Flu Vaccines 'More Important Than Ever' This Year

PROVIDENCE, RI — Summer is ending in Rhode Island, which means winter months — and flue season — are fast approaching. As the state contends with the coronavirus pandemic, it's absolutely vital for all Rhode Islanders to get their influenza vaccine this fall, Gov. Gina Raimondo said.

"This flu season, vaccination is even more important than it's ever been," Raimondo said.

In typical years, Rhode Island is a national leader in vaccination rates: averaging 55 percent for adults and 75 percent for children. While these rates rank the state second-best in the country, they are not nearly enough to safely get through flu season during the pandemic, the governor said.

"[Previous vaccination rates] are not enough to get us safely through the winter," she said.

To make vaccines safer and more accessible, the state is partnering with communities and organizations, including health equity zones, nursing homes, city and town governments, schools and more.

"We're going to be coming into the community like never before," Raimondo continued. "You'll have no excuse not to get a flu shot this year."

Flu shots will be free to those who do not have insurance, Raimondo said, and will be offered to anyone getting tested for COVID-19 who does not have any symptoms. To meet the projected demand, the state ordered 150,000 more vaccines than usual, and is "ready to get more" if needed.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said flu shots are vital to preserving public health. Besides protecting the one person's individual health, getting vaccinated helps keep Rhode Islanders out of hospitals and protecting those around them.

"It's not just about keeping you safe, it's about making sure our hospitals don't get overrun," Raimondo said.

While vaccines are already in stock in many pharmacies, the state supply is expected to arrive at doctors' offices within the next two weeks, followed closely by clinics.