As flu cases surge in New Jersey, Gottheimer calls for expanded vaccine access, warns of risks to kids and seniors
HACKENSACK, N.J. (Bergen County) — With flu cases climbing sharply across New Jersey, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Monday announced a series of local, state and federal actions aimed at expanding access to flu vaccines and protecting children and seniors during one of the state’s worst flu seasons in years.
Speaking at Hackensack University Medical Center, Gottheimer said flu cases statewide have more than doubled compared with this time last year, rising from about 5,500 to more than 12,000. Hospitalizations have increased more than fourfold, from roughly 127 to more than 550, with nearly half of reported cases involving children and most hospitalizations occurring among seniors over age 65. A young child in North Jersey recently died from the flu.
“We are here today for a very simple reason — and it could not be more urgent: This flu season is particularly deadly, and we need more people to get their flu shots,” said Gottheimer, a Democrat whose district includes parts of North Jersey. “Again, let me be as clear as day: Politicians should not overrule doctors. Ideology should never replace science. And when families get confused, fewer kids get vaccinated — and more kids end up in hospitals like this one.”
Gottheimer announced new federal legislation, the Federal Investment in Grants for Health Transportation and Flu-vaccination Local Units Act, known as the FIGHT FLU Act. The proposal would allow states to reclaim federal resources to create or expand mobile flu vaccination clinics, bringing vaccines directly into communities and reducing barriers to access.
He also urged the Bergen, Passaic and Sussex County health departments to deploy additional mobile flu shot clinics across New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District, working with local hospitals as needed. In addition, Gottheimer called on the state to significantly expand flu vaccination education efforts, particularly for families with young children and seniors.
Gottheimer further criticized recent changes to the federal childhood immunization schedule and said he joined more than 100 members of Congress in urging the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse the decision.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the flu has caused more than 15 million illnesses and 180,000 hospitalizations this season, with high to very high flu activity reported in 45 states. Despite the severity of the outbreak, about 42% of Americans have received a flu shot this season, according to the CDC.
Gottheimer emphasized that flu shots are free with insurance at local pharmacies and doctors’ offices and are available at no cost to uninsured families through state and federally funded programs. Information on free vaccination sites is available through the New Jersey Department of Health.
Gottheimer was joined at the announcement by physicians, public health leaders and local officials, including representatives from Hackensack University Medical Center, the New Jersey Department of Health and Bergen County health services.
