RI Expanding COVID Vaccine Eligibility To Hardest-Hit Zip Codes

PROVIDENCE, RI — Vaccine eligibility continues to expand to Rhode Island's neighborhoods hardest-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

Starting Friday, Woonsocket residents aged 16 and older can register to get a vaccine, since the area has been particularly affected by the pandemic. Residents are encouraged to register for equity-focused vaccine clinics at the regional vaccine site in Woonsocket and the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, scheduled for this weekend and the next.

Starting Monday, vaccine eligibility will be expanded to residents aged 16 and older in the following ZIP codes:

• 02893 (West Warwick)
• 02906 (Providence)
• 02910 and 02920 (Cranston)
• 02911 (North Providence)
• 02914 (East Providence)
• 02919 (Johnston)

"Equity is a major focus for us in responding to the COVID-19 crisis," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health. "This means distributing vaccine in a way that is responsive to the reality that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate effect on certain communities. This approach is reflective of our larger vision at the Rhode Island Department of Health that all Rhode Islanders in every ZIP code should have an equal opportunity to be healthy."

Appointments can be scheduled using the state's vaccine scheduling portal, or by calling 844-930-1779 or 311.

Rhode Islanders who aren't yet eligible to make an appointment can sign up for the vaccine interest notification list on portal.ri.gov. The Department of Health will send weekly notifications by phone, email or text when they are eligible and when an appointment becomes available.

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