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Immunization

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Where to get vaccinated

Everyone six months of age and older should be vaccinated against the flu every year. It is important for people to be immunized against other vaccine-preventable diseases. (infants and children | pre-teens and teens | adults)

Children can be vaccinated at their doctors' offices, at schools, or at public clinics. Depending on the vaccines needed, adults can be vaccinated at their doctors' offices, at public clinics, pharmacies, or some school-based clinics.

Public flu vaccination clinics

The Rhode Island Department of Health works with the Ocean State Adult Immunization Coalition to promote public flu vaccination clinics throughout the state. There are no costs or insurance requirements at public clinics. Clinics will begin running again fall 2013.

School-located flu clinics

A school-located flu vaccination program runs each fall throughout Rhode Island. Clinics are for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. There is no out-of-pocket charge for flu vaccination for students. The insurance information of students who have health insurance will be collected, but no student will be turned away for a lack of insurance.

Vaccinate Before You Graduate (flu vaccine and other vaccines)

Vaccinate Before You Graduate is a program that provides vaccinations to all students in grades 9 through 12 in Rhode Island schools. The following vaccines are available to students through Vaccinate Before You Graduate: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), flu, measles, mumps, rubella, meningitis, polio, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and varicella. 

St. Joseph Center for Health & Human Services (flu vaccine and other vaccines)

Children who are uninsured or who do not have regular doctors can be immunized for free through St. Joseph Center for Health and Human Services (21 Peace Street, Providence, Rhode Island; 401-456-4359). Children who have insurance or who have doctors will NOT be vaccinated at St. Joseph.

Walk-in's are welcome on the following dates and at the following times:

  • Mondays - 10 AM - 3 PM
  • Tuesdays - 12 PM - 4 PM
  • Wednesdays - 12 PM - 4 PM
  • Thursdays - 8 AM - 4 PM

Immunizations at other times can be arranged by appointment. Please bring the child's immunization history to his or her visit.

Adult immunization centers (flu vaccine and other vaccines)

If your regular healthcare provider does not offer routine recommended adult immunizations, you may contact one of the clinics listed below:

Clinics for travelers (flu vaccine and other vaccines)

When traveling outside of the United States, certain shots may be required or recommended. Because some shots require more than one dose for full protection, start planning for travel immunizations four to six weeks before you are due to leave.