Governor McKee, Rhode Island Health Department Kick Off Fall Vaccination Campaign
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee joined Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD, and leadership from the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics on October 16 to get his flu shot and kick off the state's flu vaccination campaign, reminding Rhode Islanders of the importance of vaccinations. The kickoff event was held at Coventry Pharmacy.
Larkin said everyone 6 months of age and older in Rhode Island can and should get vaccinated against the flu, that for most Rhode Islanders vaccination against COVID-19 is just as important, and that the vaccines are available to everyone regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. He said vaccination can help prevent severe illness and hospitalizations, and that with flu and COVID-19 activity expected to increase as winter and the holidays approach, the time to get vaccinated is now. Dr. Emmanuel Fridman, pharmacy manager at Coventry Pharmacy, said independent pharmacies across the state offer convenience and personalized care, making them great options for getting vaccinated.
The Department of Health said the kickoff is one of many efforts this fall and winter to communicate the importance of vaccination. Earlier this month the department launched a paid media campaign to promote seasonal vaccinations against flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), has been communicating regularly with community vaccination partners such as schools and clinicians, and its Office of Immunization staff have been conducting in-person education, awareness and outreach activities at public venues, facilities, schools and conferences across Rhode Island.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于普罗维登斯的罗德岛州议会大厦南立面（2026年9月摄）。图片来源：Frank Schulenburg／Wikimedia Commons，CC BY-SA 4.0。Photo: South facade of the Rhode Island State House in Providence, September 2026. Image: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
