Roberts encourages Rhode Islanders to take advantage of free public flu vaccine clinics starting up statewide this weekend
PROVIDENCE- Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts, Chair of the Emergency Management Advisory Council and the Long Term Care Coordinating Council, today urged all Rhode Islanders to take advantage of the free public flu vaccine clinics beginning TOMORROW, Saturday, January 16 in communities throughout the state.
“The best way to keep all Rhode Islanders safe from the H1N1 flu is for all Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated for the flu,” said Lt. Gov. Roberts. “The public flu vaccine clinics are an invaluable resource, making protection against the H1N1 virus accessible to adults everywhere in Rhode Island at no cost.”
The statewide free public flu vaccine clinics begin this weekend on Saturday, January 16 in Providence at Mt. Pleasant High School, at Cumberland High School, in Pawtucket at Joseph Jenks Middle School and Burrillville High School. Free public flu clinics continue in West Warwick at West Warwick High School and North Smithfield Jr. and Sr. High School on Sunday, January 17. Thirty-one clinics are scheduled in communities throughout Rhode Island, and a complete listing of the clinics, their dates, times and locations are available on Lt. Governor’s website at http://www.ltgov.ri.gov, and on the RI Department of Health website at http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/about/freepublich1n1clinics/index.php
H1N1 vaccinations will be available free of charge to any Rhode Islander over the age of 18 who signs a consent form. No identification or health insurance is required to receive the vaccine, and you do not need to reside in the community where the clinic is held. Supplies of the vaccine may be limited, and vaccinations will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis.
“I am pleased that Rhode Island has been a leader in the nation in its coordinated response to the H1N1 flu. The school-based flu vaccine clinics have been highly effective so-far, and making the H1N1 vaccine available to the general public is the next important step,” Roberts continued. “Health Director Gifford has set a goal to vaccinate half a million Rhode Islanders by Valentine’s Day, when the free statewide public clinics end, and I urge all Rhode Islanders to roll up their sleeves and take part.”
Setting the example for Rhode Islanders, Lt. Gov. Roberts will attend the free public flu clinic in her neighborhood at Park View Middle School in Cranston on Thursday, January 21st at 5:00 p.m. to receive her H1N1 flu vaccination.