For the past four years, Knights, Dames, and family members of the New Jersey Area have assisted with the distribution of flu vaccines to members of the uninsured population of Newark, New Jersey. What initially started as an emergency effort to help distribute COVID-19 shots during the early days of the pandemic has grown into an official collaborative ministry between the St. John’s Health Clinic, the Order of Malta New Jersey Area, and Malteser International Americas. It is worth noting that this collaborative effort was the first initiative of Malteser International in the United States. 

This year, flu shots were given out over a three day period at both the St. John’s Health Clinic in downtown Newark and after Sunday Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. More than 250 vaccinations were administered over a three day period. Members of the Order assisted with everything from crowd control and language translation to the administering of flu shots. 

We are grateful for the collaboration between our Area and Malteser International which allows us to assist the needy in our state’s largest city.