New “Stay Well, Learn Well” Campaign Connects Families With Back-to-School Health and Wellness Resources Across New Jersey

TRENTON, NJ - As families prepare for a new school year, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is partnering with the public health and healthcare community across the state to help children start the year healthy, protected, and ready to learn.

The statewide "Stay Well, Learn Well" campaign highlights the important connection between children's health and their ability to learn and succeed in school. Through the campaign, families can find opportunities for routine vaccinations, annual physicals, and other health and wellness services, including preventative health screenings, in communities across New Jersey. The campaign is aligned with Governor Mikie Sherrill's priorities of protecting kids, expanding access, and making sure every child in New Jersey has the opportunity to succeed.

To help families find activities and events happening throughout the state-from vaccination and health screening opportunities to family wellness events and other resources-the Department has launched a centralized, online Community Calendar. The events are designed to help children and families access essential healthcare services and prepare for the school year. To find featured events, visit https://www.nj.gov/health/community-calendar/. In addition to sites listed on the Community Calendar, vaccines are available at a variety of locations including healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, community health clinics, and health departments.

"Vaccinated kids are healthy kids, and healthy kids are better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed. Through 'Stay Well, Learn Well,' we're making it easier for New Jersey families to find the vaccinations, annual physicals, preventative screenings, and other health and wellness services their children need to start the school year healthy and prepared to learn," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "This campaign reflects our commitment to protecting New Jersey's kids, expanding access to essential care, and giving every child the opportunity to thrive."

"Back-to-school prep is about more than backpacks and school supplies. With our country facing the worst measles outbreaks in decades, keeping children healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations is one of the most important things families can do this season," said Dr. Raynard E. Washington, New Jersey Health Commissioner. "Healthy children learn well and succeed in the classroom. With 'Stay Well, Learn Well,' we are making it easier for families to connect with trusted healthcare providers and community resources, so children are better prepared to show up, participate, and learn."

New Jersey requires children attending childcare, preschool, and K-12 schools, as well as for students enrolled in higher education institutions, to meet minimum immunization requirements to keep students and school communities healthy. These vaccines help protect children from serious illnesses that can easily spread in group settings. For more details on immunization requirements, visit nj.gov/health/vaccines/nj-immunization-requirements.

NJDOH is partnering with four of the state's healthcare systems - Atlantic Health, Cooper, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, - as well as local health departments, federally qualified health centers (FQHC), and others to promote immunization events across the state during this back-to-school season.

"A healthy school year begins long before the first bell rings," said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO, Atlantic Health. "This important partnership with NJDOH and community partners ensures students receive personalized primary care and are up-to-date on essential immunizations in the most effective way to keep our children and teachers healthy and our classrooms full of learning!"

"Preparing children for a successful school year begins with ensuring they have access to the healthcare they need," said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD, Senior Vice President, Community Health, RWJBarnabas Health. "By partnering with the State and our local public health and community partners, we're bringing vaccinations, school physicals and trusted healthcare resources directly into neighborhoods, helping families connect to the care and support they need long after the first day of school."

"For students to succeed academically, they must be healthy and in the classroom ready to learn," said Regina Foley, PhD, MBA, RN, President, Specialty Hospitals & Clinical Services, and Chief Nurse Executive, Hackensack Meridian Health. "Through our pediatric and primary care practices and Health & Wellness Centers across New Jersey, we're making it easier for families to get physicals, screenings, and vaccinations - and in partnership with NJDOH, keeping children healthy, in school, and focused on learning."

"Every child deserves to walk into their classroom healthy and ready to learn. This initiative helps us meet families where they are and remove barriers to essential care, which we fully support." Dr. Michael Goodman, Chief & Chair of Pediatrics, Cooper University Health Care.

The campaign comes as national data underscore the importance of keeping children up to date on recommended vaccinations. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners declined during the 2025-26 school year, with coverage at approximately 92% for MMR, DTaP, and polio vaccines, while exemptions from one or more vaccines increased to 4.2%. New Jersey reflected a similar trend, with the State's exemption rate rising to 5.7% and MMR coverage remaining below the 95% level needed to prevent the spread of measles. As coverage slips and exemptions climb, the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases grows, making it more important than ever for families to keep children protected.

More information about vaccines can be found at nj.gov/health/vaccines or on the American Academy of Pediatrics website at aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/more. Families are encouraged to check with their child's health care provider about recommended vaccinations and schedule an annual physical before or during the school year.

Recommended immunizations are covered by most health insurance plans. Parents who need help paying for vaccines should ask their child's healthcare provider about the Vaccines for Children program, which provides no-cost vaccines to eligible children through age 18 years who are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, underinsured, or American Indian/Alaska Native. Adults who are uninsured or do not have insurance for certain vaccines should contact their local health department or a federally qualified health center (FQHC) to see if they qualify for no- or low-cost vaccines through the 317-funded program.

Families can visit localhealth.nj.gov to find their local health department or https://healthapps.nj.gov/fhs/cphc/cphcSearch.aspx to find their nearest FQHC.

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About New Jersey Department of Health

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 6,000 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.

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