Young people – step right up – and vaccinate

At the High Schools

Cranston youth will be stepping it up at Cranston East and Cranston West High Schools today as Cranston became the first announced city to engage in an all-out effort to vaccinate its high schoolers. Today the first clinic is at Cranston East High School from 9am to 3pm in the gym, and Wednesday at Cranston West High School, from 9am to 3pm. Vaccinations will be assisted by members of the Cranston Fire Department. Shots given will be the Pfizer shot with 2nd appointments being set up.

Pre-registration was required, though walk-ins may be accommodated. So far, 200 of the city’s 1,000 students have signed up.

https://www.vaccinateri.org//reg/9256001699 Cranston EAST Monday, May 3, 2021 9:00-3:00p

https://www.vaccinateri.org//reg/6095129950 Cranston WEST Wednesday, May 5, 2021, 9:00-3:00p

All Rhode Island cities and towns are expected to hold high school clinics soon. No parental consent is required. Students just need to sign up when directed to do so and bring identification with them.

Cranston’s effort to protect its young people, and their families also has the added benefit of allowing freer attendance at proms and graduations, if vaccinations are complete by June 15th.

All Rhode Islanders 16 years of age and older can register for a vaccine at vaccinateri.org. If you need assistance signing up call, 844-930-1779.

At Colleges

The state is working with colleges and universities throughout Rhode Island to make COVID-19 vaccines as accessible as possible for all students, faculty, and staff before the spring semester ends. “Now that vaccine eligibility is open to all people 16 and older who live, work, or go to school in Rhode Island, it’s important that we get our young people who live in congregate settings vaccinated,” said Governor McKee. “We’re working with our colleges and universities to get as many shots in arms as possible before students recess for the summer.”

Nine of Rhode Island’s colleges and universities have collaborated with RIDOH to develop vaccination plans. “Our goal is to get at least one dose of vaccine into the arm of every college student in Rhode Island before the end of semester, and to ensure that all of these students get their second doses in the weeks that follow. We are also working to make COVID-19 vaccines as accessible as possible to all faculty and staff,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH.

Announced so far are these vaccination programs at or coordinated by these RI colleges/universities.

Bryant University is participating in a designated day at Sockanosset Cross Road in Cranston. Bryant will provide shuttle service to the clinic.

Brown University is participating at a designated day at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Brown will provide shuttle service to the clinic.

Community College of Rhode Island held onsite clinics at CCRI campuses in Lincoln, Warwick, Providence, and Newport and promoted existing mass vaccination sites around the state to its student body.

New England Institute of Technology is participating in designated days at Sockanosett Cross Road in Cranston. NEIT is also sharing links to various current clinics.

Providence College is encouraging community members to get vaccinated at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. PC also held an on-campus clinic.

Roger Williams University is partnering with the town of Bristol to host an on-campus clinic. RWU will additionally connect community members to the existing Middletown POD.

Rhode Island College is hosting an on-site vaccination clinic. Additionally, RIC will connect community members to existing regional clinics.

Rhode Island School of Design will be promoting a “RISD Day” at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. RISD will provide shuttle service to the clinic.

University of Rhode Island will hold “URI Days” at existing mass vaccination clinics. URI will provide transportation to designated sites and will provide ice cream bars for participants.

There is no cost to get vaccinated, and participants do not need health insurance. Individuals can get vaccinated regardless of their immigration status. If college or university faculty, staff or students received their first dose in another state, they can get their second dose in Rhode Island. If they received their first dose in Rhode Island but will not be in Rhode Island for their second dose, they should ensure they can register for their second dose elsewhere before registering for their first dose in Rhode Island.

“I congratulate Governor McKee and Director Alexander-Scott for beating the deadline in making vaccinations available to young adults,” said Shannon W. Gilkey, Ed.D., R.I. commissioner of postsecondary education. “The tremendous effort to transport students to existing clinics or stand-up new ones on campuses adds to the convenience and ease of getting vaccinated. My office strongly encourages all college students to grasp this opportunity to protect themselves, their loved ones, and all people they interact with in the pursuit of their degrees.”

All Rhode Islanders 16 years of age and older can register for a vaccine at vaccinateri.org. If you need assistance signing up call, 844-930-1779.