As the school year begins and cold and flu season approaches, questions about immunizations are bound to arise. The Partnership is here to help. Through our robust immunization education program, we collaborate with the community, healthcare providers, and organizations to ensure that everyone has access to the information and resources they need to keep themselves and their families healthy.
Vaccine Education: Empathetic Support and Guidance to Keep Families Healthy
“Immunizations play an important role in protecting our health and the health of the people we care about most. They are a safe and effective way to prevent serious diseases,” said Leanne Loewenthal, Senior Manager of Immunizations. “Questions and concerns about vaccinations are normal. We are here to provide trusted information and help you make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.”
Navigating the system can be confusing, and misinformation can make it even more difficult. The Partnership’s immunizations team can support you by answering questions about vaccines, when to vaccinate, and where to find vaccines.
“People need clear, accurate information about how vaccines prevent illnesses that can lead to severe, long-term, or fatal consequences,” said Immunization Education Specialist Christine Vargas.
Year-round, our immunizations team facilitates free vaccine education programs that provide easy-to-understand information in a safe, empathetic environment, making vital immunization information accessible for all. These programs are offered in English and Spanish, both in the community and at workplaces through tabling events and presentations.
“Immunizations do more than protect one person; they also help protect newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems who may not be able to safely receive certain vaccines because of specific health conditions,” Vargas said.
Building a Coalition to Increase Vaccine Confidence
Additionally, the immunizations team runs the Essex Metro Immunization Coalition (EMIC), which brings together community organizations, schools, and medical professionals to provide immunization updates and share community resources. EMIC is dedicated to increasing vaccine confidence and encouraging immunizations through education, awareness, and meaningful discussion between healthcare professionals and community members. The coalition will host a free webinar on September 15 covering Medical Misinformation, Parenting, and Motivational Interviewing to explore how medical misinformation influences family health decisions and evidence-based communication strategies that promote accurate health information.
New Jersey Immunization Information System Supports Healthcare Professionals and the Public
Another integral initiative supported by the immunizations team is the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS), the official state immunization registry. This registry collects immunization data to help the healthcare community improve the health of New Jersey residents by reducing vaccine-preventable illnesses.
“The NJIIS improves public health outcomes by ensuring timely, accurate vaccine data that helps providers deliver informed patient care,” said Johnathan Banks, NJIIS Program Supervisor. “The secure registry also supports the New Jersey Department of Health in managing inventory and identifying vaccination gaps to keep New Jersey families healthy.”
An added benefit of the NJIIS is that it works in tandem with the Docket® App, a free and secure tool for easily accessing personal and family immunization records. This integration enables people to access their official vaccination records when needed and helps families ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
Partnering with Fidelis Care to Highlight HPV Prevention
This year, we had the opportunity to amplify vaccine education through a series of webinars available on demand in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. In collaboration with Fidelis Care, we offered a webinar series highlighting the importance of HPV prevention and raising awareness across our communities. We are sincerely grateful to Fidelis Care for supporting this informative series and are honored to work together to empower communities with knowledge and resources for healthier futures.
New Jersey Department of Health Statement on Federal Changes to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
The sheer volume of vaccine-related information can be both overwhelming and puzzling. If you’ve been feeling lost when it comes to childhood vaccines, you’re not alone. In an official statement, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) clarified that New Jersey’s childhood vaccine requirements have not changed, noting that federal changes do not affect New Jersey law and that the schedule families and providers rely on remains in place. The NJDOH continues to recommend that children receive their vaccines on time, at the ages proven to protect them best.
Immunizations are one of our best evidence-based tools for preventing illness and disease. We understand that navigating the vaccine schedule and staying up to date with immunizations can cause confusion, and we are here to guide you through the process. If you would like more information or support, please reach out to your healthcare provider, local health department, pharmacy, or the Partnership’s immunizations team.
The New Jersey Department of Health Vaccine Preventable Disease Program generously funds the Partnership’s vaccine education programs.