Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: June 19, 2006
Contact: Kathy Marceau: 222-4624

"Immunize for Life" Vaccination Clinics

Vaccinate Before You Graduate
The Rhode Island Department of Health Immunization Program will be hosting two immunization clinics for Rhode Island high school graduates class of 2006:

• Wednesday, June 21st from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Warwick Mall, outside Old Navy.
• Wednesday, July 12th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Health Policy Forum.

Seniors of the class of 2006 that have not received all required vaccinations before going to college or before joining the workforce are invited to attend either clinic.

High school Seniors can receive the following vaccines free of charge: Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Meningococcal (Meningitis), Polio, and Varicella (Chicken Pox). Once children reach age 19 and are out of high school, the same shots could cost them as much as $900.00.

A parent or guardian must accompany students under age 18, unless a parental consent was signed at a previous Vaccinate Before You Graduate event at the student's school. Please bring your immunization records and photo identification.

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

Adult Vaccinations
Adults age 18 and older may receive the Tetanus and the Pneumonia vaccine at the Warwick Mall on June 21st from 8 a.m. to noon. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for adults age 65 and older. The Pneumonia vaccine is a covered benefit for Medicare beneficiaries, Part B. If an individual's insurance provider does not cover the Pneumonia vaccine, there will be a $20.00 administration fee. There is a $20.00 administration fee for the Td vaccination. For more information about the adult immunization program, contact Annemarie Beardsworth at 222-5658.