PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Gov. Dan McKee and state health officials kicked off their annual flu shot campaign on Thursday.

McKee got his flu shot at Green Line Apothecary in Providence and encouraged everyone ages six months and older to get the vaccine.

“Getting a flu shot is your best protection against serious illness from the flu, and it’s also the best way to protect the people you love by helping reduce the spread of the flu,” he said. “For that reason, we have worked to make sure that plenty of flu vaccine is available in every community in Rhode Island. Make your plans to get vaccinated today.”

Those who are 50 and older, pregnant, live in a long-term care facility, or have a weakened immune system are urged by the R.I. Department of Health to get a flu shot.

According to health officials, 31 people died and there were more than 1,000 hospitalizations last flu season.

Dr. Jerry Larkin, director of the R.I. Department of Health, pointed out the other vaccines available to Rhode Islanders.

“Flu is just one of the respiratory viruses that can make you and your family sick this fall and winter,” Larkin explained. “We also need to protect ourselves from COVID-19 and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus.”

Additional information about the flu , how to protect yourself this season and where you can schedule your vaccine can be found online. Those who don’t have insurance or have questions about the vaccine can call (401) 222-5960.

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