Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get updated vaccinations against flu and COVID-19

BAYONNE, NJ - Governor Mikie Sherrill and Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard Washington joined residents yesterday at Hudson Regional Health Commission's Vaccines for Children (VFC) Clinic at the Bayonne Public Library to receive their 2026-2027 flu vaccines. Their visit to the vaccine clinic comes at the start of the fall and winter respiratory virus season, when flu, COVID-19, and RSV typically begin to circulate more widely. Currently, seasonal influenza activity in New Jersey remains low but is higher than this time last year.

Photos from the event are available here.

"Staying up to date on your vaccinations is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting seriously sick," said Governor Sherrill. "I encourage all New Jerseyans to make sure they are protected by making a plan to get their seasonal vaccines."

"Getting a flu shot takes just a few minutes, and it's one of the simplest things any of us can do to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors this season," said Commissioner Washington. "If you haven't gotten yours yet, now is a great time to talk to your health care provider, stop by your local pharmacy, or find a community clinic near you."

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) continues to encourage everyone to stay up to date on all of their immunizations - including an annual flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, and RSV vaccine, if they are eligible - as the best way to stay healthy and to avoid serious illness and hospitalization. Washing hands regularly, covering coughs, and staying home when sick are also important strategies to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses.

The clinic was organized by the Hudson Regional Health Commission (HRHC) and Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH).

Making It Easier to Get Vaccinated in New Jersey

Yesterday's event builds on recent State actions to make sure every New Jerseyan who wants a vaccine can get one:

• COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older. On September 29, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) issued Executive Directive No. 26-002, recommending a COVID-19 vaccine for anyone 6 months of age and older for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season.
• No prescription needed at the pharmacy. NJDOH also issued a Standing Order that allows pharmacy professionals in New Jersey to give COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 3 years and older without a prescription.
• Science-based vaccine schedules for all ages. Through Executive Directive No. 26-003, NJDOH adopted the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2026 child and adolescent immunization schedule and the American Academy of Family Physicians' 2026 adult immunization schedule. Under State law, the Commissioner's recommendations guide coverage without cost-sharing by State-regulated health insurers and health benefit plans. This includes recommending measles vaccination at a time when significant outbreaks are underway in nearby states.
• "Stay Well, Learn Well." In August, NJDOH launched this statewide campaign with hospital systems, local health departments, and federally qualified health centers to bring vaccinations, physicals, and health screenings into communities. Free community health events continue through October and are listed on the Community Calendar.
• Regional collaboration. In September, the Northeast Public Health Collaborative endorsed the 2026-2027 respiratory vaccine recommendations from the nation's leading medical organizations and highlighted SpreadTheFacts.org, an evidence-based resource for patients and providers developed by the American Medical Association with the Vaccine Integrity Project. New Jersey is a founding member of the collaborative and also participates in the Governor's Public Health Alliance to share best practices to address communicable disease threats across state borders.
• Investing in vaccine access. Governor Sherrill's final Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $3 million for the State's vaccination program.

Who Should Get Vaccinated This Season

Fall and winter typically bring more respiratory illness to New Jersey. Staying up to date on vaccines helps protect against serious illness and hospitalization. NJDOH recommends:

• Flu: An annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Adults 65 and older should get a high-dose flu vaccine when possible. Pregnant and immunocompromised people should not receive the nasal spray version.
• COVID-19: An updated vaccine for all children 6 through 23 months; children 2 through 18 years in certain risk groups or if desired; all adults 19 through 64; people who are pregnant; immunocompromised individuals 6 months and older; and health care personnel. Adults 65 and older should get the updated vaccine and a second dose six months later.
• RSV: Protection for infants under 8 months who were not protected by maternal vaccination, and for children 8 to 19 months in certain risk groups. A one-time RSV vaccine is recommended during the first eligible pregnancy at 32 to 36 weeks (given between September 1 and March 1), for adults 50 through 74 at increased risk, for all adults 75 and older, and for immunocompromised adults 18 and older.

The updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same visit, along with the RSV vaccine for those who are eligible. Residents should talk with their health care provider about which vaccines are right for them, and vaccination decisions can be individualized. Residents who are ready to get one shot now and want to space out the other - for example, because they recently had COVID-19, don't tolerate a vaccine well, or simply don't like needles - can do so. Protection against one virus is better than no protection at all.

Where to Get Vaccinated and How to Pay

Vaccines are available at health care provider offices, pharmacies, community health clinics, and local health departments. Free community events are listed on the NJDOH Community Calendar.

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

More information about vaccines in New Jersey is available at nj.gov/health/vaccines.