Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Pause The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is announcing that Rhode Island is pausing administration of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine as federal partners continue gathering more information. No Janssen appointments had been scheduled for release today. RIDOH is directing vaccinators that had made Janssen vaccination appointments to not administer those doses. Additional information will be shared shortly regarding people who had already made appointments for Janssen vaccine. No information reported to RIDOH has indicated that Janssen vaccine represents a health or safety concern. However, RIDOH is taking this step in alignment with federal partners.
Vaccine eligibility for ages 16 and older People ages 16 and older who live, work, or go to school in Rhode Island are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. If you are eligible, you can schedule an appointment at a State-run vaccination site by visiting www.vaccinateRI.org starting April 19. People ages 16 – 17 must sign up for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. For help, call 844-930-1779 or 211. Visit C19vaccineri.org for more information.
Protect Your Household from COVID-19 COVID-19 spreads mainly through close contact with someone who is infected. Close contact means you’ve been within six feet of someone with COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more in a 24-hour period. People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. The best way to prevent illness and death is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Fewer cases of COVID-19 means fewer deaths. Follow this guidance to protect your household and lower the chances of catching and spreading COVID-19. With COVID-19 variants of concern in Rhode Island, it’s even more important to wear a mask and watch your distance near anyone you don't live with . Limit indoor and outdoor interactions with anyone you don’t live with. Celebrate the holidays safely. Tips for a safer spring holiday Continue to take it outside. Work remotely whenever possible. Limit non-essential travel outside of Rhode Island. Get tested every week. Sign up for a free test at portal.ri.gov. Get vaccinated when it’s available to you. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, highly effective against serious illness, and reduce the risk of infecting others. Vaccination helps protect against COVID-19 variants by reducing their spread. Learn what changes once you’re fully vaccinated. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, isolate at home, call your healthcare provider, and get a COVID-19 test. Stay home and apart from others if you have any symptoms, if you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or if you are in quarantine or isolation. Get treatment if you're eligible. If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, ask your doctor right away about MABS. Remember the three Ws! Wear a mask that’s at least two layers thick and fits snugly but comfortably over your nose, mouth, and chin without any gaps. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or carry and use hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol. Watch your distance by staying at least six feet apart from people you don't live with. Helpful Rhode Island COVID-19 Response Talking Points Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine from the CDC Wear the right mask Gladys' story We all know someone who is at high risk. Let's talk about transmission of respiratory infectious diseases Learn about contact tracing Contact tracing is an important part of slowing the spread of COVID-19 in Rhode Island. Learn how contact tracing works and what you need to do. Also review the latest quarantine and isolation guidance. Wondering if YOU should be tested for COVID-19? Get creative with your greetings Hugs and handshakes aren’t the only ways to greet someone, so think about new ways to share the love. Helpful talking points Helpful Rhode Island response talking points. Indoors vs. outdoors
