NJCU Wins 2022-23 New Jersey College and University Flu Challenge

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | New Jersey City University (NJCU) and its Health and Wellness Center were the winners of the sixth annual New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge held during the 2022-2023 flu season and sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Vaccine Preventable Disease Program (VPDP).

In all, 18 colleges, universities, and institutions across the state competed in the challenge, 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, as encouraged by the work of their campus health centers and staff.

NJCU was the winner in the large school category, defeating Kean University, Montclair State University, and Stockton University.

Darin Soliman, MHA, LSSGB, the Director of the NJCU Health and Wellness Center, who coordinated NJCU’s efforts in the Challenge, said: “Our mission is to promote learning and student accomplishment by enhancing the student's health and well-being. We support and foster holistic health and wellness for NJCU students and throughout the university's diverse community, including by developing and supporting health promotion and prevention awareness services. The flu challenge was a great opportunity to keep our campus safe. Big success can't come without big challenges!”

The Challenge aimed to increase awareness surrounding the importance of flu vaccination for students across the state’s higher educational institutions, because young adults have been shown to have lower flu immunization coverage rates as compared to other age groups.

For more information on the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program, call 609-826-4861 or email: higheredvax@doh.nj.gov. 

New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge Participants

Large Schools

• New Jersey City University (category winner)
• Kean University
• Montclair State University
• Stockton University

Medium Schools

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

Small Schools

• Best Care College (category winner)
• Berkeley College
• Centenary University
• Drew University
• Georgian Court University
• Saint Elizabeth University
• Salem County College

About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to the development of our students, our city, our communities, and our state. We are a game-changing force for our students and have been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation improving their upward economic mobility. Whether enrolled in one of our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at our three locations, NJCU students have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.

—www.NJCU.edu—

Contact:
Ira Thor, Senior Director of University Communications and Media Relations | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301