CUMBERLAND, R.I. (WPRI) — State officials are encouraging all Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated this flu season.

Gov. Dan McKee and the R.I. Department of Health kicked off the statewide 2023-2024 flu vaccination campaign Tuesday morning at Blackstone Valley Prep Elementary School.

“Getting the flu shot is your best protection from the flu, and it’s also the best way to protect people you love by helping reduce the spread of the flu at home,” McKee said.

He stressed that getting a shot isn’t scary.

“It’s painless,” he said. “You’ll see me, I’ll be smiling.”

The governor got his flu shot and highlighted the more than 200 school-based clinics in the state.

According to McKee’s office, many of those clinics will be held in the afternoon or evening. The clinics will be open to the public and the vaccines will be free, with no insurance necessary.

“Our team at the Rhode Island Department of Health has worked to make sure that plenty of flu vaccine is available in every community,” McKee added.

Officials say anyone 6 months and older should get the vaccine. You can search for a flu clinic near you here.