Whooping cough clinic in Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - The town of Smithfield is taking an aggressive approach against whooping cough.

In an effort to increase the number of vaccinated residents, the town is hosting a public clinic for age 11 and older.

Vaccines will be available on Saturday, February 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Smithfield High School gymnasium.

“The town has been very aggressive in providing opportunities for our residents to receive vaccinations
since 2009 when H1N1 was identified as a public health threat,” said Town Manager Dennis G. Finlay. “What occurred in Barrington with school aged children becoming ill with whooping cough highlights the fact that vaccination boosters need to be kept up and this opportunity gives everyone a chance to conveniently get a shot.”

Finlay also said that it is not too late to receive a seasonal flu shot either. In addition to Tdap shots, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available.

Smithfield residents who are interested in the public vaccination clinic may walk-in at anytime that the clinic is open.