PROVIDENCE, RI – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is sponsoring free community flu clinics for residents who do not have health insurance. Over the last month, BCBSRI in partnership with local community service agencies, has already sponsored 23 flu clinics across the state and vaccinated more than 690 Rhode Islanders. In November, 11 additional clinics will be hosted. BCBSRI has administered a free flu vaccination program for nearly the last decade.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone over the age of six months receive a seasonal flu shot. Vaccination of high-risk persons – including young children, pregnant women, people 65 years and older, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease – is especially important to decrease their risk of severe flu illness.

The aim of these clinics is to reach those without health insurance who may lack basic access to this important vaccination. Those who have insurance are welcome to participate but are asked to bring their insurance card.  

The schedule of upcoming flu clinics includes:

November 5, 2019: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Dorcas International
220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence

November 5, 2019: 4 to 7 p.m.
Providence Rescue Mission
627 Cranston Street, Providence

November 6, 2019: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Dorcas International
220 Elmwood Avenue, Providence

November 7, 2019: 1 to 3 p.m.
Oasis International/Muslim Community Center
1148 Broad Street, Providence

November 7, 2019: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket
One Moeller Place, Pawtucket

November 8, 2019: 9:30 a.m. to noon
Higher Ground International Rukiya Center
250 Prairie Avenue, Providence

November 8, 2019: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Providence Rescue Mission
627 Cranston Street, Providence

November 10, 2019: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Church
445 Elmwood Avenue, Providence

November 12, 2019: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Jonnycake Center of Peace Dale
1231 Kingstown Road, Peacedale

November 23, 2019: 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Jonnycake Center of Westerly
21 Industrial Drive, Westerly

November 23, 2019: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Central Falls Fire Department
150 Illinois Street, Central Falls

BCBSRI members can receive a flu vaccination with no out-of-pocket cost by visiting their primary care provider, a local pharmacy participating in our flu vaccine program or a flu clinic. Please visit: www.bcbsri.com/individual/member/flu for more information.