NJ Health Department Leaders Get Flu, COVID-19 Shots and Encourage Vaccination for Fall / Winter Respiratory Virus Season

TRENTON, NJ - New Jersey Department of Health Acting Commissioner Jeff Brown and Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services Novneet Sahu, MD, MPA, visited Henry J. Austin Health Center in Trenton today to receive their 2025-2026 COVID-19 and seasonal influenza shots. During the visit, the pair encouraged New Jerseyans to schedule their appointments to get vaccinated as the respiratory virus season approaches.

During the fall and as people head indoors for gatherings during cooler months, New Jersey typically sees an increase in respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

"The best way for New Jerseyans to protect themselves during cold and flu season is by getting vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, if eligible. These vaccines have a proven record of reducing illness and are widely available across the State," said Acting Commissioner Brown. "Community health centers, like Henry J. Austin Health Center, are crucial vaccination providers, offering services regardless of a patient's ability to pay and serving as vital hubs for vaccine equity in historically underserved communities. Stop by your community health center today, like I did, or other provider and protect yourself and your loved ones."

"When we get vaccinated, we're helping our bodies develop defenses to the most prominent strains of these viruses circulating in our communities," said Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sahu. "The flu and COVID-19 vaccines have proven time and again to be effective at reducing the severity of symptoms and hospitalization and leading to quicker recovery. Protecting yourself and your family is as easy as making an appointment to get vaccinated."

"At Henry J. Austin Health Center, we fully support the New Jersey Department of Health's commitment to clear, evidence-based guidance on vaccines. Vaccinations remain one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and protect our community," said Charles L. Davis, II, Chief Executive Officer, Henry J. Austin Health Center. "As we head into flu season, we encourage everyone to stay up to date on all recommended vaccines, including flu and COVID-19. Our team is ready to provide these vaccines and answer any questions so families can feel confident in the care they receive."

Protect Yourself from Flu, COVID-19, & RSV

NJDOH encourages everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated with the new 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines for the most up-to-date protection against the virus and its variants. The Department also aligns with leading medical and public health associations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, in also recommending a yearly flu vaccine for individuals aged six months and older, and RSV vaccination for high-risk infants and children, pregnant people, and older adults based on eligibility.

Adults aged 65 years and older, people who are pregnant, or those who have chronic health conditions like asthma and heart disease are at greater risk for serious complications from respiratory viruses. Vaccination should also be a priority for those who live with or care for persons at higher risk, including people who have children in their households who are too young to be vaccinated and health care professionals. Children born to mothers who did not receive the RSV vaccine while pregnant can be protected by getting a monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) to protect them against RSV.

Vaccination is available at health care provider offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and local health departments. Vaccination locations can also be found by visiting the New Jersey Department of Health website.

Many vaccines are covered by insurers at little to no cost to individuals. In addition, NJDOH's Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) helps to reduce economic barriers to childhood vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program, which offers vaccines at no or low cost to eligible children through health care providers enrolled in the program. The VPDP also administers the 317-funded adult program, which provides vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults.

The Department of Health also recommends the following measures to enhance preparedness against respiratory viruses:

• Stay Up to Date on Immunizations: Vaccines are effective tools in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, especially COVID-19 and the flu. RSV vaccines are also available for high-risk populations.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local health updates and follow guidance from health authorities regarding respiratory virus trends and recommendations.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Regularly wash hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer, and cover coughs and sneezes to prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay Home When Sick:Avoid spreading illness to others by staying home, especially if you are experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, or fatigue.
• Be Prepared: Stock essential supplies at home, including medications, tissues, cleaning products, and at-home test kits for COVID-19 and flu.
• Make a Health Plan: Discuss and establish a plan for illness with your family, including contact information for medical professionals and how to provide care at home.

As respiratory virus activity often increases during colder months, the Department encourages everyone to remain vigilant and prioritize health by taking these proactive steps to safeguard our communities.

Ensuring Access

The Murphy Administration has taken several steps to ensure New Jerseyans can continue to access life-saving vaccines and to be able to continue offering scientifically rigorous vaccine recommendations to residents.

Earlier this month, NJDOH issued an Executive Directive allowing anyone six months of age and older to receive a COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season. The Department also issued a Standing Order authorizing pharmacists in New Jersey to administer COVID-19 immunizations without a prescription. Together, these actions remove barriers to ensure that all individuals who wish to receive a COVID-19 vaccine are able to do so in the State.

The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance also issued guidance encouraging health insurance carriers to continue to cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccination without cost sharing.

In late August 2025, NJDOH convened an Interagency Vaccine Workgroup to minimize interruptions to vaccine availability and coverage. The workgroup brings together leaders from the Departments of Human Services, Children and Families, Education, Banking and Insurance, Law and Public Safety's Division of Consumer Affairs, and Treasury to enhance coordination.

About Henry J. Austin Health Center

Henry J. Austin Health Center is a non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to the underserved populations of Mercer County, New Jersey. With a focus on patient-centered care and community engagement, Henry J. Austin Health Center strives to improve health outcomes and promote wellness for all.

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 5,500 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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