R.I. COVID-19 Vaccine Subcommittee discusses pop-up clinics, Pfizer approval for children

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Rhode Island’s COVID-19 Vaccine Subcommittee met Tuesday morning to discuss an update on the state’s vaccination efforts, including the FDA’s approval of the Pfizer shot for children 12-15 years-old.

According to data from the Department of Health, Rhode Island has vaccinated more than 90% of people 60 and older. Almost 50% of 16-39 year-olds have received at least one dose.

“Even though things may have slowed down a bit, we’re still making great progress,” committee-member Tricia Washburn said.

The state is now in phase three of the roll-out plan. This phase is focused on bringing the vaccine to people as the supply is now greater than the demand.

“At first, people were lining up, tripping over each other. That’s not the case anymore,” Washburn said.

People can now request vaccine clinics through a new state portal: covid.ri.gov/request-vaccine-event. Throughout the month of May, RIDOH will set up pop-up clinics and bring doses to businesses, schools, churches, etc.

The sub-committee also gave an update on vaccinations in the BIPOC community. Currently, 19% of vaccines administered in May have gone to the Hispanic or Latino population, meeting the group’s proportion of the RI population for the first time.

The state is also working on getting approval to bring the vaccine to primary care providers. This will help with the effort to vaccinate children 12-15 years-old. PCP’s will need to go through on onboarding process before vaccinating patients.

Based on previous input from the subcommittee, the group will not hold an emergency meeting to vote to use Pfizer doses in children. Doses can immediately be given upon CDC approval.

The Department of Health is partnering with the Department of Education to begin utilizing school clinics to vaccinate newly eligible children.

The group also discussed AstraZeneca’s request for emergency use authorization.