Rutgers School of Public Health Center for Public Health Workforce Development Hosts Annual Immunization Conference
In collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Health, the statewide conference connects stakeholders across public health, health care, and private industry to advance vaccine equity and education
On June 10, 2025, the Rutgers School of Public Health Center for Public Health Workforce Development, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), will host the 2025 New Jersey Immunization Conference. This year’s conference, “The Power of Prevention: New Jersey’s Path to a Healthier Tomorrow,” will bring together health care professionals, public health experts, and immunization advocates to discuss strategies for strengthening vaccine confidence and coverage across New Jersey.
Since 2018, the Center has collaborated with NJDOH to organize the conference, which is designed to meet the educational needs of health care providers and immunization partners across the State. The conference focuses on vaccine-preventable diseases among children, adolescents, and adults.
“This annual conference helps educate immunization professionals in current best practices and recommendations to strengthen vaccine delivery statewide,” said Colleen McKay Wharton, program director at the Center for Public Health and Workforce Development. “By investing in their knowledge and collaboration, we have more informed providers, stronger immunization programs, and healthier communities across the State.”
Uniting Stakeholders: The Conference’s Role in Addressing Vaccination Rates
Immunizations are the best defense against vaccine-preventable diseases. Immunization coverage rates continue to decline and have not rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
According to the New Jersey Immunization Status Report, the percentage of students meeting New Jersey’s immunization requirements, including the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, was 92% in 2023-2024. Declines in vaccination coverage make communities vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as the current measles outbreaks happening across the nation.
Addressing these vaccination rates requires coordinated efforts across the State’s health sectors. The upcoming New Jersey Immunization Conference serves as a vital forum that brings these stakeholders together, fostering collaboration and sharing innovative strategies to improve immunization awareness and increase vaccination uptake.
The conference draws hundreds of public health and medical professionals each year, offering continuing education credits for nurses, registered environmental health specialists, health officers, and health educators. Topics covered include updates on the New Jersey Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, the New Jersey Immunization Information System (NJIIS), vaccine storage and handling best practices, outbreak management, recent recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and effective vaccine communication strategies.
Past keynote speakers have included Paul Offit, a renowned virologist and immunologist; Ethan Lindenberger, a vaccine advocate known for standing up to anti-vaccine misinformation; and Andrea Love and Jessica Steier, co-hosts of the Unbiased Science podcast.
2025 New Jersey Immunization Conference: The Power of Prevention
The conference will also explore current public health challenges related to immunization, with the goal of building a healthier future for all New Jersey residents, and the keynote address will highlight the impact of the HPV vaccines on cancer prevention. Keynote speakers are:
- Mary O’Dowd, MPH - Executive Director of Health Systems and Population Health Integration for Rutgers Health and past New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner
- Noa’a Shimoni, MD, MPH - Associate Vice President for Student Health and Wellness at Rutgers University and Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Student Health and Wellness at Rutgers–New Brunswick
- Yonaira M. Rivera, PhD, MPH - Assistant Professor of Communication, Rutgers School of Communication and Information
The event will also include exhibitor tables, networking opportunities, and an award ceremony honoring excellence in immunization efforts.
Join us in advancing a healthier future for New Jersey.
