28 Aug ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO AND ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROMOTE VACCINE FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM TO ENSURE SAFE AND HEALTHY START TO THE SCHOOL YEAR
Published on August 28, 2024
Essex County, NJ – As the new school year approaches, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Health Department are highlighting Essex County’s Vaccine for Children program, a targeted initiative designed to ensure that every child in the county is vaccinated and ready for a safe return to the classroom. This program underscores Essex County’s commitment to health equity and inclusion, aiming to protect all students, especially those from underserved communities, against preventable diseases.
“The education students receive at the elementary school level provides the foundation for a lifetime of learning. However, none of that is possible if students don’t have the vaccines that they need to go school. We are pleased to offer our Vaccine for Children program to eliminate any health care barriers and ensure all students have access to get the vaccines they need to attend class,” DiVincenzo said.
Preparing Students for a Healthy School Year
The beginning of the school year is a critical time to focus on the health and well-being of our children. The Essex County “Vaccine for Children” program will provide free vaccines to eligible children from throughout Essex County with a particular emphasis on reaching children living in underserved areas. By prioritizing these communities, Essex County is working to close the gap in healthcare access and ensure that all students are equally protected as they return to school. The program is open to all uninsured, Medicaid Family Plan A, American Indian or Alaskan native child from 6 months to 18 years of age.
Vaccine for Children Program Highlights
- Back-to-School Clinics: To accommodate the busy schedules of families, the program will offer extended hours at local clinics and mobile units stationed near schools and community centers. These clinics are designed to make it as easy as possible for parents to get their children vaccinated before the school year begins.
- Equitable Access: The program is committed to providing vaccines to eligible children in Essex County, with special outreach efforts to ensure that no student is left behind. Families in urban, and suburban areas will have equal access to these vital services.
- Multilingual Support: Understanding the diverse needs of our community, the program will provide information and services in multiple languages. This ensures that parents and caregivers can fully understand the importance of vaccination and how to access the program.
- Partnership with Schools: The Essex County Health Department is working closely with local schools to identify students who may need vaccinations and to provide on-site services where possible. School nurses and administrators will play a key role in coordinating efforts and communicating with families.
Encouraging Community Participation
Maya Harlow, Director of the Essex County Health Department, emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated before the school year begins: “As we prepare for a new school year, it’s essential that we protect our children and our community. The Vaccine for Children program is here to make sure every student has the opportunity to start the year healthy and strong. We encourage all eligible parents to take advantage of this program and help us ensure a safe and successful school year for everyone.”
About the Essex County Health Department
The Essex County Health Department is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of all residents. Through various programs and initiatives, the department works to reduce health disparities and improve the overall well-being of the community. Essex County’s Vaccine for Children program is a key effort to ensure a safe and healthy school year for all students in Essex County.
For more information about the Vaccine for Children program, please visit https://essexcountynjhealth.org or contact the Essex County Health Department at 973-877-8456 or vfc@essexcountynj.org. To schedule the Mobile Health Van and/or a Vaccines for Children Clinic, contact Nikki Durand, Mobile Clinic Coordinator, at ndurand@dchs.essexcountynj.org or 862-231-2859.