New Regional Vaccination Pod Opens In East Providence

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — Gov. Dan McKee and East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva announced the opening of a new COVID-19 vaccination pod Wednesday.

The new clinic, which is a collaboration between East Providence, Pawtucket, Barrington, Warren, Bristol, and Tiverton, is currently located at the city's senior center, but will move into a larger facility at the Shaw's plaza across from East Providence High School if demand surpasses its capacity.

"The vaccines are safe and they save lives," said McKee. "We really don't need to go any further than that."

The East Providence pod administered 600 vaccines on its opening day, a number that will expand based on how many doses become available.

Rhode Island now has the capacity to administer 160,000 vaccines per week and 97 percent of residents have access to a vaccine site within a 15 minute drive, said McKee.

Those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine currently include residents age 50 and older, those ages 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions, and anyone who was eligible during Phase 1 of Rhode Island's vaccine distribution.

Appointments at the new East Providence vaccine clinic are available here or by dialing 211.