Flu & Covid Vaccines for Children During Colder Season!
New Jersey Department of Health Launches Statewide Effort to Enhance Availability and Access to COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Children During Respiratory Virus Season
TRENTON, NJ –
Working closely with leading health systems and community partners across the state, the New Jersey Department of Health has launched a coordinated effort to enhance availability and access to COVID-19 and flu vaccines for those who want to receive them.
“My Administration remains committed to expanding access to vaccines for those who want to receive them,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By leveraging our partnerships with the state’s leading health systems and launching regional COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics, we are streamlining access to vaccinations and ensuring families have the tools necessary to protect against COVID-19 and the flu.”
“With respiratory virus season upon us and the holidays around the corner, there’s no better time than now to get vaccinated and be protected,” said Acting Commissioner Jeff Brown.
“By partnering with leading health systems in all regions of the state, we are making sure that families have direct, convenient, and reliable access to vaccines close to home.” Pediatric COVID and flu vaccine clinics will be hosted at a wide range of locations across the state for children ages six months and older. Check the links below for the specific information about the clinics and vaccines offered. These clinics will provide no-cost vaccinations, regardless of insurance status, and include the following:
Jane H. Booker Family Health Center (COVID & flu shots available)1828 W. Lake Avenue, Neptune City, NJThursday, November 20, 20252:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.Link to schedule: hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/covid19
Cooper Pediatric Care at Sheridan Pavilion (COVID shots available)Suite 200, Sheridan Pavilion, Camden, NJTuesday, December 9, 20251:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Link to schedule: resources.cooperhealth.org/pediatric-covid-vaccinations
Hackensack University Medical Center (COVID & flu shots available)155, Polifly Road, Suite 102, Hackensack, NJTuesday, December 16, 20255:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Link to schedule: hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/covid19
Cooper Primary Care at Kroc (COVID shots available)Kroc Center, 1865 Harrison Avenue, Building C, Suite 1300, Camden, NJWednesday, December 17, 20251:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.Link to schedule: resources.cooperhealth.org/pediatric-covid-vaccinations The Department is working with more partners, including local health departments and federally qualified health centers, to identify additional COVID-19 vaccination sites. Information will be shared through the Department’s website and social media channels. Last week, on November 12, in partnership with University Hospital, NJDOH hosted a vaccination clinic open to State employees and the public at its headquarters in Trenton, and administered COVID-19, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines to 105 individuals.
NJDOH also coordinated with Henry J. Austin Health Center, a federally qualified health center, to make sure state-funded pediatric doses of the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines are available at its location at 321 N. Warren Street in Trenton. Earlier this fall, NJDOH issued an Executive Directive allowing anyone six months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season. The Department also issued a Standing Order authorizing pharmacists in New Jersey to administer COVID-19 immunizations without a prescription. “Vaccines continue to be our best defense at reducing severe illness or hospitalization from COVID-19 and the flu,” added Acting Commissioner Brown, who received his COVID and flu shots in September at Henry J. Austin Health Center.
NJDOH encourages everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated with the new 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines for the most up-to-date protection against the virus and its variants. The Department also aligns with leading medical and public health associations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in recommending a yearly flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older, and RSV vaccination to protect infants and children, pregnant people, and older adults based on eligibility. Adults aged 65 years and older, people who are pregnant, young children, and those who have chronic health conditions like asthma and heart disease are at greater risk for serious complications from respiratory viruses. Vaccination should also be a priority for those who live with or care for persons at higher risk, including people who have children in their households who are too young to be vaccinated and health care professionals.
Children born to mothers who did not receive the RSV vaccine while pregnant can be protected by getting a monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab or clesrovimab) to protect them against RSV. Vaccination is available at health care provider offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and local health departments. Vaccination locations can also be found by visiting the New Jersey Department of Health website. Many vaccines are covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals. In addition, NJDOH’s Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) helps to reduce economic barriers to childhood vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers vaccines at no or low cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. The VPDP also administers the 317-funded adult program, which provides vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults.
In addition to staying up to date on immunizations, NJDOH also recommends the following measures to enhance preparedness against respiratory viruses: Stay Informed: Monitor local health updates and follow guidance from health authorities regarding respiratory virus trends and recommendations. Practice Good Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer, and cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs. Stay Home When Sick: Avoid spreading illness to others by staying home, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, or fatigue.
Be Prepared: Stock essential supplies at home, including medications, tissues, cleaning products, and at-home test kits for COVID-19 and flu.Make a Health Plan: Discuss and establish a plan for illness with your family, including contact information for medical professionals and how to provide care at home. As respiratory virus activity often increases during colder months, the Department encourages everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize health by taking these proactive steps to safeguard our communities.# # #
The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 5,500 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.
