Vaccine Preventable Disease Program
The NJ College & University Flu Challenge is an initiative of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP).
New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge
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.
Resources
- 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
Announcement of 2024-2025 Challenge Winners
For the 2024-2025 flu season, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) continued its eighth annual New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge.
The Challenge aims to increase awareness surrounding the importance of flu vaccination for students attending institutions 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 eighth Challenge, 15 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 received the flu vaccine for the current flu season. We are happy to announce the winners of this year's Challenge: New Jersey Institute of Technology (large schools), The College of New Jersey (medium schools), and Centenary University (small schools).
New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge Participants
Large Schools
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Montclair State University
- Kean University
- Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
- Bergen Community College
Medium Schools
- The College of New Jersey
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Seton Hall University
- Monmouth University
- Rider University
- New Jersey City University
Small Schools
- Centenary University
- Drew University
- Best Care College
- Felician University
Congratulations to all the participants! Please stay tuned for more information on the 2025-2026 College 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.
Flu Challenge Participants & Winner by Year