NEWPORT, R.I. — State health leaders opened Rhode Island’s seasonal flu campaign with a public vaccination event, pressing Newport residents and people across the state to get a new shot before holiday travel and family dinners fill calendars.
Governor Dan McKee stood with Health Director Jerry Larkin, M.D., and pediatric chapter leaders as they rolled up their sleeves and reminded the public that yearly vaccination is still the strongest shield against severe flu.
Flu strains keep shifting, and immunity from last season’s dose wears down, so clinics recommend a fresh immunization each fall. Priority groups include seniors, young children, people managing chronic illness, pregnant patients and anyone working in health care.
Doses are stocked at pharmacies, community health centers, school clinics and many primary care offices statewide. State immunization pages track pediatric schedules and point families toward catch-up options when children have fallen behind.
Larkin also spotlighted WellOne’s Foster clinic for landing on the Flu Vaccine Honor Roll after vaccinating every health care worker on staff last respiratory season. Twenty-eight facilities earned the recognition by clearing a 90 percent staff threshold.
Officials expect flu activity to climb as winter approaches and said early vaccination can reduce hospitalizations that strain Newport-area clinics and hospitals during peak respiratory months. Residents who have not booked a shot yet still have time before holiday gatherings begin in earnest.
Filed under: Newport RI Health News