The Protect Me With 3+ Contest is Now Accepting Submissions
SECAUCUS, NJ – October 1, 2025 – The annual Protect Me With 3+ poster and video contest is now accepting submissions. New Jersey students in grades 5-12 are invited to create a poster or video to raise awareness of vaccine importance. Students, teachers, parents, and school nurses are invited to visit www.protectmewith3.com to get started and view past winners. The deadline to submit entries is January 31, 2026.
The contest, a collaboration between the New Jersey Department of Health and the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey, is an opportunity for students to express their creativity through art, while highlighting vaccines’ crucial role in protecting public health. With the support of their parents, teachers, and school nurses, middle and high school students from across the state create original posters and videos.
“Participating in the Protect Me With 3+ contest helps children understand the importance of vaccination while introducing them to the broader impact of public health on their communities,” stated Tina Tan, MD, MPH, State Epidemiologist/Assistant Commissioner at the New Jersey Department of Health.
The contest winners and finalists in each category earn prizes and are honored at a recognition dinner in May 2026. Additionally, the winning students’ submissions are featured on posters and in media campaigns throughout the state. Participating schools and the teachers who receive the most eligible submissions will also be recognized for their public health education efforts.
“The Protect Me with 3+ contest is a wonderful opportunity for adolescents to be a part of peer-to-peer education about how vaccines work to protect their health, while also showcasing their creativity,” stated Emily Haines, MBA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at the Partnership.
Students from schools across New Jersey enter the contest every year. The 2025 contest finalists included students from the Academy of Allied Health and Science, Mercer County Technical School, Marlboro High School, Jackson Liberty High School, Passaic County Technical Institute Stem Academy, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Robert Lazar Middle School in Montville, and Hillside Intermediate School in Bridgewater.
Schools, parents, libraries, and other community organizations interested in learning more can visit www.protectmewith3.com or call 973-268-2280. Visit the New Jersey Department of Health’s website to learn more about vaccines.
About the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey
The Partnership is changing the paradigm in maternal health by amplifying, supporting, and empowering our communities. The organization firmly believes all people must have access to safe respectful births and every family deserves the opportunity to thrive. The Partnership serves nearly 50,000 people annually through 30 community programs that support pregnancy & parenthood, empower communities, and advocate for quality healthcare.
About the New Jersey Department of Health
The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 5,500 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.