This message is sent on behalf of URI’s Division of Student Affairs, Health Services and Emergency Management.
Vaccination updates: Appointments to open today for those 50 through 59
The Rhode Island Department of Health has informed the University that using its age-based strategy, it is meeting the COVID-19 vaccination demand through its state-run centers and retail pharmacies. At this time, the Rhode Island Department of Health has advised us that it is not expecting to allocate vaccines to URI. Therefore we encourage all eligible members of the URI community to register at one of the community sites or retail pharmacies.
As of today, Monday, April 5, the health department will start vaccinating individuals in the 50- to 59-year-old age bracket. Of course, those older than 59 continue to be eligible for vaccine appointments. Those 16 to 59 years old with underlying health conditions are also eligible.
It is also anticipated that all people who live, work, or go to school in Rhode Island, ages 16 and older, will be eligible for vaccination by April 19. At that time, all URI students, including those from out-of-state, will be eligible for vaccinations at the locations found at www.vaccinateri.org or at retail pharmacies. For a list of links to all vaccination opportunities, please go to https://covid.ri.gov/vaccination. There are several local vaccination sites, including the Schneider Electric site in West Kingston, as well as CVS, Walgreens, and Green Line Apothecary, etc. However, capacity is limited and if you have transportation, please consider increasing your search area for greater appointment availability.
As access to vaccinations is expanded, the University encourages all community members to make appointments for this very important step in controlling COVID-19. The vaccines are safe, effective and have been subject to rigorous testing.
While the vaccination developments are great news for Rhode Island and URI, the University community must continue to follow health and safety guidelines issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the health department.
By following the rules on mask-wearing, physical-distancing, hand-washing, staying home when you are sick and getting tested regularly, we can finish the semester healthy and together. We thank you for all of your efforts this entire academic year.