Governor Dan McKee joined Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD and leadership from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics to get his flu shot today and to remind Rhode Islanders about the critical importance of vaccinations in keeping our communities healthy and safe.
“Getting a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu, and it’s also the best way to protect the people you love,” said Governor McKee. “If you’re like me and plan to get together with family and friends for the holidays over the coming weeks and months, the time to get vaccinated is now.”
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year. A new flu shot is needed every year because flu viruses constantly change and the protection from past vaccines fades over time. Flu vaccination is especially important for older adults, young children, people with underlying medical conditions, and healthcare workers. Flu vaccination is also safe, effective, and very important during pregnancy.
Flu vaccine is available at hundreds of locations throughout Rhode Island, including pharmacies, health centers, school and community clinics, and the offices of many primary care professionals.
“Rhode Island is one of the best vaccinated states in the country because we prioritize data and science, and because we know that vaccines save lives,” said Dr. Larkin. “Getting vaccinated against flu can help protect you, and our healthcare system as a whole, by preventing severe illness and hospitalizations. With Rhode Island expecting increases in flu activity as we get closer to winter and the holidays, the time to get vaccinated is now.”
“…Flu, COVID and RSV all can take their toll on children and families. We are grateful to have effective and safe vaccines against these conditions to protect us,” said Dr. Scott Rivkees, the President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
At the event, Dr. Larkin also honored WellOne Primary Medical and Dental Care’s Foster office as a strong example of a worksite prioritizing healthcare worker protections and patient safety during the respiratory virus season. WellOne was 1 of 28 healthcare facilities recently named to Rhode Island’s Flu Vaccine Honor Roll. This distinction requires 90% or more healthcare workers to be vaccinated against flu during the prior respiratory virus season. In the 2025-2026 season, Well One’s Foster-based office achieved 100% vaccination coverage among its 15 healthcare workers. Throughout Rhode Island, 25 other large and small healthcare facilities also achieved “Honorable Mention” for 80-89% of staff being vaccinated against flu.
“At WellOne Primary Medical and Dental Care, we make staff vaccination a priority to keep us at the top of our game,” said Jessica Gawrys, PA-C, ATC, a physician assistant at WellOne’s Foster site. “It helps our sites continue to run smoothly, it helps protect our patients, and it helps protect our employees and their families at home. At WellOne, vaccination is our best defense against the flu!”
At the event, Dr. Larkin also received his COVID-19 shot. It is safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine during the same appointment. Children 6 months to 2 years of age and adults 19 years of age and older should get a COVID-19 shot. Vaccination is particularly important for people 65 years of age and older, pregnant individuals, and anyone who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Health conditions that put someone at higher risk for severe illness include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or chronic lung disease, and having a weakened immune system.
For healthy children between 2 years and 18 years of age, parents should talk to a healthcare professional about whether the COVID-19 vaccine is right for their child.
Rhode Island’s community vaccination clinics are one of the simplest ways to get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. Hundreds of clinics are held at schools throughout the state between now and November 20. While most daytime school clinics are only open to students, teachers, and staff, other school-located clinics are open to the entire community in late afternoons and evenings. Adults and children age 3 and older may participate.
There is no insurance required, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to participate. Advance registration is strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted first come, first served and based on available resources at each clinic. To find and register for a flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinic, visit schoolflu.com.
Rhode Island’s recommendations for the 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine are in alignment with the recommendations from several major medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. These recommendations are also in alignment with the guidance issued by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a regional coalition of public health agencies.
Respiratory virus data
During the 2025-2026 flu season, 861 people were hospitalized with flu in Rhode Island. Like other states, Rhode Island had a significant, early peak in flu activity. Additionally, 679 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 during this period. Rhode Island had 54 flu-related deaths last flu season and 31 COVID-19-related deaths during this period.
Additional ways to prevent respiratory viruses
Additional resources
People with additional questions, including questions about where to get vaccinated if they do not have insurance, can call the RIDOH Health Information Line at 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711.
The post Rhode Island Kicks Off Flu Vaccination Campaign appeared first on RINewsToday.
