Raimondo Joins RI Director of Health to Promote Flu Vaccination
Friday, November 07, 2014
Governor-Elect Gina Raimondo reminded all Rhode Islanders about the importance of vaccination after getting her flu shot on Friday from Michael Fine, M.D., Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH).
“Our whole family gets vaccinated every year because we know that it’s our best defense against the flu,” Governor-Elect Raimondo said. “I urge anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to consider getting a flu shot today.”
Her husband, Andrew Moffit, and their two children were also vaccinated by Dr. Fine.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTEveryone older than six months of age should be vaccinated against the flu every year. Vaccination is especially important for pregnant women, senior citizens, healthcare workers, and people with chronic medical conditions. Common chronic medical conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
The flu is a serious illness that can even make healthy people very sick. Last year, the flu sent 639 Rhode Islanders to the hospital and resulted in 32 deaths.
“When you get a flu shot, you are not just protecting yourself. You are also helping to keep all of the people in your life healthy by preventing the spread of the flu,” Dr. Fine said. “With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us will soon be getting together with family and friends. Now is the time to get vaccinated to protect the people that you love.”
Where to get a flu shot
People should visit their doctors to be vaccinated against the flu. Other places where people can be vaccinated include pharmacies, public clinics, and school clinics. (Many school clinics are open to the entire community.)
There are clinics in Rhode Island for people who do not have health insurance and for people who cannot afford to pay for flu shots.
For more information about flu vaccine or to find out where to get vaccinated, visit www.health.ri.gov/find/vaccinations or call 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711.
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