URI partners with Gov. Daniel McKee, R.I. Department of Health to offer 12 COVID-19 vaccination clinics

KINGSTON, R.I. — July 21, 2021 — To assist the state with its goal of vaccinating more Rhode Islanders against COVID-19, the University of Rhode Island has partnered with the Office of the Governor and the Rhode Island Department of Health to host 12 free vaccination clinics in August and September at its Kingston Campus.

“All Rhode Island colleges and universities stepping up to require COVID-19 vaccination for students this fall is something to be proud of,” said Gov. Dan McKee. “I commend the University of Rhode Island’s leadership for making this decision and also working to make vaccinations accessible to the student body, faculty, staff, and their families.”

Even a mask can’t hide URI senior John Lappetito’s smile after getting a COVID-19 vaccination at a spring clinic at URI’s Memorial Union. Wellness Company nurse Jane Carr had just finished putting a bandage on the injection site. URI photo by Nora Lewis

The clinics [web.uri.edu] are open to students, faculty and staff and others, such as family members, in their immediate circle. The full schedule is below.

“We are pleased to be offering these clinics to our community members, and hope that anyone who still needs to be vaccinated takes advantage of these opportunities,” said Ellen Reynolds, URI’s assistant vice president for health and wellness and director of Health Services. “As we have said many times since vaccines became widely available, getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, family members, colleagues and friends from becoming infected with COVID-19. In addition, we want to remind everyone that widespread vaccination among our community is the best way to ensure a comprehensive and dynamic in-person experience for everyone during the upcoming academic year.”

University of Rhode Island junior Victoria Helle gets a COVID-19 vaccination injection from nurse Marilyn O’Connor of the Wellness Company during a free clinic offered by URI Health Services in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Health in the spring. URI photo by Nora Lewis.

The University reminds students and their families that students must provide proof of vaccination (or request an exemption) before Aug. 16. The University continues to strongly encourage faculty and staff to get vaccinated. URI Health Services [web.uri.edu] has full details on COVID-19 guidelines and policies. Those who have obtained their first shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines may get their second doses at the URI clinics.

The URI vaccination clinic schedule:

Wednesday, Aug. 4, Pfizer, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom
Tuesday, Aug. 10, Johnson & Johnson, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom
Thursday, Aug. 19, Moderna, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union, Atrium 1
Wednesday, Aug. 25, Pfizer, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom
Tuesday, Aug. 31, Johnson & Johnson, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom
Wednesday, Sept. 1, Pfizer, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Multicultural Student Services
Center, Hardge Forum
Thursday, Sept. 2, Moderna, 10 a.m., to 1 p.m., Memorial Union, Performance Studio
Wednesday, Sept. 8, Johnson & Johnson, 9 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Ballroom
Thursday, Sept. 16, Moderna, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom
Wednesday, Sept. 22, Pfizer, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Multicultural Student Services Center, Hardge Forum
Wednesday, Sept. 29, Johnson & Johnson, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union, Performance Studio
Thursday, Sept. 30, Moderna, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom

If media are interested in covering any of the clinics, they must make arrangements with Dave Lavallee, URI Department of Marketing and Communications, by calling 401-874-5862 or emailing dlavallee@uri.edu. A staff member from Marketing and Communications will accompany media representatives at the clinics, and obtain permissions from those being vaccinated and staff before any photos or videos are shot.