PROVIDENCE – The flu virus has officially arrived in Rhode Island, and the R.I. Department of Health is strongly encouraging anyone who has not received a flu shot this season to do so as soon as possible.
This year’s flu vaccine will protect against both H1NI flu and seasonal flu, according to department officials.
Especially for the elderly, pregnant women and for anyone with a chronic health condition or a weakened immune system, flu is considered a serious disease that can result in hospitalization or death, state health officials said.
“For an employer, promoting flu vaccination means a healthier work force and can reduce loss in work productivity,” said Annemarie Beardsworth, spokeswoman for the department. For the employee, she continued, “getting a flu shot can mean keeping yourself healthy and can help prevent the spread of the flu virus among co-workers.
Flu vaccine for children, adolescents and adults is available in provider offices, at pharmacies, at public clinics and at school-based flu vaccination clinics.
For a list of public flu clinics, visit: www.health.ri.gov.
