Office of the Governor | This Week in NJ
New Jersey Department of Health and New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority Reminds Pregnant Women in New Jersey About the Safety and Effectiveness of Vaccinations and Prenatal Acetaminophen Use
The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) underscored the safety of using acetaminophen – commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol – as directed by their health care provider when pregnant, the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and postpartum, and the benefits of hepatitis B vaccination during infancy.
The Murphy Administration is committed to offering clear, evidence-based recommendations and to ensuring life-saving clinical innovations remain accessible and affordable to New Jersey families. To clarify amidst confusion, fear, and uncertainty for patients stoked by recent federal debates, NJDOH and NJMIHIA continue to align with the leading pediatric and obstetric professional societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM).
Evidence-based research demonstrates the continued benefits of early vaccinations and safe use of acetaminophen for pregnant people. Patients should continue to consult with their clinicians about individual health decisions.
“Acetaminophen has been widely used for decades and is considered safe and effective when used as directed and as needed during pregnancy. We also continue to remind New Jersey families to stay up-to-date on all recommended vaccines. As always, we encourage the public to consult with qualified health care professionals and clinicians and rely on trusted medical sources when making decisions about their health or the health of their children,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “In New Jersey, we will continue to follow the science. We are committed to monitoring ongoing research and rooting our recommendations in credible scientific data. In the meantime, we urge caution in sharing or acting on unverified health claims.”
“We cannot allow misinformation to deter women from safe, clinically-tested methods to safeguard the health and well-being of both the mother and baby during pregnancy,” said Lisa Asare, President & CEO, New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA). “NJMIHIA is committed to continuing the work of empowering expectant parents to make informed decisions in our collective effort to make the State of New Jersey the safest and most equitable place to deliver and raise a baby.”
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During Climate Week, Governor Murphy Announces New Jersey Hits New Electric Vehicle Milestone, Exceeding 250,000 Registrations
As New Jersey marks Climate Week, Governor Phil Murphy announced that the State has reached a new electric vehicle (EV) milestone, exceeding 250,000 registrations – reflecting increasing consumer confidence in EVs’ reliability as well as the availability of accessible charging infrastructure.
New Jersey has seen a 15% increase in the number of EVs registered since December 2024, marking the continued success of the Murphy Administration to support clean transportation and decarbonize the state’s heaviest emitting sector. More than 254,444 EVs are now registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, marking a significant jump in the number of EVs registered in the state compared to just three years ago.
The Murphy Administration has implemented some of the nation’s strongest policies to incentivize consumers to go green and ensure the availability of charging infrastructure – leading the country’s transition to electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and move toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
“Over the course of my Administration, our policies have taken driving electric from a futuristic concept to a practical choice for drivers – reflected by the exponential growth in registrations,” said Governor Murphy. “By continuing to expand charging infrastructure and cater to consumer preferences by incentivizing electric vehicle purchases, we will reduce the impact of cumulative transportation emissions on our climate for future generations. We will also grow a healthy market that increases consumer choice for cleaner and more affordable vehicles and creates good-paying jobs.”
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100th Infant Safely Surrendered to a Safe Haven Site
A newborn recently brought to a Safe Haven site marks the fourth this calendar year and the 100th baby surrendered under the Safe Haven Infant Protection Act since its inception. This September, the State is celebrating the law’s 25th anniversary.
The Safe Haven law allows unharmed infants up to 30 days old to be safely and anonymously surrendered to staff at hospitals, police stations, or fire stations and ambulance or rescue squads. Once cleared by a medical professional, surrendered infants are placed into an adoptive home through the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P).
“After twenty-five years, New Jersey’s Safe Haven program continues to be an effective tool to avoid tragedy,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “The Safe Haven law creates room for grace and compassion for individuals who make the difficult decision to surrender a child, without shame, blame, or stigma. It prioritizes the child’s wellbeing and creates a safety valve for New Jersey residents who are unable—for whatever reason—to care for a baby.”
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Murphy Administration Releases 2025 Green Jobs Report Focused on Meeting Growth of Green Economy
The Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy is marking Climate Week with the release of the 2025 Green Jobs Report – “Growing Green Jobs: The Opportunities for New Jersey’s Workforce.”
Since 2021, New Jersey’s green workforce has increased by 12%, or 6,000 jobs, with over 100 new clean energy projects built. By 2035, New Jersey’s green workforce is expected to grow by over 14,000 net jobs. As the State continues expanding clean energy resources and navigates a dramatically changed federal policy environment, the report assesses the State’s green economy workforce and explores what the future may look like for New Jersey workers.
The report identifies 12 priority occupations necessary to meet New Jersey’s green economy goals, all of which have higher wages than the national average. Electricians are projected to see the largest growth in new jobs, followed by Plumbers, HVAC Mechanics and Installers and Solar Installers.
“As the growth of our green economy adds thousands of family-sustaining jobs in New Jersey, this report will help guide our continued commitment to meeting the demand for workforce development and coordination across our educational institutions, unions, and training providers,” said Governor Phil Murphy.
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