Rhode Island Marks 1 Million Coronavirus Vaccine Doses

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island passed a remarkable coronavirus pandemic milestone Tuesday morning, administering its 1 millionth vaccine dose. That's the equivalent of one vaccine dose for every resident in the state.

Gov. Dan McKee and other top state officials marked the occasion at an event at Rhode Island Hospital, the site of the first dose administered in the state.

"The 1 millionth COVID-19 vaccine dose is a big milestone for the smallest state. Every shot brings us one step closer to the light at the end of the tunnel," McKee said. "We’ve made encouraging progress since the first vaccine was administered last year thanks to the support of our doctors, nurses, volunteers, municipal leaders, Rhode Island National Guard members and so many others. I am grateful for every Rhode Islander who stepped up, got their shot and then helped someone else do the same. We have the momentum – let’s keep going."

It's been about 140 days since the first dose was administered at the hospital on Dec. 14, 2020. Since then, COVID-19 vaccine clinics have been set up across the state, administering the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines at state-run sites, community clinics and at retail partners.

Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said the 1 million doses "are a testament to months of hard work and collaboration all throughout Rhode Island."

"Thank you to the healthcare providers, healthcare organizations, community organizations, and members of Rhode Island’s response who have helped us emerge as a national leader," she said. "As exciting as this benchmark is, we still have a lot more work to do. For people who have not been vaccinated yet, COVID-19 is more dangerous now than it has been at any other time during this pandemic. Protect yourself, the people you love, and your entire community by getting your shot."

Vaccines are widely available to residents who have not yet received a dose. Appointments can be scheduled at state-run sites online or directly through retail partners such as CVS, Walgreens and Stop & Shop. Nearly all sites are also accepting walk-ins, as well, including the mass vaccination sites at The Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston and the former Benny's store in Middletown.

Rhode Island is in a good place, pandemic data-wise. Over the past weeks, the state has seen declines in all three major indicators: cases per 100,000 people, percent positivity and hospitalizations. No cities or towns in the state reported more than 200 cases per 100,000 people, the department reported.

Related: COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available For RIers Aged 12-15