New Jersey launches ‘Stay Well, Learn Well’ campaign to connect families with back-to-school health resources
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Health has launched a statewide campaign aimed at connecting families with vaccinations, physicals, health screenings and other wellness services as children prepare to return to school.
The “Stay Well, Learn Well” campaign highlights the connection between children’s health and their ability to learn and succeed in school. The initiative includes a new online Community Calendar where families can find vaccination clinics, health screenings, family wellness events and other resources across New Jersey.
“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.”
The Department of Health is partnering with Atlantic Health, Cooper University Health Care, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health, along with local health departments, federally qualified health centers and other organizations, to promote immunization events during the back-to-school season.
“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 child care, preschool and K-12 schools, as well as students enrolled in higher education institutions, to meet minimum immunization requirements.
According to the Department of Health, vaccination coverage among U.S. kindergartners declined during the 2025-26 school year to approximately 92% for the MMR, DTaP and polio vaccines. The percentage of kindergartners with an exemption from one or more vaccines increased to 4.2%.
New Jersey’s exemption rate rose to 5.7%, while MMR vaccination coverage remained below the 95% level needed to prevent the spread of measles, according to the department.
“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.
Vaccines are available through health care providers, pharmacies, community health clinics and local health departments. Recommended immunizations are covered by most health insurance plans.
Families who need help paying for children’s vaccines can ask their 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.
Families can also use the state’s new Community Calendar to find health and wellness events and services available in their area.
