The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) will hold its H1N1 vaccination clinic for school-aged Rhode Islanders who attend out-of-state schools at the Cannon Building, its headquarters in Providence.
The clinic is for Rhode Island children in kindergarten through grade 12 who attend schools out of state. It will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on December 12, 2009. Clear signage in and around the Cannon Building will direct parents and guardians to the vaccine administration area. The Cannon Building is located at Three Capitol Hill, just north of the Rhode Island State House (see below for directions). Ample, free onsite parking is available.
Parents and guardians must pre-register their children for this clinic. An online enrollment system is available on HEALTH’s Web site (www.health.ri.gov). Clinic enrollment will close at 4 p.m. on December 2. Walk-ins will be turned away.
“In choosing a central location such as the Cannon Building to host the clinic for Rhode Island students in out-of-state schools we hope to draw as many eligible children as possible,” said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD MPH. “Vaccination remains the best way to fight H1N1 flu.”
Eligible children must bring signed and dated consent forms to the clinic in order to be vaccinated. These forms, as well as H1N1 Vaccine Information Statements, can be downloaded from HEALTH’s Web site. They are available in Spanish, Portuguese and English (http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/about/schoolh1n1clinics).
Children who missed clinics at their Rhode Island schools, non Rhode Island residents, preschool students and college students are NOT eligible to be vaccinated at this clinic. Preschool students and children who missed the clinics at their Rhode Island schools can be vaccinated by their pediatricians and family physicians as adequate vaccine becomes available. For information about clinics for non high school students who are 24 years old and younger, consult HEALTH’s Web site.
The answers to frequently asked questions about the clinic for Rhode Islanders who attend out-of-state schools can be found on HEALTH’s Web site. Parents and guardians with additional questions can contact HEALTH’s H1N1 Information Line (401-222-8022). Responders on this line are prepared to answer questions in both English and Spanish.
HEALTH will use the e-mail addresses that parents and guardians provided during the registration process to make any further updates about the December 12 clinic.
Traveling to the Cannon Building Three Capitol Hill, Providence
· Those traveling north to Providence should take the Charles Street Exit (Exit 23) on I-95. Continue straight through the intersection at the end of the ramp and take the first right. The Cannon Building will be on the left.
· Those traveling south to Providence should take the Charles Street Exit (Exit 23) on I-95. At the end of the exit take a right and immediately get into the left lane. Take the first left (VF Liquors will be on the corner). Get into the right lane. At the second traffic light (the Marriott Hotel will be on right) take a right onto Orms Street. At the first traffic light take a left and then take the first right. The Cannon Building will be on the left.
· The Cannon Building is accessible by the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA)’s 50, 55, 56 and 57 buses.
###