Rhode Island health officials are directing residents to school-based community clinics offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through Nov. 20 as the state begins its fall flu vaccination campaign.
Adults and children age 3 and older can use community clinics without insurance or out-of-pocket charges, according to an Oct. 15 Department of Health announcement. Advance registration is strongly recommended. Walk-ins depend on available staff and supplies.
Many daytime school clinics are limited to students and school employees. Late-afternoon and evening clinics designated for the community are open more broadly. Residents can find schedules and register at the clinic registration website.
The department recommends annual flu vaccination for people age 6 months and older. That recommendation covers a wider age range than the school-based clinics, which begin at age 3; families with younger children can consult their healthcare professional.
The department reported 861 flu hospitalizations and 54 flu-related deaths in Rhode Island during the 2025-26 season. Those are figures for the previous season, not a count for the season now beginning.
Residents with questions about access, including vaccination without insurance, can call 401-222-5960 or use RI Relay 711.