HEALTH's Immunization Program and Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response have offered all municipalities the opportunity to provide Tdap vaccine to those ages 11 and older and influenza vaccine to those ages six months and older. The first clinic will take place in Smithfield on Saturday, Feb. 11. For the complete clinic schedule, please visit: http://www.health.ri.gov/pertussisclinics.php.

Any Barrington residents ages 10 and up (except pregnant women) who have never received the Tdap vaccination may participate in the pertussis vaccination clinic organized by HEALTH and Barrington Public Schools.

All hospital emergency departments and urgent care centers should administer Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine instead of Td (tetanus, diphtheria) for wound management to individuals who require a tetanus-containing vaccine and have not already received a Tdap dose. This recommendation from the Rhode Island Department of Health reflects the most recent Tdap recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s ACIP and should be followed to help prevent pertussis (whooping cough).

On October 25, 2011, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to change their recommendation for HPV4 (Gardasil; Merck) vaccination of males at 11-12 years of age from permissive to routine.

Current Influenza Activity Level: Sporadic Activity