PROVIDENCE, R.I. (November 13, 2009) - Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) will sponsor two free flu clinics for adult Rhode Islanders who lack health insurance. The first clinic will be held at the Rhode Island Free Clinic in South Providence on Tuesday, November 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The second clinic will be held on Thursday, November 19 from 6 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., also at the Rhode Island Free Clinic. Appointments are not necessary. Only the seasonal flu vaccinations will be available through this program, not H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations.

"BCBSRI is proud to partner with the Rhode Island Free Clinic and CVS Caremark to ensure that flu shots are available to those who need them," said James E. Purcell, BCBSRI president and CEO. "Vaccinating as many people as possible will help protect the health of all Rhode Islanders by stemming the spread of influenza across the state. It's simply the right thing to do."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for pregnant women, people age 50 and over, people with a chronic illness, people who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, healthcare workers, and caregivers of children.

Flu vaccinations are not recommended for people who are severely allergic to chicken eggs, and those who have experienced a severe reaction to a past influenza vaccination.

To learn more and find comprehensive information about flu prevention and treatment, visit "Flu News" on BCBSRI.com.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the state's leading health insurer and covers more than 600,000 members. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.