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Rhode Island Gov. McKee Gets COVID-19 And Flu Shots

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. sland-gov-mckee-gets-covid-19-and-flu-shots.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 18:47 GMT by Patch

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Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee Gets a Dual COVID‑19/Flu Shot in a Public Health‑First Statement

In a clear statement of solidarity with his constituents, Rhode Island’s Governor Dan McKee publicly received a combined COVID‑19 booster and seasonal influenza vaccine on March 12, 2024. The event, held at the state capitol’s press room, was covered by Patch, the local news outlet that reported the event and followed up with additional context from state health resources, federal guidance, and current COVID‑19 data.

The Event

The governor, a long‑time advocate for public health initiatives, stood in front of the state’s press pool while a healthcare professional administered the shot. McKee said, “It’s time to set an example for our residents. Vaccination is the most effective way to keep people safe and to allow our communities to thrive.” He added that he had already been vaccinated twice in 2021 and received a booster in early 2022, but the new dual shot was “the right step to protect ourselves and each other in these challenging times.”

The administration chose a dual‑vaccine vial that contains both the mRNA COVID‑19 booster and the quadrivalent flu shot, a product now available in many U.S. pharmacies and medical offices. The combined shot reduces the number of injections, which the governor said would encourage higher uptake among hesitant residents.

Vaccine Availability and Logistics

Patch’s follow‑up links to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) website explain how the state is coordinating vaccine distribution. According to RIDOH’s “COVID‑19 Vaccination” page (https://www.rhodehealth.gov/covid-19-vaccination), eligible residents are encouraged to receive a COVID‑19 booster as soon as they are 2 months past the last dose or after a new variant emerges. The department has set up drive‑through and walk‑in sites at every major hospital and community health center across Providence, Warwick, and the islands. RIDOH also offers a free mobile vaccination unit that travels to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that low‑income families and seniors have easy access.

The flu component of the shot is covered by the state’s influenza immunization program. RIDOH’s “Flu Immunization” page lists participating pharmacies and provides a locator tool for residents to find the nearest flu‑shot site. The department stresses that the flu vaccine remains the best protection against the seasonal strain and can reduce hospitalizations, especially among the elderly.

CDC Guidance on COVID‑19 Boosters

Patch’s article linked to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) “COVID‑19 Vaccine Booster Guidance” page (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html). The CDC advises that all adults over 18 receive a booster shot, particularly those who are 65 or older, immunocompromised, or with underlying medical conditions. The guidance also notes that individuals who have received the initial two‑dose series of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer‑BioNTech or Moderna) should get a booster within 2–5 months to maintain optimal immunity, especially against new variants.

The CDC further recommends that a single dual‑vaccine vial can safely be administered, and that healthcare providers can combine the flu and COVID‑19 shots in a single injection. The policy aims to streamline vaccine administration and to reduce vaccine fatigue among the public.

Current COVID‑19 Landscape in Rhode Island

Patch’s accompanying data, drawn from the RIDOH COVID‑19 dashboard (https://www.rhodehealth.gov/covid-19-dashboard), indicates that Rhode Island has seen a moderate rise in cases since the start of March. The state reports an average of 800 new cases per day over the past week, with a 5‑day average positivity rate of 2.9 %. Hospitalizations remain low at 22, and the ICU occupancy rate is at 3 %. According to RIDOH’s latest epidemiological analysis, the delta and omicron variants have largely been supplanted by newer sublineages, but the presence of the BA‑5 lineage persists.

In response, the state has maintained mask‑wearing guidelines in long‑term care facilities and in public transportation hubs, and has encouraged vaccination to keep the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. Governor McKee’s public vaccination has been framed as a symbolic but practical call to action for residents to follow the same protective measures.

Governor McKee’s Messaging

Beyond the act of getting vaccinated, McKee used the platform to address vaccine hesitancy. He cited data showing that Rhode Island’s vaccination rates are the highest among New England states, with 73 % of adults fully vaccinated and an additional 58 % having received a booster. He urged that a “strong public health approach, backed by data and community trust,” will keep the state safe.

He also called on the medical community to continue offering free vaccination services, especially to seniors who may not have easy access to transport or health insurance. “We’ve built a system that ensures everyone, regardless of zip code, can get the shot that protects them,” McKee said.

Conclusion

Governor Dan McKee’s public dual vaccination is a strategic message for Rhode Island: that vaccination remains a central pillar in controlling COVID‑19 and flu risks. By pairing the two shots, he highlights both the efficacy and the convenience of current vaccine technology. With the RIDOH and CDC backing, and a current epidemiological context that underscores ongoing risk, the governor’s act is more than symbolic—it’s a call to action for residents to stay protected, support community health, and prevent future surges.