TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) announced this year’s awardees of the New Jersey Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign, which recognizes childcare and preschool facilities participating in a voluntary, point-based incentive program that promotes best practices, encourages collaboration among immunization stakeholders, and supports efforts to improve immunization coverage.

“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.”

Facilities participating in the immunization campaign conduct immunization-related activities to earn points toward reaching one of the three award levels: Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Each awardee receives a certificate from NJDOH to acknowledge their work on this important issue. Activities can include providing information to parents about childhood immunizations, attending an annual immunization workshop, and participating in the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS).

NJDOH encourages 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 ahead. The Department recommends the American Academy of Pediatrics’ immunization schedule as a foundation for informed decision-making between families and healthcare providers.

Vaccines are available at a variety of locations including healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, community health clinics, and health departments. More information about vaccines can be found at nj.gov/health/vaccines or on the American Academy of Pediatrics website at aap.org/en/patient-care/immunizations/more.

The 2026 Hot Shots for Tots Immunization Campaign awardees are:

Gold:

• Flemington Early Head Start
• NORWESCAP Hopatcong Head Start
• Ringoes Head Start
• HOPES CAP, INC. Somerset
• Home Away from Home Academy
• Hackensack Meridian Early Childhood Education Center at JSUMC
• Divine Mercy Academy
• Mi Casita Day Care Center South
• Gables Elementary School - Neptune Township School District
• Lily Pond Country Day School
• Positive Place Preschool
• South Bergen Jointure Commission Preschool, Felician Campus
• Give and Take Child Care Center
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc., Jubilee Center
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP Inc., David E Rue Site
• HOPES CAP, INC. Early Head Start, Hoboken
• NORWESCAP Wantage Head Start and Early Head Start
• Midtown Community Elementary School
• Harrison School
• JCC of Central NJ

Silver:

• Mont-Vail Day Care Center
• Richard F. Blake Children's Center
• CFS Headstart at KCNA (Mosaic Early Learning)
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc, Joseph F Brandt Elementary School
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, HOPES CAP, Inc., Thomas G Connors Elementary School
• Summerfield Elementary School
• NORWESCAP Early Head Start - Morris County
• Hillsdale United Nursery School

Bronze:

• Westfield Day Care Center
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center - Jackson St. Site
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center - St. Francis Site
• Hoboken Public School District Early Childhood Education, Mile Square Early Learning Center - Wallace Elementary School

Honorable Mention:

• NORWESCAP Newton Head Start