RI EMA meets to update status of H1N1

CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Emergency Management Advisory Council met Tuesday Morning to update H1N1 flu plans and preparations in the Ocean State.

Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts and the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dr. David Gifford were on hand for the briefing.

On Tuesday, Gifford said approximately 250,000 Rhode Islanders have received their H1N1 vaccine. The state hopes to have 500,000 people vaccinated by Valentines Day.

Right now, the state is in the process of administering second vaccinations for children under 10 years old. Health care workers and first responders began receiving their vaccines last month.

• See the schedule for round two of school clinics

Clinics for the general population will begin soon. Free clinics will be set up in towns across the state. Anyone in Rhode Island will be able to take advantage of the clinics. You do not need to live in the town where the vaccine is being offered.

• See the schedule for municipal H1N1 clinics

Dr. Gifford stressed that it is very important for all Rhode Islanders to receive the H1N1 vaccine, especially before a possible outbreak of the virus in the Spring.

For more information, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health's website or call the H1N1 Information Hotline at 401-222-8022.