The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds Rhode Islanders that there are still a number of free public H1N1 vaccination clinics to take place over the next two weeks. All Rhode Islanders are encouraged to get vaccinated against H1N1, even those who consider themselves healthy. Seven more free public clinics are scheduled on weekends and weekdays between now and February 27. A schedule with clinic dates, locations, and hours of operation is available on HEALTH’s website (www.health.ri.gov).
These clinics are free of charge, and no appointments are necessary. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to be vaccinated at these clinics, but they need not be residents of the city or town in which the clinic is being held. No identification or insurance information is required. In addition to these free public clinics hosted by municipalities, H1N1 vaccine is also available at physician offices and at other clinics hosted by mass immunizers. There may be a charge for administration at other clinics.
“H1N1 flu is a potentially dangerous virus and we expect to see another surge of illness in the coming months,” said Director of Health, Dr. David Gifford, M.D., MPH. “Any adult who has not yet been vaccinated against H1N1 should take advantage of this opportunity to attend one of the free public clinics. The more people who get vaccinated against H1N1, the less likely it is that we will see a third wave of illness this spring.”
Since mid-January, HEALTH, in coordination with its municipal partners has held several public H1N1 vaccination clinics throughout the state. To date, approximately 380,000 Rhode Islanders have been vaccinated against H1N1, and of those, almost 17,000 were vaccinated at the free public clinics.
For additional information or questions, please contact HEALTH’s H1N1 Information Line at (401) 222-8022.