From The City of Newark: From 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 has begun its annual "School Bus Express" program. The program will continue through Friday, September 15, 2017, with extended evening clinic hours and Saturdayhours to ensure Newark 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, in Newark's Central Ward. Please note that due to the Labor Day holiday, the clinic will be closed on Monday, September 4. "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." School Bus Express clinics will be offered at DHCW located at 110 William Street in Newark. In addition to normal business hours, School Bus Express will be open Thursdayevenings and certain Saturdays. The clinic will be open from August 21 through September 15. No appointments are necessary. Walk-in hours are:

Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday evenings, from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturdays, September 9 and 23, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. New Jersey state health regulations require that parents and guardians provide proof of their child's immunizations in order to attend a school, preschool, or child care facility. Children who cannot provide proof of vaccination or exemption may not be allowed to start school or daycare on time. If you are unsure if your child needs any vaccines contact your primary care provider, or call the School Bus Express program at 973-733-7580. To make sure your visit to a School Bus Express clinic is as stress-free as possible, parents and guardians bringing their children to the clinic for the first time are required to provide a copy of the child's immunization record, photo identification for the parent or guardian, and proof of residency such as a current utility, telephone, or cable bill, dated within the last 30 days of visit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the clinic before your arrival.