The Rhode Island Department of Health is urging residents to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV as those viruses begin their seasonal climb.
“Last year, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses sent hundreds of Rhode Islanders to the hospital,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin. “Vaccination is your best protection.”
During the 2025-26 season, 861 people in Rhode Island were hospitalized with flu and 54 died. Another 679 were hospitalized with COVID-19, with 31 deaths. The state saw a significant early peak in flu activity.
The department recommends a flu shot every year for everyone 6 months and older, noting it matters most for older adults, young children, people with underlying conditions, health care workers and anyone pregnant.
For COVID-19, the department recommends annual vaccination for children 6 months to 2 years, everyone 19 and older, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems. Children 2 to 18 at higher risk of serious complications should also be vaccinated, and parents of other children in that range are advised to talk with their pediatrician. Adults 65 and older are advised to get a second dose six months after the first.
RSV vaccination is recommended for many infants, young children and older adults, with the department advising people to ask their doctor whether it applies to them.
Flu vaccine is available now at pharmacies, primary care offices and community health centers. COVID vaccine is at pharmacies, with primary care offices and health centers expected to have it in the coming weeks. Starting in October, both will be offered at community clinics held in the late afternoon and evening at schools, open to anyone. Getting flu and COVID vaccine at the same time is safe.
RSV vaccine is at pharmacies for older adults and pregnant people, and available through many OB-GYNs and primary care providers.
The department says its recommendations align with those of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, as well as the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a coalition of 16 public health agencies.
More information is at health.ri.gov/immunization.
