New Jersey has joined forces with six other northeastern states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island—to form the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a multi-state coalition aimed at developing coordinated health policies, including vaccine recommendations. New York City’s health department is also part of the collaborative. The initiative was created in response to growing concerns over federal health guidance during the Trump administration, particularly regarding restrictions on vaccine access and uncertainty in public health policies.
The coalition’s mission is to share resources and expertise among member states, ensuring that science-based health information reaches residents and maintaining confidence in vaccines. Working groups within the collaborative are focusing on critical areas such as public health emergency preparedness, infectious disease management, and vaccine purchasing. This regional approach mirrors similar efforts on the West Coast, where California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii formed their own alliance to safeguard public health amid federal policy uncertainty.
Even before the collaborative was formally announced, New Jersey took decisive steps to expand COVID-19 vaccine access. Officials opened eligibility to all residents aged six months and older, a significant contrast to federal guidance at the time, which limited the updated COVID-19 vaccines primarily to seniors and individuals with underlying health conditions. The state also implemented measures to ensure vaccines are available at no cost to those who are uninsured or underinsured, while eliminating the need for prescriptions. Pharmacists are authorized under a standing order to administer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone three years and older without a doctor’s note, further reducing barriers to access.
New Jersey’s multi-pronged approach emphasizes equity and community engagement. The state has partnered with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), established community-based vaccination sites in cities such as Trenton, Elizabeth, and Paterson, and coordinated home-based vaccinations for vulnerable or homebound residents. Mobile and pop-up clinics were deployed during the pandemic to reach underserved neighborhoods, and local leaders and community health workers have been engaged to provide culturally competent outreach and combat misinformation. These efforts reinforce trust in public health guidance while ensuring that access to vaccines is both convenient and inclusive.
Interagency coordination is a cornerstone of New Jersey’s public health strategy. The NJDOH convened an Interagency Vaccine Workgroup in August 2025 to align efforts across state departments, minimize disruptions in vaccine availability, and strengthen communication with residents. The Northeast Public Health Collaborative builds on this foundation, allowing New Jersey to share resources and expertise with neighboring states and coordinate strategies to address public health challenges for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
Through these comprehensive initiatives, New Jersey continues to set an example for proactive, equitable, and science-based public health leadership. By combining state-level action, regional collaboration, and community-focused outreach, the state is ensuring that vaccines remain accessible to all residents, regardless of age, location, or socioeconomic status. For more coverage of health and wellness initiatives across New Jersey, visit Explore New Jersey’s Health & Wellness section.
