Town of Tiverton To Host Flu Clinic

The Tiverton Fire Department, in collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH), will hold a vaccination clinic on
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Tiverton fire station 2, 85 Main Road. 

Everyone, ages six months and older, can receive a flu shot at this event.

The strain of flu that is most prominent this year is H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have observed that this strain is disproportionately impacting children, young adults, and middle-aged adults this year. 

In addition to influenza vaccinations, the municipality clinic will offer vaccinations against pertussis (whooping cough), and pneumonia. There is no cost for any of the vaccinations and health insurance is not a requirement. Anyone who is insured should bring his or her insurance 
card. 

Tdap and Pneumococcal Vaccine

• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine prevents pertussis, a contagious disease that can cause illness and sometimes death, especially in infants. Everyone over the age of 11 should receive this vaccine at least once in their lifetime. Anyone who is in close contact with an infant should get a Tdap shot.

Additionally, a booster dose of Tdap is required for students before they enter seventh grade. Students who participate in the clinic will meet a vaccination requirement for seventh grade enrollment.

Pregnant women must be at least 20 weeks into their pregnancy to receive Tdap vaccine.

• Pneumococcal vaccine prevents pneumonia. The vaccine is recommended for adults ages 19 and older who smoke and those with asthma, and for all people ages 65 and older.

For a full list of vaccination clinics near you, visit www.health.ri.gov or call the HEALTH Information Line at 401-222-5960 / RI Relay 711.

In addition to being vaccinated at community clinics, children can be vaccinated at doctors’ offices. Adults can be vaccinated at community  clinics, doctors’ offices, and pharmacies.