Galloway, N.J. — Stockton University was recognized by the New Jersey Department of Health’s (NJDOH) annual New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll, which highlights institutions striving to promote influenza prevention at their facilities during the 2023-24 flu season. Since its inception in 2017, Stockton University has received this recognition for the 2018-2019, 2020-2021, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 flu seasons. The Influenza Honor Roll is open to four categories of honorees: Institutions of Education, Businesses, Community-based Organizations and Health Care Facilities. Institutions from all categories were encouraged to submit applications detailing all implemented influenza-related activities. All institutions named to the New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll are highlighted on the NJDOH website and receive a certificate of recognition.

Devon Tapp, director of Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE); Stephanie Allen, program assistant of Immunizations for Student Health Services; and Kristen Welsh-Capaldi, health educator, have been instrumental in securing and promoting flu shots by individual appointments through scheduled clinics and at the annual Wellness Day. HOPE’s objective is to promote a healthy campus by increasing access to immunizations for the campus community. This has been achieved by offering flu shots with no out-of-pocket costs for students, faculty and staff. This aligns with one of the Division of Student Affairs’ strategic priorities: cultivating a safe and healthy learning environment. It also aligns with one of the University’s core values of equity, inclusion and social justice, ensuring inclusive opportunities and resources that affirm and support all community members.

During the 2023-24 flu season, flu shots were available to students by appointment, and two clinics provided by Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers were held to vaccinate students, staff and faculty. Additionally, Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers provided flu and other vaccines at the annual Wellness Day. A total of 135 individuals received flu vaccinations during the 2023-24 flu season.

Tapp felt it was important to include faculty and staff at the flu clinics, so this service was expanded to include the entire campus community. This effort was much appreciated, as reflected by positive feedback from staff and faculty.

The Stockton University Health Outreach, Promotion and Education Department hopes to offer these clinics again during the 2024-25 flu season. Look for upcoming information on immunization clinic dates via email, Student Digest and on The Wellness Center at Stockton University Facebook page and Instagram page. Stockton University and other awardees of the New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll can be viewed here.

Reported by Mandee McCullough