New Jersey's bold move to expand COVID-19 vaccine access represents a critical step forward in workplace safety and pandemic preparedness at a time when other states are moving in the opposite direction. The Garden State's recent Executive Directive No. 25-003 and accompanying Standing Order demonstrate how state-level leadership can protect workers and communities when federal guidance falls short.
Breaking Down Barriers to Protection
The New Jersey Department of Health's September 9th announcement removes significant obstacles to COVID-19 vaccination by allowing anyone six months and older to receive the 2025-2026 respiratory season vaccine. This decision directly counters recent federal restrictions that limited vaccine eligibility to those 65 and older or individuals with certain underlying conditions.
For workplace safety, this expanded access is transformative. Healthcare workers, teachers, retail employees, and countless other frontline workers who may not meet federal criteria can now protect themselves and their colleagues. The Standing Order allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines without prescriptions further eliminates bureaucratic hurdles that could delay critical protection.
Occupational Safety in the Crosshairs
The timing of New Jersey's action couldn't be more crucial. As epidemiologist Michael T. Osterholm warns in his latest book "The Big One: The Next Pandemic and How to Survive It," we remain dangerously unprepared for emerging infectious disease threats. COVID-19 continues evolving, with new variants circulating and case numbers rising, particularly in the West and South.
When workers cannot access vaccines due to restrictive eligibility requirements, entire workplaces become vulnerable. A single infected employee can trigger widespread transmission, leading to operational disruptions, increased healthcare costs, and potential liability issues for employers. New Jersey's approach recognizes that workplace safety extends beyond traditional occupational hazards to include infectious disease prevention.
A Tale of Two Approaches
While New Jersey expands protection, other states have embraced the federal restrictions or implemented even more limiting policies. This patchwork approach creates dangerous inconsistencies in worker protection across state lines. Companies with multi-state operations face the absurd situation where their employees in New Jersey have better access to life-saving vaccines than their colleagues in neighboring states.
These restrictive approaches fundamentally undermine occupational safety and health principles. OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide workplaces "free from recognized hazards," yet how can employers fulfill this obligation when their workers cannot access basic preventive measures like vaccines?
Building Pandemic Resilience
New Jersey's vaccine directive reflects the kind of proactive thinking Osterholm advocates in "The Big One." Rather than waiting for the next pandemic to expose our vulnerabilities, the state is strengthening its defenses now. The formation of an Interagency Vaccine Workgroup involving multiple state departments demonstrates the coordinated response necessary for effective pandemic preparedness.
The directive's emphasis on "evidence-based recommendations from trusted medical professionals" stands in stark contrast to the recent federal policy changes that "bypassed the normal scientific review process." This commitment to scientific integrity in public health decision-making is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring effective disease prevention.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond direct health protection, expanded vaccine access delivers significant economic benefits. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sahu highlighted how vaccines help reduce "broader social impacts such as missed school and work, and reducing pressure on our health care systems." For employers, this translates to improved productivity, reduced absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs.
The Murphy Administration's encouragement for insurance carriers to cover vaccination costs without cost-sharing further removes financial barriers that might prevent workers from getting protected. This holistic approach recognizes that public health and economic health are inextricably linked.
Key Takeaways from the NJ Vaccination Order
- Universal Eligibility: Anyone six months and older can receive COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of federal restrictions
- Pharmacy Access: Standing Order allows pharmacists to administer vaccines without prescriptions for those three and older
- Scientific Foundation: Based on recommendations from trusted medical organizations including American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Family Physicians
- Interagency Coordination: Multiple state departments collaborating to ensure vaccine availability and coverage
- Cost Considerations: Strong encouragement for insurance coverage without cost-sharing
- Timing: Implemented ahead of respiratory virus season and rising COVID cases
- Provider Options: Vaccines available through primary care providers, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and other healthcare institutions
New Jersey's leadership on COVID-19 vaccine access sets a powerful example for other states grappling with how to protect their workers and communities. As new variants continue to emerge and federal policies create gaps in protection, state-level initiatives like this become even more critical for maintaining workplace safety and pandemic resilience. The choice is clear: we can either build stronger defenses now or wait for the next crisis to expose our vulnerabilities once again.
BULLETIN NO. 25-07, NJ DOBI, COVERAGE FOR COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Recommended Citation: Gelman, Jon, Jersey Fights COVID Workplace Risks (09/11/2025) https://workers-compensation.blogspot.com/2025/09/jersey-fights-covid-workplace-risks.html
Blog: Workers' Compensation
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