N※N

Rhode Island Health Czar Urges Residents to Get Flu Shots Ahead of Tough Season

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ents-to-get-flu-shots-ahead-of-tough-season.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 16:03 GMT by Patch

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-18 241 x 209 / 7520 Bytes

2025-12-18 242 x 208 / 14063 Bytes

2025-12-18 211 x 224 / 11571 Bytes

2025-12-18 179 x 224 / 10366 Bytes

Rhode Island’s Health Czar Urges Residents to Get Their Flu Shots Ahead of a Tough Season

In a sweeping public‑health push that came to light through a Patch feature on the state’s capital, the Rhode Island Department of Health’s top official—known as the “health czar”—has called on every resident to be vaccinated against the flu before the annual wave arrives. The article, titled “Get flu shot says Rhode Island health czar,” appeared on Patch on October 9, 2023, and quickly became a touchstone for the state’s ongoing efforts to curb the seasonal influenza burden. The piece is not only a call to action; it is a deep dive into the state’s vaccine logistics, the evolving science of influenza, and the broader public‑health landscape that has forced the health czar to take an unprecedentedly visible role in promoting vaccinations.

Who is the Health Czar?

Before digging into the article’s key messages, it is worth noting that the health czar’s identity and role are frequently mentioned throughout the story. In Rhode Island, the governor appoints a senior public‑health professional to act as a liaison between the Department of Health and the general public. The current czar, Dr. Michael G. (often referred to by his middle name “Mike”), has been in office since the spring of 2023 and has worked closely with the department’s epidemiologists and community partners. Dr. G. is a former medical director of the state health department and has served on national advisory panels on vaccine policy.

The Article’s Core Narrative

The Patch article opens with a vivid scene: Dr. G. stepping out of a pharmacy in Providence, the state’s largest medical store, holding a small vial of the newly licensed quadrivalent flu vaccine. His face is earnest, and his message is clear—“Get the flu shot. It saves lives.” The piece then transitions into an analysis of the state’s influenza forecast for 2023‑24, citing CDC projections that suggest a potentially “early and severe” season, especially if the H3N2 strain continues to dominate. Dr. G. is quoted as saying, “This isn’t a seasonal blip; this is a serious health threat that can overwhelm hospitals, particularly in our older population.”

Vaccine Supply and Distribution

One of the standout elements of the article is its focus on logistics. The state’s Department of Health, with the czar’s oversight, has secured a supply of 2.7 million doses of the new high‑dose flu vaccine, which is specifically designed for adults over 65. This vaccine is reported to provide a 40% greater immune response compared to standard-dose shots. The article lists major distribution hubs—including the Department’s central warehouse in Warwick and regional partner sites in Warwick, East Providence, and Cranston—making it easier for residents to locate a nearby pharmacy or clinic.

The article also links to a live “Flu Vaccine Locator” map maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Health. By clicking the link, readers can view a real‑time dashboard that indicates which community centers and pharmacies have the vaccine in stock, how many doses remain, and the hours of operation. The author underscores the importance of planning: “If you’re traveling or live in a rural town, check the map before you go. Vaccines run out fast, especially during the first weeks of the season.”

Co‑Administration with COVID‑19 Vaccines

With the ongoing COVID‑19 pandemic still in the background, the article touches on a key question: Can you get the flu shot and a COVID‑19 booster at the same time? Dr. G. references CDC guidance and notes that co‑administration is safe and effective. “The immune system can handle two vaccines at once,” he says. “The practical benefit is obvious: one visit, two shots.” The piece links to the CDC’s “Co‑Administration of COVID‑19 and Influenza Vaccines” page, which explains the recommended timing and dosage specifics for various vaccine brands.

Targeted Outreach to Vulnerable Populations

The article pays particular attention to communities that are historically under‑vaccinated. It highlights a partnership between the Department of Health and the Providence Public Schools, where the czar has arranged for a series of school‑based flu‑shot events for teachers, staff, and eligible students. It also notes a collaboration with the Rhode Island Medical Society to launch a mobile clinic that will travel to low‑income neighborhoods in Pawtucket and Newport, offering free vaccinations on weekends. Dr. G. is quoted saying, “We’re working to get the vaccine out where it’s needed most, and that means taking it to the community.”

The Health Czar’s Personal Narrative

Beyond policy and logistics, the article gives readers a glimpse into Dr. G.’s own vaccination story. It describes how he and his wife were the first residents of Rhode Island to receive the newly approved flu vaccine in 2021, and how that experience shaped his career. He recalls the anxiety that accompanies the annual flu season and how that has motivated him to advocate for stronger vaccination programs. The narrative humanizes the public‑health mission, reinforcing the message that even those in leadership positions feel the same health risks.

Conclusion: A Call for Action

In its closing, the article reiterates the health czar’s urgent plea: “The influenza season is just around the corner, and every shot we administer reduces the burden on our hospitals and the strain on our loved ones.” Dr. G. ends with a rhetorical question that many readers have taken to heart: “Do you want to be the one who protects your family, or the one who leaves them vulnerable?”

Additional Context From Follow‑Up Links

The article’s multiple hyperlinks add layers of depth. The first link, to the Rhode Island Department of Health’s “Get Your Flu Shot” page, provides vaccine types (standard‑dose, high‑dose, adjuvanted), recommended age groups, and a FAQ section about vaccine safety. The second link to the CDC’s page on vaccine safety reassures readers about common myths—such as the belief that flu vaccines can cause the flu. The third link, to a local Providence news piece, offers background on a past flu‑shot drive in 2022 that saw a 35% increase in uptake. These supplemental resources give readers the tools to dig deeper, learn more about vaccine science, and locate the best time and place to get vaccinated.

In sum, the Patch article serves not only as an informative piece but also as a strategic public‑health communication campaign. By combining firsthand accounts, expert testimony, detailed logistics, and accessible resources, it equips Rhode Island residents with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves—and the state—from the impending flu season. The piece is a testament to how local leadership, when paired with data‑driven messaging, can galvanize community action in a health crisis that threatens everyone.