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COVID-19

New Jersey Department of Health Encourages Staying Up To Date on Routine and Annual Immunizations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The New Jersey Department of Health has emphasized the importance of staying up to date on routine and annual immunizations, particularly for the upcoming school year and flu season. As National Immunization Awareness Month, the department highlights the role vaccines play in preventing serious illness and disability. Vaccines protect against 18 serious diseases, including influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and others. Staying current on shots not only protects children but also helps reduce the spread of disease to others in classrooms, childcare centers, and communities, building herd immunity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) encourages residents to stay up to date on all recommended immunizations, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV, if eligible.
  • Vaccines protect against 18 serious diseases, including influenza, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and others.
  • According to the CDC, at least 95% coverage in the population is needed for community protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
  • The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for everyone aged 75 years and older and for adults aged 50 through 74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV.
  • To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, the CDC recommends either maternal RSV vaccination or infant immunization with RSV monoclonal antibodies.
  • The CDC recommends that all pregnant women receive the flu vaccine at any time during pregnancy and receive the whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) early in their third trimester.
  • Recommended immunizations are covered by most health insurance plans, and the Vaccines for Children program provides no-cost or low-cost vaccines to children through age 18 who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native.
  • The New Jersey Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign is a voluntary, point-based incentive program for child care and preschool facilities that conducts immunization-related activities to earn points.
  • The 2025 awardees of the New Jersey Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign include 15 facilities that achieved Gold, Silver, or Bronze status for their immunization-related work.

Statistics:

  • Only 62.5% of NJ children under age 36 months have received the combined seven vaccination series compared to 72.2% nationally.
  • Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older.
  • Adults also may need vaccines to protect against whooping cough, pneumonia, and shingles.
  • Individuals aged six months and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, in consultation with their health care provider, to help prevent serious illness and other severe outcomes.
  • The CDC recommends an RSV vaccine for everyone aged 75 years and older and for adults aged 50 through 74 years who are at increased risk of severe RSV.

Sources:

  • New Jersey Department of Health
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • NJ.gov/health/vaccines
  • cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html
  • vaccines.gov
  • 317-funded program
  • New Jersey Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign

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