The Critical Importance of Flu Shots – Christopher Ottiano, MD, Neighborhood Health Plan of RI

by Christopher Ottiano, MD, Medical Director at Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island

Flu season is here and it’s hitting hard. Across Rhode Island and the country, cases are climbing quickly, and hospitals throughout Rhode Island are taking extra precautions – requiring masks for patients, visitors and staff – due to rising cases of the flu and respiratory viruses. The message is clear – now is the time to protect yourself and those around you.

Why Act Now?

The flu isn’t just an inconvenience; it can lead to serious illness. Nationally, millions have already gotten sick this season, and thousands have been hospitalized. Rhode Island is seeing similar trends, with hospitalizations nearly doubling in November and continuing that rise in December. In fact, flu activity across multiple surveillance systems is now reported to be the highest in Rhode Island in at least 15 years. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to lower your risk and help keep our health care system from becoming overwhelmed.

Does the Vaccine Still Help?

Yes. Even when flu strains shift, the vaccine still makes a big difference. It reduces the chances of severe illness, hospitalization and even death. For older adults, enhanced-dose vaccines offer extra protection, and you can safely get your flu shot at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to wait.

Easy, Free and Close to Home

Flu shots are widely available and free across Rhode Island. You can get vaccinated at local pharmacies, your primary care provider’s office, worksite clinics or community health events. For more details, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website at health.ri.gov/immunization#vaccine-clinic.

Other Ways to Stay Healthy

Along with getting your flu shot, you can help stop the spread of respiratory viruses by:

• Staying home if you feel sick.
• Covering coughs and sneezes, and washing your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Keeping indoor spaces clean and well-ventilated.
• Supporting your immune system with good sleep, hydration and healthy food.

Bottom line: This flu season is here – and it’s serious. Getting vaccinated is quick, easy and free, and it’s the best way to protect yourself and your community. Let’s all do our part and get our flu shot today. Together, we can keep Rhode Island healthy. To learn more, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website: health.ri.gov/flu-influenza.

About Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island 

We serve one in five Rhode Islanders. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island (Neighborhood) is a not-for-profit 501c3 health maintenance organization (HMO) insurance company with a consistent record of earning accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Founded in partnership with Rhode Island’s Community Health Centers in December 1993, we are governed by a 17-person board.