What vaccines does New York require for students under 18, and why is the flu vaccine only required for children under 5?

In New York, children between the ages of two months and 18 years are required to complete a mandatory vaccination schedule to attend public or private schools and childcare facilities. This policy is enforced at the start of the academic cycle to ensure public health standards within educational settings.

While the vaccination mandate covers a broad age range, the influenza vaccine requirement is specifically limited to children under the age of five. This distinction in the immunization schedule addresses targeted health protocols for younger students within the city's school system.