the disease in 1999, according to federal statistics.

The rule approved Monday by the health council was proposed by the state Department of Health and Senior Services, which will schedule a public comment period and public hearing before final adoption.

Author: NBC10/AP