SECAUCUS, N.J. (March 24, 2026) — Public voting for the 14th annual Protect Me With 3+ vaccine awareness creative contest, presented by the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey (Partnership) in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), is now open at protectmewith3.com. The Partnership invites the community to support our student participants by helping to decide this year’s winning submissions during an open voting period from March 24 to April 6.
The Protect Me With 3+ contest asked New Jersey students in grades 5-12 to use their artistic talents to create a poster or video that highlights the importance of vaccinations in public health. Educators, school nurses, and parents supported and guided student submissions. Students from across the state entered the contest to demonstrate their creativity and commitment to vaccine awareness.
“Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent serious disease and protect our communities,” said Dr. Tina Tan, State Epidemiologist and Assistant Commissioner of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health, New Jersey Department of Health. “We’re proud to support initiatives like Protect Me With 3+ that inspire students to use their voices to promote vaccine awareness and public health across New Jersey.”
A panel of judges comprising representatives from the American Society for Meningitis Prevention, Atlantic Health Pediatrics, the Cumberland County Department of Health, Families Fighting Flu, Immunize Colorado, the Partnership, Rutgers Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine, Rutgers Office of Population Health, Rutgers School of Communications and Information, and Rutgers School of Pharmacy has narrowed the submissions to a select group of finalists. Please visit protectmewith3.com to view the finalists, cast your vote, and celebrate the creativity and dedication of these outstanding students.
All student finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony to be held on May 7, 2026, at the RWJ Conference Center in Hamilton Township. The evening will celebrate their hard work with dinner, interactive activities, and opportunities for students across New Jersey to connect. Awards and prizes will be presented to the top three submissions in each category, and the winning posters and videos will be featured in vaccine awareness campaigns by the Partnership and NJDOH.
“Vaccines are integral to public health, saving millions of lives annually. They are among the best tools we have for preventing and treating preventable diseases and protecting ourselves and others,” said Emily Haines, MBA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at the Partnership. “The Protect Me With 3+ contest inspires students to engage in vaccination education and advocacy with their peers and communities using their creativity. We encourage the public to support the student participants and acknowledge their incredible work.”
The finalists include students from Academy of Allied Health and Science, Achievers Early College Prep Charter School, Central Regional Middle School, Howell Township Middle School South, Indian Hills High School, Marlboro High School, Noor-Ul-Iman School, Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) Stem Academy, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, and Warren Middle School.
View the finalists, cast your vote, and learn more at protectmewith3.com.
About the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
The Partnership is changing the paradigm in maternal health by amplifying, supporting, and empowering our communities. The organization firmly believes all people must have access to safe respectful births and every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Partnership serves nearly 50,000 people annually through 30 community programs that support pregnancy and parenthood, empower communities, and advocate for quality healthcare.
The Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey is a non-profit organization that was formed as a merger of three maternal and child health consortia in 2012. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, the Partnership is the lead planning agency for maternal and child health services in Northern New Jersey. Learn more at pmch.org.
Visit NJDOH’s website to learn more about vaccines.