Some Rhode Island Dunkin' Stores To Offer COVID-19 Vaccines

RHODE ISLAND — Dunkin' is offering Rhode Islanders the ultimate opportunity to multitask on May 26: the chance to be vaccinated against the coronavirus during a coffee run.

Dunkin' spokesman Chris Raia told Patch vaccines against the COVID-19 virus will be offered at five or six stores across Rhode Island on May 26, although the list had not been finalized as of Friday.

“My team has promised that we’d continue to bring vaccines directly to where people are,” Rhode Island Gov. Daniel McKee said in a statement. “We’re excited about this partnership with Dunkin’, such a Rhode Island staple. If you haven’t gotten your shot yet, you’ll be able to get it during your morning routine. We thank Dunkin’ and its local business owners for their contribution to the ongoing #Vaccinate401 effort.”

Ultimately, Raia said, Dunkin's goal is to offer vaccines in high-need ZIP codes, and at stores with enough space to safely offer pop-up clinics.

The list of participating stores is expected to be released in the coming days to weeks.

Rob Batista, a Dunkin' franchise owner, said the state's decision to partner with the New England staple is a testament to the state's creative response to the pandemic.

“The fact that people will be able to get a COVID-19 shot as part of their morning Dunkin’ run is a uniquely local testament to Rhode Island’s collaborative and creative response to this crisis, and shows how far we’ve come in terms of vaccine availability and access,” Batista said in a statement.

The vaccination clinics will coincide with Iced Coffee Day, which aims to raise funds for Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.

Because the vaccine event falls on Iced Coffee Day, Dunkin' franchises will donate $1 from every iced coffee sold to Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Dunkin's spokesman told Patch the company has raised more than $2 million for the hospital since Iced Coffee Day launched in 2010.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that Iced Coffee Day has evolved into our Dunkin’ family’s favorite holiday,” Batista said in a statement. “We are always amazed by the life-saving impact Hasbro Children’s Hospital has on the lives of local families."

Iced Coffee Day 2021 is set to come complete with in-store celebrity appearances, giveaways and other special events.

"We are honored to play our small part to support them every year, and we hope our guests from across the region buy an iced coffee or cold brew on May 26, and help make this year’s Iced Coffee Day another fun and successful day," Batista said.