Newark, NJ –- August 10, 2018 — Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Director of the Department of Health and Community Wellness, Dr. Mark J. Wade announced today that the City of Newark will launch the barrier-free 2018 School Bus Express (SBX) Program during the period of Monday, August 20 to Saturday, September 15, 2018. SBX is an annual program coordinated by the department to deliver required immunizations to children, on time, for school attendance in the Fall. The goal of the SBX vaccination program is to provide age appropriate and state required vaccines to children in a timely manner. SBX is also to ensure that Newark’s children receive their required immunizations before starting or returning to school.

Immunization services will be offered at the Department of Health and Community Wellness, 110 William Street, Suite 108, in Newark’s Central Ward. Please note that due to the Labor Day holiday, the clinic will be closed on Monday, September 3. 

“Ensuring the good health of our City’s youth is more than a public health issue,” said Mayor Baraka. “These efforts are critical in building the stronger, safer, healthier, and more productive Newark of the future. Our children cannot grow, learn, and become successful adults unless they are healthy. I encourage all Newark parents, grandparents and caregivers to register your children now for the School Bus Express program and take advantage of the opportunity to give your children a healthy start to the new school year.”

Dr. Wade noted: “Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your children against certain preventable diseases. We encourage all parents and guardians to check their child’s immunization record and if needed, schedule a visit with your child’s primary care provider or with the health department. Doing so now will help avoid a potential last minute rush, and will help ensure there are no surprises on the first day of school.”

Immunization is a proven scientific approach that protects children from infectious diseases and their complications. All vaccines undergo long and careful review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government, to make sure they are safe.

The New Jersey State Sanitary Code, Immunization of Pupils in Schools, requires the proof of immunization to attend a school, preschool, or child-care facilities.

The DHCW’s School Bus Express program has extended Thursday evening hours and Saturday hours, in addition to regular business hours to assist parents’ who are working during the day. The schedule is as follows:

• Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Extended hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., on the following days:

Thursday, August 23 & 30, 2018   

Thursday, September 6 & 13, 2018 

• Saturday clinic hours, from 9 am to 1 pm., on  August 25, 2018 & September 8, 2018

Vaccination services are offered daily on a first-come basis at the Department of Health and Community Wellness, 110 William Street, Suite 108 in Newark’s Central Ward.

Parents/guardians bringing their children for immunizations for the first time are required to have a copy of the child’s immunization record, child’s birth certificate, parent or guardian identification, and proof of residency such as a current utility, telephone, or cable bill, dated within the last 30 days of visit. In addition, if you have medical insurance, please bring the card/information.

For more information, please contact Velda Font-Morris, MPH, Immunization Coordinator, Department of Health and Community Wellness, at (973) 733-7580. 

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- NEWARK -