Communicable Disease Service

The New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge is an initiative that teams the New Jersey Department of Health with colleges and universities in the state to improve flu vaccination rates among students. Young adults have been shown to have lower flu immunization coverage rates as compared to other age groups. In addition, college campuses have many communal settings, which make it easier for the flu to spread. If a college student gets the flu, they can experience illness for eight or more days, causing them to miss classes and other events. Those reasons make it extremely important to bring added awareness to the benefits of vaccination.

The challenge encourages friendly competition between institutions to determine which campus can achieve the highest flu vaccination rates. Each participating institution develops and implements a unique influenza campaign to fit the needs of the student body. Flu vaccination coverage is measured by a short student self-reported survey. By participating in the challenge, institutions receive access to educational resources, an award of participation, and a chance to win the traveling trophy for the year.

• College & University Flu Challenge Toolkit
• Challenge Details Flyer
• QR code to student survey [Promotional Sheet] [Downloadable QR Code Graphic]
• Shareable Social Media Videos [Healthy Adults] [8 Days]
• NJDOH Seasonal Influenza Webpage
• New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll

For the 2022-2023 flu season, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) continued the sixth annual New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge.

The Challenge aims to increase awareness surrounding the importance of flu vaccination for students attending facilities of higher education. Young adults have been shown to have lower flu immunization coverage rates as compared to other age groups.

In New Jersey's sixth Challenge, 18 schools participated in the campaign (listed below), divided into three categories (small, medium, and large schools). The winners of the Challenge were determined based on the highest percentage of students self-reporting that they received the flu vaccine for the current flu season. We are happy to announce the winners of this year's Challenge: New Jersey City University (large schools), The College of New Jersey (medium schools), and Best Care College (small schools).

New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge Participants

Large Schools

• New Jersey City University
• Kean University
• Montclair State University
• Stockton University

Medium Schools

• The College of New Jersey
• County College of Morris
• Monmouth University
• Ramapo College
• Raritan Valley Community College
• Seton Hall University
• Stevens Institute of Technology

Small Schools

• Best Care College
• Berkeley College
• Centenary University
• Drew University
• Georgian Court University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Salem County College

Congratulations to all the participants! Please stay tuned for more information on the 2023-2024 Flu Challenge. If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program by calling 609-826-4861 or via email at higheredvax@doh.nj.gov.

2017-2018--Seton Hall University

2018-2019--The College of New Jersey

2019-2020--The College of New Jersey (Large), Seton Hall University (Medium), Drew University (Small)

2020-2021--The College of New Jersey (Large), Seton Hall University (Medium), and Centenary University (Small)

2021-2022--The College of New Jersey (Large), Seton Hall University (Medium), and Centenary University (Small)