Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee was all smiles as he got his annual flu shot. The Governor and other state officials got the vaccine at the Blackstone Valley Prep Elementary School 2 in Cumberland.
“Getting a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu, and it’s also the best way to protect the people you love by helping reduce the spread of the flu,” said Governor McKee. “For that reason, we have worked to make sure that plenty of flu vaccine is available in every community in Rhode Island. Make your plans to get vaccinated today.”
RIDOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend flu shots for everyone six months of age and older. Flu shots are especially important for certain people, including:
Anyone 50 and older (CDC recommends the use of specific flu vaccines for adults 65 and older, including higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines),
Healthcare workers,
Anyone who lives in a long-term care facility,
Children younger than 5 years of age,
People who are pregnant, and
People with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and asthma.
(Photo provided by The Governor's Office)