Free regional vaccination clinics, pediatric mobile health events and community outreach will help New Jersey families prepare for the upcoming school year
West Orange, N.J., August 13, 2026 – RWJBarnabas Health is partnering with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) to launch Stay Well. Learn Well., a comprehensive back-to-school initiative offering vaccinations and school physicals to help ensure children across the state begin the school year healthy, protected and ready to learn.
The initiative brings together New Jersey’s largest academic health system, state and county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local school districts and community organizations to expand access to recommended childhood immunizations, school physicals and preventive healthcare services before students return to the classroom.
"Preparing children for a successful school year begins with ensuring they have access to the healthcare they need," said Balpreet Grewal-Virk, PhD, Senior Vice President, Community Health, RWJBarnabas Health. "By partnering with the State and our local public health and community partners, we're bringing vaccinations, school physicals and trusted healthcare resources directly into neighborhoods, helping families connect to the care and support they need long after the first day of school."
"As children across New Jersey prepare to return to school, ensuring they are up to date on recommended vaccinations is one of the most important steps we can take to protect their health and the health of our communities," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Raynard E. Washington. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to removing barriers to care and making it easier for families to access vaccinations, school physicals and preventive healthcare services so every child enters the classroom healthy and ready to stay well and learn well."
The initiative includes two regional back-to-school vaccination clinics, a series of pediatric mobile health clinics throughout Essex and Union counties, and community outreach events designed to connect families with healthcare resources and support services.
“Through these clinics, we’re removing barriers that can prevent children from showing up to school ready to learn, grow and thrive,” said Margie Heller, Senior Vice President, Community and Global Health, RWJBarnabas Health. “Utilizing our pediatric mobile health clinic, we have greater ability to meet children and families where they are, making it easier for them to get the care they need to start the school year strong.”
“Every child deserves to begin the school year healthy and prepared to learn,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “This initiative brings preventative health services directly into our communities, making it easier for Essex County families to obtain the care their children need. We are grateful for this collaboration with RWJBarnabas Health, the New Jersey Department of Health and our community partners to eliminate barriers to care and support our families.”
“Making essential healthcare convenient and accessible gives our children a stronger start in the classroom and helps our entire community thrive,” said Union County Board of County Commissioners Chair Joseph Bodek. “Union County is proud to support this effort to connect families with vaccinations, school physicals and trusted health resources close to home. Together, we can help ensure every student returns to school healthy, confident and ready to succeed.”
Regional Back-to-School Vaccination Clinics
The regional clinics will offer all recommended childhood vaccinations for children from Pre-K through age 18, school physicals and connections to healthcare and community resources.
Newark Regional Clinic
Sat., Sept. 19 – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Essex County Donald Payne School of Technology
498–544 West Market Street
Newark, N.J.
Union County Regional Clinic
Mon., Sept. 21 – 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Union County Family Clinic
40 Parker Road
Elizabeth, N.J.
At each regional clinic, families will have access to:
- Recommended childhood vaccinations administered by county and RWJBarnabas Health clinicians
- School physical examinations administered by RWJBarnabas Health clinicians
- Community Health Workers and SNAP Navigators who will connect families to healthcare, nutrition assistance and other community resources
- Transportation assistance for eligible families during registration
- Healthy food giveaways, including fresh produce, while supplies last
- Appointments coordinated through each county's Office of Health Management in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health
Pediatric Mobile Health Clinics
RWJBarnabas Health's Pediatric Mobile Health Program will provide school physicals and connect families with vaccination resources at locations across Essex County from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Thurs., August 13 – Newark Collegiate Academy, 129 Littleton Avenue, Newark
- Thurs., Aug. 27 – American History High School, 74 Montgomery Street, Newark
- Thurs., Sept. 3 – MPTCS PAC Academy, 28 Burnet Street, Newark
- Thurs., Sept. 10 – Orange Health Department, 29 North Day Street, Orange
- Thurs., Sept. 24 – Discovery Charter School, 240 Halsey Street, Newark
Each mobile clinic will feature a pediatric physician providing school physicals, Community Health Workers connecting families with Vaccines for Children providers and Federally Qualified Health Centers, health education and navigation to ongoing primary and preventive care.
Community Outreach Events
RWJBarnabas Health and the state Department of Health will also participate in community events to educate families about childhood immunizations, school health requirements and available healthcare resources.
Trinitas Regional Medical Center Backpack Giveaway
Tues., Aug. 25 – 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Trinitas Regional Medical Center
225 Williamson Street
Elizabeth, N.J.
Back-to-School Night & Movie Under the Stars
Fri., Aug. 28 – 5p.m. – 7 p.m.
Essex County Branch Brook Park
(Lake Street Entrance)
Newark, N.J.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of these free community events to ensure children receive recommended immunizations and school physicals before classes begin. Additional outreach events may be scheduled as community needs are identified.
For information about Essex County clinic registration, eligibility and available services, go to: https://www.essexcountynjvaccination.org/rwj/ or 973-877-8456.
For information about Union County clinic registration, eligibility and available services, call 908-965-3627/3868 or email UCclinic@ucnj.org. To learn more about Union County Family Clinic, visit ucnj.org/clinic.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and a leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
Contact: Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@RWJBH.org