COVID 19 VACCINATION FOR CHILDREN OF DIVORCE
“Effective immediately, New Jersey children 5 through 11 years of age are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The Department of Health urges everyone ages 5 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible.”
This is the statement released by the New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner. But what if you don’t want your child to get the Covid 19 vaccine? Unfortunately, it seems you will have an uphill battle.
Most doctors are not giving a medical exemption for the Covid 19 vaccine unless your child has already had a severe reaction to the vaccine, or your child has some other life-threatening illness that outweighs the benefits of the vaccine. These instances are few and far between. So, unless your child has a very specific medical reason for not getting the vaccine and you have documentation or testimony stating such, most likely the Courts will defer to the experts and allow your child to be vaccinated.
What about the fact that you and your spouse have joint legal custody? Most likely, if your spouse wants your child to be vaccinated for Covid 19 and you do not, the Court will then look at what is in the best interests of the child. Again, this means deferring to the experts. If you cannot present testimony from a doctor that the vaccine will not benefit the child or is not in his best interests, most likely the Court will allow your child to be vaccinated. Now, the evidence would have to be very strong for a Judge to agree not to give the child the Covid 19 vaccine.
At Netsquire, we can assist you with Covid 19 vaccination issues for your child. Our lawyers are both attorneys and mediators and have the skills necessary to negotiate an enforceable agreement regarding vaccinations for your child. For more information regarding your child and vaccinations,
About the Author
John Nachlinger is a co-founder and managing attorney of Netsquire, a family law firm focused on streamlining divorces through effective mediation, settlement drafting, and court filing assistance. As a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney and Qualified Mediator, John guides couples toward equitable agreements without the cost and stress of litigation.
Recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyer for over a decade, John’s client-focused approach aims to foster understanding during challenging transitions. With a background spanning top law journals, judicial clerkships, and boutique family law firms, John now applies his analytical skills to create workable solutions for all parties. His mediation services reshape the divorce journey by prioritizing compassion and compromise.