R.I. Government Agencies | Privacy Policy |
Vaccines prevent disease and save lives. Scientific data show that vaccines are safe and effective. The Department of Health works with its partners to immunize children, adolescents, and adults against vaccine preventable diseases including measles, mumps, whooping cough, diphtheria, flu, and pneumonia. Our Immunize for Life Program helps immunize children, teens, and adults.
Vaccines are one of the 20th century's most important discoveries. They have eliminated some formerly common childhood diseases. By continuing to vaccinate our children, we will protect them from many serious or even deadly diseases. I commend providers and parents for helping Rhode Island to continuously have top childhood immunization coverage rates.
Rhode Island provides vaccines free of charge to providers for children and teens up to 19 years of age. Flu and pneumonia vaccines are covered by most health insurance policies. Vaccinations for persons travelling to foreign countries are not, however, always covered by insurance and may be quite expensive.
The Department of Health recommends that all children be up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations and encourages parents to ask their pediatricians about vaccinations at each visit. Children without health insurance or a regular doctor can get vaccinated at St. Joseph's Hospital's free immunization clinic (21 Peace Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Phone: 456-4359). Older children can also be immunized at school as part of the Vaccinate Before You Graduate Program at participating schools. Adults with insurance can get immunized for flu at their providers' offices or at public flu clinics. Some of these clinics will also provide vaccinations for pneumonia and the H1N1 flu (during the 2009-2010 flu season). Adults planning to travel outside of the United States can receive recommended vaccines at travel clinics.