What To Expect In Rhode Island's Phase 3 Vaccine Distribution

PROVIDENCE, RI — Rhode Island is steaming ahead with its vaccination campaign. To date, more than 428,000 residents are "fully vaccinated," while over 581,000 people have received at least one vaccine dose.

Following the mass push to get as many people vaccinated as possible over the past few months, Rhode Island has entered its third phase of distribution, one aimed at breaking down barriers and bridging the gap to those who have not yet gotten their vaccine.

Breaking down barriers

Tom McCarthy, the executive director of the state's vaccine distribution effort, said that about 281,000 Rhode Islanders are currently eligible to get their vaccine, but have not yet. These people can be broken down into three groups, McCarthy explained: those who are unwilling to get vaccinated, those who have uncertainties and those who do not have access. Each group will require a different, targeted strategy to bridge the gap and get shots in arms, he said.

People who are unwilling to get a vaccine are a "relatively small" percentage of the population, McCarthy said. Engagement campaigns will be a major part of this outreach effort, he said, offering science-based information.

A similar approach will be taken for people with uncertainties, providing information to answer any lingering questions about the vaccine's safety or efficacy. Because trusted health care providers are a major part of reassuring people with uncertainties, the Rhode Island Department of Health is working to get vaccines to primary care providers and pediatricians.

When it comes to these groups, a targeted approach is key, McCarthy said, adding that it's not just about the numbers.

"Vaccinating 10 people in the unwilling category is just as much of a victory as 50 who are willing," McCarthy said.

The department is also working to reach the third group: those who want to get a vaccine, but have some barrier to access. This could be lack of transportation to a clinic site, the inability to make an appointment or lack of access to information about where or when clinics are held.

Starting next week, the department will start directly reaching out to the approximately 13,500 Rhode Islanders 75 years and older who have not yet gotten their vaccine. As an extension of the already existing effort to bring vaccine doses to the homebound, vaccine doses will be brought directly to residents who need one.

What's next

The federal Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve emergency authorization of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for use in 12-to-15-year olds next week. Following that, authorization for younger children is expected by September, which will pave the way for a ramped-up vaccination campaign for younger students just in time for the new school year.

I'm excited to get my kids vaccinated when the time arises," said Dr. Philip Chan, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Department of Health.

McCarthy said that the state's goal is to get COVID-19 to "a manageable level" by fall. Although the virus will always be dangerous, the goal is to reach a similar state as other illnesses such as the flu — always a concern, but no longer an imminent, daily threat.

"We know we can do this before the fall," McCarthy said.