News & Events

The Power to Protect New Jersey

Every year, influenza flu viruses send thousands of New Jersey residents to seek medical care, with some requiring hospitalizations and tragically dying. While we have made progress in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in NJ, there is substantial concern this flu season of once again straining our health care systems and seeing unprecedented respiratory illness while both influenza and COVID-19 are co-circulating.

With funding from the New Jersey Department of Health, the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey has developed a statewide public awareness campaign to promote flu vaccination for those 6 months of age and older.

The Power to Protect New Jersey campaign aims to raise awareness that every person has the power to protect themselves, their family, their co-workers, and their community from the flu. The message is simple and straightforward “Protect Yourself, Protect Others, Get a Flu Shot!”

The campaign website – www.powertoprotectnj.org – provides flu facts, flu prevention tips, resources, a flu vaccine locator, community flu clinics, and social media graphics to share.

“The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical need for people to take vaccines to control infectious diseases. Many individuals hear that researchers need to continue working on the vaccine to protect against COVID-19. In comparison, the flu vaccine has been proven to be safe, effective, and widely available. Yet, only 50% of New Jersey residents- over the age of 6 months get a flu shot annually,” stated Ilise Zimmerman, the Partnership’s President and CEO. “We are honored to collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Health to dispel confusion and encourage residents to get a flu shot to protect themselves, their families, and save lives across New Jersey.”

Over 125 community organizations, hospitals, childcare centers, schools, universities, and other public health-based organizations have joined the statewide NJ Influenza Action Group. These organizations have committed to share social media messages and distribute flu prevention information. The group meets virtually to share new resources, provide updates on flu vaccine uptake, and gather feedback on vaccination efforts throughout the state.  Learn more or join the action group here.

You have the power to protect your family, friends, and the community. Visit www.powertoprotectnj.org and get a flu shot today.