RI To Close Remaining Large, State-Run COVID-19 Vaccine Sites

CRANSTON, RI — Rhode Island's large-scale COVID-19 vaccine sites will wind down by the end of the month, the Department of Health announced Wednesday. The decision comes as part of the state's transition to smaller, community-based vaccine sites.

The public has asked for more conveniently located sites near to home, the department said. Over the next month, it will host about 100 vaccine clinics in community settings like schools, churches and senior centers over the next month. Vaccines are also available at pharmacies and in the offices of many primary providers.

The large-scale, state-run vaccine sites were created at the beginning of the state's vaccination effort, aimed at getting as many shots into arms as possible as quickly as possible. These sites included the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, the Sockanosset Cross Road pod in Cranston, the former Benny's store in Middletown and more. As vaccine demand waned, several sites already closed in previous months.

Interest in these large-scale sites has waned, as well, the Department of Health said. Since October, 65 percent of vaccines administered in the state have been at retail pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens and Stop & Shop.

"Pharmacies continue to be extremely important partners in vaccine administration and will play a significant role moving forward," the Department of Health said.

The Sockanosset site, which has administered approximately 211,000 vaccine doses since January, is set to close Dec. 18. The East Providence site on Taunton Avenue is scheduled to close Dec. 29. Since opening in May, that site has administered about 21,000 doses.

To find a community clinic, visit the department's COVID-19 vaccine site. Booster shots will be available at many of these sites.