The Rhode Island Department of Health has recommended the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine for most Rhode Islanders 6 months of age and older to protect against serious illness from COVID-19, according to a department announcement.
“COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent serious illness and hospitalization, and it is an important tool to support our healthcare system as a whole in Rhode Island,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, according to RIDOH.
The department recommends vaccination for children 6 months to 2 years of age and adults 19 years of age and older, including pregnant women. For healthy children between 2 years and 18 years of age, RIDOH advises parents to consult with a healthcare professional about whether COVID-19 vaccine should be administered.
Vaccination is particularly important for people 65 years of age and older and anyone at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, according to the health department. Health conditions that increase risk include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma or chronic lung disease, and being immunocompromised.
The recommendations follow steps announced last week by Gov. Dan McKee, RIDOH, and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner to ensure vaccine access. RIDOH and OHIC issued a bulletin to third-party payers to ensure coverage of COVID-19 vaccine for Rhode Islanders 6 months of age and older, according to the announcement.
Additionally, RIDOH issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 vaccine to all patients who are 3 years of age and older, though pharmacies may set their own vaccination criteria.
Rhode Island’s recommendations align with guidance from major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, according to RIDOH. The recommendations also align with guidance from the Northeast Public Health Collaborative.
The 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine is available in pharmacies throughout Rhode Island and should be available in primary care provider offices in the coming weeks, according to the health department. For uninsured children or those without a healthcare professional, RIDOH can connect families to free vaccination sites.
For more information, visit health.ri.gov/vaccines or call RIDOH at 401-222-5960.