NJ Health Department recognizes 33 facilities in 2026 Hot Shots for Tots immunization campaign - WRNJ Radio
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 …
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 StartNORWESCAP Hopatcong Head StartRingoes Head StartHOPES CAP, INC. SomersetHome Away from Home AcademyHackensack Meridian Early Childhood Education Center at JSUMCDivine Mercy AcademyMi Casita Day Care Center SouthGables Elementary School – Neptune Township School DistrictLily Pond Country Day SchoolPositive Place PreschoolSouth Bergen Jointure Commission Preschool, Felician CampusGive and Take Child Care CenterHoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc. , Jubilee CenterHoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP Inc. , David E Rue SiteHOPES CAP, INC. Early Head Start, HobokenNORWESCAP Wantage Head Start and Early Head StartMidtown Community Elementary SchoolHarrison SchoolJCC of Central NJSilver:Mont-Vail Day Care CenterRichard F. Blake Children’s CenterCFS Headstart at KCNA (Mosaic Early Learning)Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc, Joseph F Brandt Elementary SchoolHoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc. , Thomas G Connors Elementary SchoolSummerfield Elementary SchoolNORWESCAP Early Head Start – Morris CountyHillsdale United Nursery SchoolBronze:Westfield Day Care CenterHoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center – Jackson St. SiteHoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center – St. Francis SiteHoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center – Wallace Elementary SchoolHonorable Mention:NORWESCAP Newton Head StartVaccines 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. Jay EdwardsBorn and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.