New Jersey officials will use $16 million in federal funds to provide free H1Ni swine flu vaccinations for 1.3 million uninsured residents.

Jon S. Corzine

Gov. Jon Corzine announced the state’s preparation plan for the H1N1 influenza Sept. 3, indicating that the disease is “a cause for concern, but not a cause for alarm.”

“Prevention is the best medicine for ensuring that workplaces stay productive, schools stay open, and most important, that families are safe,” Corzine said in a statement.

State agencies are collaborating efforts to ensure the state is prepared for a resurgence of the swine flu that many anticipate is coming this fall.

Corzine announced that free vaccinations will be available for 1.3 million uninsured residents at public health clinics throughout the state. New Jersey was recently awarded $16 million from the federal government to strengthen its pandemic influenza planning initiatives.

For those with private insurance, the vaccine is expected to be covered by their provider, Corzine said, but published reports also indicate the state is imploring insurance companies to also provide free vaccinations to their clients.

Numerous health insurers, including WellPoint, CIGNA and Aetna, have already announced that they will cover the cost of swine flu vaccinations for their members.

New Jersey officials are also kicking off a public education campaign from the state’s department of health and senior services and working with school districts on a voluntary vaccination plan at local health clinics.

“I also know many families are concerned about H1N1 in schools and knowing this, we have taken measures to keep our schools are prepared,” Corzine said.  “Let me be clear, the goal is to keep schools open so healthy kids can learn and for sick kids to stay home. Let’s keep our schools open and our kids healthy.”

Corzine is strongly encouraging New Jersey residents to get a seasonal flu shot and a swine flu shot when deemed “safe and effective” by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration.