The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), in collaboration with primary care providers, mass immunizers and other community partners, is announcing the state’s first Flu Vaccination Day this Saturday, November 1.
“Now is the time to get a flu vaccination,” says Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “Getting a flu vaccination every year is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to protect you and your loved ones from getting the flu. Most insurances, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of it.”
Some people are at risk for developing serious complications if they get the flu. They include: anyone age 50 and older; residents of nursing homes and group homes; anyone with a long-term chronic health condition like diabetes, asthma, kidney disease or anemia; anyone who is immunocompromised; any woman who is pregnant or any healthcare provider or family member who has direct contact with a high-risk individual.
A new, important recommendation this year is that children ages 6 months through 18 years should get an annual flu vaccination as they can transmit the flu to others who are at highest risk like the elderly, people who are immunocompromised or infants.
The following clinics are scheduled for November 1: City/Town Time Location Who Can Attend Cranston 9 am – Noon Coastal Medical, 761 Park Ave. Coastal Medical patients only Cranston 9 am – 3 pm Family Health Services, 1090 Cranston St. Open to public Warwick 9 am – Noon Wilcox Health Center, 226 Buttonwoods Ave. Open to public Lincoln 9 am – 5 pm Lincoln Pediatric Associates Lincoln Pediatric Assoc. patients only Middletown 1 pm – 4 pm Newport County YMCA, 792 Valley Rd. Open to public Pawtucket 11 am – 2 pm Boys & Girls Club, 1 Moeller Place Open to public Pawtucket 2 pm – 4 pm Hillside Ave. Family & Community Medicine Open to public Portsmouth 10 am – 1 pm Visiting Nurse Services, 1184 E. Main Rd. Open to public Providence 10:30am – 1:30pm DaVinci Center, 470 Charles St. Open to public Scituate 9 am – 2 pm Scituate High School Open to public Wakefield Noon – 3 pm Wakefield Mall Open to public Warwick 9 am – Noon Rhode Island Mall Open to public Woonsocket 9 am – Noon Our Lady of Martyrs Church, 1409 Park Ave. Open to public
For information on the flu or getting vaccinated, visit www.health.ri.gov or call 1-800-942-7434.