St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, recently hosted “Families Fighting Flu Fest,” a collaborative community health fair where children and adults could receive a free influenza vaccine. More than 200 people received their flu vaccine at the event.

Families Fighting Flu Fest was made possible by New Jersey Immunization Network (NJIN), Henry J. Austin Health Center, New Jersey Department of Health, Capital Health, Bellevue Pediatrics, Aetna, Horizon, Pfizer, Walgreens and St. Francis Medical Center.

Families Fighting Flu Fest at St. Francis was a pilot program, making it the first time the event has taken place. Michael Weinstein, NJIN program manager, called the Flu Fest a success and hopes to make it an annual event.

“Our goal is to keep children and families healthy,” said Weinstein. “Unfortunately, we had children die from influenza last year. We want to protect as many children and families as we can. That’s why it’s such a wonderful experience to have these providers come together to keep the community healthy. We are gratified by the generosity of our providers.”

Each provider sponsored personnel for the event as well as influenza vaccines. 

The New Jersey Immunization Network (NJIN) is a statewide coalition, jointly co-founded and led by the New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians. NJIN is committed to advancing immunization rates throughout the State by disseminating and supporting the most current scientifically-sound information about immunizing people of all ages.