New Jersey Sees Rising Numbers of Children Skipping Vaccines: County-by-County Analysis

New Jersey’s latest state health statistics shows a drop in kid vaccination rates due to religious exemptions. This tendency could make the state more susceptible to measles epidemics, say public health officials. In 2024–25, 24,962 children were exempt from obligatory immunizations for religious reasons, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. About 5% of…

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New Jersey Invests $12.5 Million to Drive Innovation in Med-Tech and Maternal Health

This $12.55 million grant package from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) promotes medical technology and maternal health entrepreneurship and innovation. This massive investment will create two Strategic Innovation Centers (SICs) to help startups develop across the state. New Baby New Jersey in Trenton and the Camden-Mulliga Hill New Jersey Accelerator for Innovation in…

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New Jersey Updates Vaccine Decision Process as Federal Guidance Faces Scrutiny

New Jersey has changed its vaccine-related policies in response to federal reforms that have alarmed the health care profession. At a time when national guidance is inconsistent, state health care leaders embrace the move to bolster science-based decision-making. In a new law signed by former Governor Phil Murphy on Sunday, the New Jersey Department of…

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New Jersey Faces Challenge to Protect Nursing Home Residents as Federal Oversight Weakens

New Jersey nursing home patients’ health and safety are under review as federal laws ensuring quality care are pushed back. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have delayed the introduction of new nursing home ownership disclosure requirements and reversed guidelines requiring round-the-clock registered nurse coverage and minimum nurse staffing hours per resident. In…

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New Jersey Maintains Current Vaccine Policies Despite CDC Updates

The CDC recommends 11 regular dosages for kids instead of 17. New Jersey will follow evidence-based immunization rules, while the federal government has changed. The new CDC recommendation supports high-risk immunizations or pediatric clinical decisions between parents and doctors. RSV, hepatitis A and B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY and B, rotavirus, COVID-19, and influenza shots. Diphtheria,…

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How Holiday Habits Can Affect Your Heart Health

Holidays bring celebrations, family gatherings, and food and drink. Though pleasurable, these events can bring hidden heart health risks, especially through “holiday heart syndrome.” Atrial fibrillation, an irregular and fast heartbeat, can diminish cardiac efficiency and cause fatal problems if left untreated. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) happens when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly, reducing blood…

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Federal Audit Flags Lapses in Employee Screening at New Jersey Nursing Homes

Criminal background checks for vulnerable New Jersey nursing home caregivers were found to be inadequate by a federal probe. The findings raise serious resident safety concerns and highlight long-term care government oversight deficiencies. The Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determined that most nursing homes violated federal laws…

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Federal Report Raises Concerns Over Criminal Background Checks in New Jersey Nursing Homes

Following a federal audit, New Jersey nursing facilities’ criminal background checks for personnel were found to be inadequate, raising concerns about resident safety. Federal inspectors discovered that many institutions failed to properly vet direct care staff for vulnerable seniors. A sample of state nursing homes was audited by the HHS inspector general. Eleven of the…

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