Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is working to keep local communities healthy by sponsoring free flu clinics for Rhode Islanders who do not have health insurance.
Over the next …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is working to keep local communities healthy by sponsoring free flu clinics for Rhode Islanders who do not have health insurance.
Over the next three months, BCBSRI will partner with local community service agencies to sponsor clinics across the state. BCBSRI has administered a free flu shot program for the last five years. Last year, BCBSRI administered vaccines at 40 sites to 700 uninsured individuals.
“Getting a flu shot is a simple yet highly effective action we can all take to keep our communities healthy,” said Dr. Gus Manocchia, chief medical officer for BCBSRI. “BCBSRI is committed to helping ensure that all Rhode Islanders, with or without insurance, have the opportunity to receive this very important vaccination.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive a seasonal flu shot. Vaccination of high-risk persons – including young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease – is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness. The shot is not recommended for people who are allergic to chicken eggs or who have experienced a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
The schedule of flu clinics is as follows:
Sept. 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., RI Free Clinic, 655 Broad St., Providence
Sept. 29, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Johnnycake Center of Westerly, 23 Industrial Drive, Westerly
Oct. 4, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Oasis International, 600 Broad St., Providence
Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Blackstone Valley Community Action, 32 Goff Ave., Pawtucket
Oct. 29, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 422 Post Road (Suite 102), Warwick
Oct. 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Amos House, 415 Friendship St., Providence
Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mount Hope Community Baptist Church, 734 Hope St., Providence
Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Johnnycake Center Inc, 1231 Kingstown Road, Wakefield
Clinics began in September, and additional clinics will be added in October, November and December. Schedules are subject to change. BCBSRI members can get their flu vaccination with no out-of-pocket cost by visiting their primary care provider, a local pharmacy participating in our flu vaccine program or a flu clinic.
For more information, visit www.bcbsri.com, follow @BCBSRI on Twitter or like Blue Cross & Blue Shield on Facebook at fb.com/bcbsrhodeisland.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here