Health Issues

The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York work closely with the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC), local departments of health in the ten counties we serve, and district supervising nurses in New York City to develop strategies to prevent and inhibit the spread of bacterial and viral infections. Our schools follow the guidance of their local health departments, with the goal of keeping schools open as long as it is in the best interest of our students and faculty.

  • New York City has updated the school immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year. A list of the vaccine requirements for 2023-2024 can be found here. Vaccines protect children from getting and spreading diseases; they are required to attend school. Make sure your child is correctly vaccinated before they start school in September 2023!
    • Click here to view the complete 2024-2025 Immunization and Medical Documents Handbook.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age in the United States. CDC surveillance has shown an increase in RSV detections and RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in multiple U.S. regions, with some regions nearing seasonal peak levels. Clinicians and public health professionals should be aware of increases in respiratory viruses, including RSV. Click here for more information.
  • In light of a recent case of paralytic polio in Rockland County and detection of poliovirus in sewersheds in New York City (NYC), it is more urgent than ever to ensure that children are compliant with immunization requirements for school and child-care outlined on the SH65-form here (see ‘Information for Providers’). A parent-friendly version with translations is available here (see ‘Immunization Requirements Letter and Chart’).
  • Click here to view the New York State advisory on how to handle Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), which is an abrupt and unexpected loss of heart function. Knowing and not ignoring the signs and symptoms that put you at risk for a SCA is the first step in preventing a SCA. A SCA can be fatal if not treated right away. Survival relies on calling 911, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and using an automatic external defibrillator (AED).

Click here to view the New York State Immunization Requirements Form 2023-2024.

August 20, 2021 – The Health Department today urged parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on routine vaccinations like MMR and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) as well as Hepatitis B, Hib, Polio, PCV, Varicella, Tdap, MenACWY and HPV. Click here to view the full press release.

    • As of August 14, the number of routine vaccines administered to children 0-18 years of age in New York City has decreased by 16% compared to the same period in 2019.
    • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage has dropped below 90% for first time in recent history

There have been 270,000 fewer pediatric vaccine doses administered (1.4 million doses so far in 2021 compared to 1.7 million doses in 2019 for the same period). The decrease in routine childhood vaccinations was greater in children 2 to 18 years of age (17% or 121,000 doses) compared to children under 24 months of age (15% or 149,000 doses). Fewer people sought non-emergency health care services during the emergency stay at home order, resulting in fewer routine pediatric visits during the pandemic, however, ensuring children are up to date on their routine vaccinations is essential.

“While we are all focused on the COVID-19 vaccines, it’s crucial that we take the time to remember the many other lifesaving vaccines we need to maintain to ensure a healthy city,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “As a father, I know just how important it is to maintain your child’s annual well visit to make sure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations. Don’t wait, call your child’s doctor and make an appointment as soon as you can.”

Children should be vaccinated in accordance with the ACIP routine immunization schedule to ensure protection against preventable illness such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough). Further, with in-school learning returning in the Fall, parents should take steps now to make sure their children will be in compliance with all child care and school immunization requirements for attendance.

The City will continue reminding families and the school community through public service announcements and communications to parents. The Department has issued guidance to the pediatric-care provider community, held webinars and has been distributing vaccine for providers enrolled in the CDC’s Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.

Check with your child’s health care provider about what immunizations are due and to make an appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment with your child’s provider or need to find a provider, New Yorkers can get low- or no-cost immunizations at the Health Department’s Fort Greene Health Center immunization clinic, regardless of immigration status. The clinic serves anyone 4 years or older; appointments can be scheduled here.

In addition to the Fort Greene Health Center, uninsured and underinsured children can also get immunization services at other locations for a sliding scale fee. Appointments can also be made at NYC Health & Hospital facilities here, or by calling 1-844-NYC-4NYC. New Yorkers can also find a list of Community Health Centers here.

To find a health care provider or for other locations throughout NYC that provide vaccination services for children and adults, call 311.

Click here for information & updates relating to the Corona Virus (COVID-19)

CLICK HERE TO VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THIS IMPORTANT REMINDER: It’s Time to Get the State-Required Immunizations for Your Child — Ahead of School Opening in September!

As we begin the summer, a very important item to remember in preparation for the new school year is your child’s state-required childhood immunizations.

In accordance with New York State law and your school’s local handbook, all students must be immunized in compliance with the most updated New York State Immunization Chart.  Principals are aware of the requirements and have been directed to ensure their families comply.

We recognize that access to medical care was challenging during the COVID crisis. To that end, we are strongly encouraging all families to visit their primary care provider or local health clinic in July or as soon as possible to ensure they are up to date with their required immunizations and the school health form that are linked below.

Please note that students in schools in New York City under the age of 6, are required by the NYC Health Department to receive a Flu Shot by Dec 31st.

Making an early appointment will save you time and prevent your child from being excluded from school as required by State Law due to non-compliance with state immunization laws. We are grateful for your attention to these very important requirements.

Click here to view the New York City Health Department Flu Vaccine Reminder. This flu vaccine requirement reminder is only for New York City Schools.

Simple Steps to Keep Children Healthy (PDF)

Child Nutrition

IMPORTANT NOTICE: REQUEST FOR BIDS BY THE ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION for National School Breakfast, Lunch, Special Milk, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable, and After-School Snack Programs

Sealed bids are requested by the Child Nutrition Program, Archdiocese of New York, Department of Education (“CNP”), for a contract beginning in school year 2023/2024, for services as a food vendor, including the furnishing and delivery of required foods and supplies for CNP’s National School Breakfast, Lunch, Special Milk, Fresh Fruit & Vegetable, and After School Snack Programs (collectively referred to as the “Programs”). A separate bid may be submitted for food service operations (pre-made meal preparation and delivery) of Universal Pre-K Schools on Staten Island.

All those interested in submitting bids may obtain Request for Bid packages, containing details and specifications of the Programs beginning Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. EST by e-mailing a request to CNP.RFB@archny.org. There will be a question-and-answer session open to all interested bidders to be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Please contact CNP.RFB@archny.org to obtain the meeting invitation and link to the virtual Q & A session.

From May 17, 2023 to June 5, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. EST, all interested bidders are welcome to submit any questions electronically via the above e-mail address with addenda being distributed to all vendors. Bids in sealed envelopes must be submitted to HMB Consultants, LLC, at 3 Douglas Lane, Voorheesville, NY 12186 up to and including Friday, June 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. EST. All bids will be opened on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in the CNP office of the Archdiocese of New York. The successful bidder(s) will be notified by telephone or e-mail after 12 p.m. EST on Friday, June 16, 2023, with regular mail confirmation to follow.

Many Archdiocesan schools participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. State and Federal funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture are used to purchase, deliver, and prepare and serve nutritious meals to our students. Schools operating an After School Program have been given federal funds for snacks.

The Child Nutrition Program in the Archdiocese of New York serves 4.1 million meals to participating schools annually.

The Child Nutrition Program and the New York City Department of Health provide training for school cafeteria staffs. Government funding is used to renovate, replace and purchase new equipment.

The direct beneficiaries of the program are school children who enjoy balanced meals that meet the standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Click here to view the Archdiocese of New York Department of Education School Wellness Policy.