Rhode Island Health Czar Urges Ocean Staters To Get Flu Shot

Rhode Island Director of Health Dr. Jerry Larkin urged Ocean Staters to get a flu shot.

"It's not too late to get your flu shot," Larkin said in a media release.

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"The flu circulates in Rhode Island until the spring most years," Larkin said. "Vaccination now can still help protect against serious health complications from the flu for several more months."

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Levels of respiratory viruses like the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus are "very high in Rhode Island and across the country," the release said, noting "all Rhode Islanders are urged to take prevention measures to help keep themselves and their family members healthy, including getting a flu shot and staying home when sick."

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During this flu season, 496 people have been hospitalized in Rhode Island with influenza, according to the release.

"Like other states, Rhode Island is seeing a significant, early peak in flu activity," the release said. "Additionally, 297 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 during this period. Rhode Island has had seven flu-related fatalities this flu season and 14 COVID-19-related fatalities during this period."

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Everyone age 6 months or older should be vaccinated against the flu every year, according to the release.

"People should also stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations," the release said. "Children 6 months to 2 years and adults 19 years and older, including pregnant women, should be vaccinated."

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