NJ Health Department recognizes 33 facilities in 2026 Hot Shots for Tots immunization campaign
NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Health has announced the 2026 awardees of its Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign, recognizing childcare and preschool facilities for efforts to promote childhood immunization.
The voluntary, point-based incentive program promotes best practices, encourages collaboration among immunization stakeholders and supports efforts to improve immunization coverage, according to the department.
“Vaccines help your immune system learn how to fight off infection and reduce risk of serious illness,” said Dr. Tina Tan, State Epidemiologist and Assistant Commissioner of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health. “Staying up to date on vaccinations is crucial, especially with children going to school and respiratory virus season around the corner.”
Participating facilities earn points by completing immunization-related activities, such as providing parents with information about childhood immunizations, attending an annual immunization workshop and participating in the New Jersey Immunization Information System.
Facilities can earn gold, silver or bronze recognition, with each awardee receiving a certificate from the state Health Department. An honorable mention was also awarded this year.
The department is encouraging residents to stay up to date on recommended immunizations, including COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines, as families prepare for the school year and cooler months. The department recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule as a foundation for discussions between families and health care providers.
The 2026 Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign awardees are:
Gold:
- Flemington Early Head Start
- NORWESCAP Hopatcong Head Start
- Ringoes Head Start
- HOPES CAP, INC. Somerset
- Home Away from Home Academy
- Hackensack Meridian Early Childhood Education Center at JSUMC
- Divine Mercy Academy
- Mi Casita Day Care Center South
- Gables Elementary School – Neptune Township School District
- Lily Pond Country Day School
- Positive Place Preschool
- South Bergen Jointure Commission Preschool, Felician Campus
- Give and Take Child Care Center
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc., Jubilee Center
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP Inc., David E Rue Site
- HOPES CAP, INC. Early Head Start, Hoboken
- NORWESCAP Wantage Head Start and Early Head Start
- Midtown Community Elementary School
- Harrison School
- JCC of Central NJ
Silver:
- Mont-Vail Day Care Center
- Richard F. Blake Children’s Center
- CFS Headstart at KCNA (Mosaic Early Learning)
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc, Joseph F Brandt Elementary School
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc., Thomas G Connors Elementary School
- Summerfield Elementary School
- NORWESCAP Early Head Start – Morris County
- Hillsdale United Nursery School
Bronze:
- Westfield Day Care Center
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center – Jackson St. Site
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center – St. Francis Site
- Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center – Wallace Elementary School
Honorable Mention:
- NORWESCAP Newton Head Start
Vaccines are available through health care providers, pharmacies, community health clinics and health departments, according to the state. Additional vaccine information is available through the New Jersey Department of Health and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
