State of New Jersey
Department of Health
Governor Mikie Sherrill · Lt. Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell
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 Overview
- QR code to student survey [Promotional Flyer] [QR Code Graphic]
- Shareable Social Media Videos [Healthy Adults] [8 Days]
- NJDOH Seasonal Influenza Webpage
- New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll
Announcement of 2025-2026 Challenge Winners
For the 2025-26 flu season, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP) continued its ninth annual New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge.
The Challenge aims to increase awareness around the importance of flu vaccination for students attending institutions of higher education (IHE). Young adults have been shown to have lower flu immunization coverage rates compared to other age groups.
In New Jersey's ninth Challenge, 17 colleges and universities participated in the campaign (listed below), divided into three categories (small, medium, and large IHEs). The winners of the Challenge were determined based on the highest percentage of students who self-reported receiving 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 IHEs), The College of New Jersey (medium IHEs), and Best Care College (small IHEs).
New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge Participants
Large Schools
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Kean University
- Rutgers University (New Brunswick)
- Rowan College of South Jersey
- Bergen Community College
Medium Schools
- The College of New Jersey
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Felician University
- Rutgers University (Newark Campus)
- Monmouth University
- Rider University
Small Schools
- Best Care College
- Centenary University
- Drew University
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
- Rowan College of South Jersey (Gloucester Campus)
Congratulations to all the participants! Please stay tuned for more information on the 2026-2027 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