Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: July 12, 2005
Contact: Kathy Marceau: 222-4624

Rhode Island Department of Health Hosts 2005 Immunize for Life Vaccination Clinics

Vaccinate Before You Graduate
As part of the Vaccinate Before You Graduate program, the Rhode Island Department of Health Immunization Program will host two immunization clinics for Rhode Island high school graduates of the class of 2005:

• Wednesday, July 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Warwick Mall, Warwick outside the Old Navy store.
• Wednesday, August 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rhode Island Department of Health, 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, in the Health Policy Forum in the Lower Level.

The Rhode Island Department of Health invites any senior of the class of 2005 who has not received all of his or her needed vaccinations before going to college or before joining the workforce to attend either clinic.

High school graduates can receive the following vaccines free of charge: hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus/diphtheria (Td), meningococcal (meningitis), polio, and varicella (chicken pox). Once a student reaches age 19 and is out of high school, the same shots could cost him or her as much as $800.00.

A parent or guardian must accompany students under age 18 (unless a parental consent was signed at a previous Vaccinate Before You Graduate event). Students must bring their immunization records and photo identification.

No appointments are necessary. All vaccines for graduating seniors are free. If you have questions about Vaccinate Before You Graduate, contact Kathy Marceau at 222-4624.

Adult Vaccinations
Adults age 18 and older may receive the tetanus and pneumonia vaccines at the Warwick Mall Clinic on July 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine is recommended for adults age 65 and older and those in high-risk groups. The pneumococcal vaccine is a covered benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, Part B. If an individual’s insurance provider does not cover the pneumococcal vaccine, there will be a $20.00 administration fee. There is a $20.00 administration fee for the tetanus vaccination. For more information about the Adult Immunization Program, contact Annemarie Beardsworth at 222-5658.