New Jersey requires immunization records, a physical exam, and lead screening before your child can start school. Here's what NJ requires, how to get those records, and how to make the whole handoff work from the first week.
Last verified: September 8, 2026
New Jersey Administrative Code N.J.A.C. 8:57-4 requires documented proof of immunization for school entry. Schools also require a physical examination and, for younger children, lead screening. If immunization records are incomplete at enrollment, New Jersey allows a provisional enrollment period while families work with a physician to complete the required documentation.
New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 18A:36-19 requires schools to transfer student records upon request. When you enroll at a new NJ school, they'll initiate the transfer from your former district. Keep copies of everything — out-of-state transfers can be slow, and having your own copies prevents enrollment delays.
Source: N.J.S.A. 18A:36-19 — Transfer of student records; NJ DOE — Student Records, accessed August 29, 2026
NJIIS (New Jersey Immunization Information System) is New Jersey's statewide immunization registry. If your child received any vaccines in New Jersey previously, those doses are in NJIIS. Your new NJ pediatrician can access NJIIS directly, and your local health department can provide a printout.
For doses given in your previous state, bring a signed immunization record from your former pediatrician. NJ schools accept a physician's signed record while you work with your new provider to finalize the NJ immunization documentation.
NJ-specific requirements: New Jersey requires an annual influenza vaccine for children ages 6–59 months attending licensed child care or preschool (N.J.A.C. 8:57-4.20). If your child is under 5 and entering daycare or preschool, plan for the flu shot by December 31 of each year.
Source: NJ DOH — Immunization Requirements; N.J.A.C. 8:57-4, accessed August 29, 2026
When you establish care with a new New Jersey pediatrician, bring:
Your new NJ provider will enter out-of-state vaccine doses into NJIIS, complete the CH-14 if needed, and order lead screening if your child hasn't been tested. Schedule this appointment early — the immunization record and physical exam are both needed for enrollment.
New Jersey requires a physical examination within 365 days before school entry. If your child had a well-child exam in your previous state within the past year, bring the exam summary — NJ typically accepts a documented out-of-state exam that falls within the time window.
Lead screening is required for all children under 6 who have not been previously tested (N.J.A.C. 8:51A). This is a simple blood test your pediatrician performs during a well-child visit. If your child was tested in your previous state, bring documentation of the results.
For child care and preschool enrollment, the CH-14 (Universal Child Health Record) bundles the physical exam, immunization record, and lead screening into one form — your pediatrician completes it all in one visit.
Source: NJ DOH — Childhood Lead Program; N.J.A.C. 8:51A, accessed August 29, 2026
Request complete medical records from every provider — pediatrician, specialists, dentist. Ask for a signed immunization history and lead screening results. Check your current state's immunization registry for a printout.
Enroll in the new school — they'll request records from your former district. Bring your immunization documentation and proof of residency. If records are incomplete, ask about provisional enrollment.
Your new NJ pediatrician will complete the physical, update the immunization record into NJIIS, order lead screening if needed, and fill out the CH-14 if your child is entering child care or preschool. One visit handles most of it.
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