Vaccines Can Prevent Fall COVID-19 Surge, RI Health Experts Say

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is in an excellent place when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic. That's been the message from state leadership over the past several weeks, and is likely to be the case throughout the summer months, with windows open, gatherings held outdoors and vaccination numbers continuing to climb.

"Everything we do over the next few months will impact what our fall and winter will look like," said Tom McCarthy, the executive director of the state's COVID-19 vaccine effort.

In order to keep that momentum on track, Rhode Islanders cannot get complacent, now, said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the state's Department of Health. Instead, now is the time to keep forging ahead, she said, getting as many residents vaccinated as are eligible before the cooler weather arrives.

Summer 2020 was one of across-the-board improvements in Rhode Island, with the state's percent positivity, case numbers and hospitalizations all in decline thanks to the warmer weather. However, case numbers climbed once the fall arrived, culminating in the worst surge seen in the state by the end of the year. Now that coronavirus vaccines are widely available and more residents are getting their doses every day, Rhode Island has the opportunity to avoid a repeat of last year, Alexander-Scott said.

The key to a fall without the need for more restrictions on businesses and social life is vaccines, the doctor explained. By acting now, Rhode Island can continue to build up immunity, so the number of fully vaccinated people will be higher before the end of summer.

College students should get their first vaccine no later than July 4, Alexander-Scott said, to ensure they have their second dose and full immunity before traveling to return to campus for the fall semester.