Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: October 10, 2001
Contacts: Susan Shepardson, Immunization Program Manager, 222-4603
Andrea Bagnall, Family Health Communications, 222-5951

Senator Reed Joins Health Director to Launch
Rhode Island’s Vaccinate Before You Graduate Program

On October 15, 2001 U.S. Senator Jack Reed will join Health Director Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, to launch a new school-based initiative called Vaccinate Before You Graduate. The program aims to get teens all the immunizations they need while still in school and eligible for free vaccine through the Department of Health Immunization Program. Senior students at Pilgrim High in Warwick will participate in the first vaccination clinic of this statewide program.

Dr. Nolan states, "Vaccination against preventable diseases is one of the most important things we can do to protect our children’s health. Yet, nearly 50% of teens nationally are not fully vaccinated. Some of today’s vaccines were not available when they were young; some just slipped through".

"Teens need these vaccines for lifelong protection, adds Senator Reed. "This innovative program ensures that teens will get the vaccinations they need". Reed has been recognized by the National Partnership for Immunization for his work to improve access to immunizations and has led a successful bi-partisan effort to increase funding for the immunization program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vaccinate Before You Graduate makes vaccinations easy and convenient for high school seniors by providing free immunizations right in school. If a teen or family member were to pay for all these required vaccinations, it would cost about $700. Many employers and colleges today require immunizations before employment or admission.

In addition to appearances by Senator Jack Reed and Dr. Nolan, the event to kick-off the program includes a vaccination clinic for eligible students. Later this fall, 23 additional high schools throughout the state will hold similar clinics for their students.

The program results from a partnership between the state's high schools, the Rhode Island Childhood Immunization Action Coalition and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Parents of high school seniors are encouraged to learn more about the program. For more information, call the Family Health Information Line at 1-800-942-7434.