Lifespan opens COVID-19 vaccine clinics to people with certain health conditions – WPRI.com

NOTE: This story has been updated for clarity on Lifespans vaccine eligibility.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Islanders ages 16 and older who are immunocompromised are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at clinics run by Lifespan, a spokesperson confirms to 12 News.

Qualified individuals include those with certain health conditions that weaken their immune system and increase their risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19:

In addition to those individuals, Lifespan is also vaccinating all people ages 65 and older, as well as those on the transplant waiting list.

People with underlying conditions must fill out an attestation form while registering for the vaccine but documentation is not required.

Lifespan: Schedule a vaccine appointment

SCOOP: Lifespan spox confirms its vaccine clinics are open to individuals 16+ who are immunocompromised. They are going off of RIDOHs list of eligible medical conditions. @RIHEALTH has *not* opened up eligibility to this group yet, but a spox tells me its TBA soon. @wpri12 pic.twitter.com/uQU5sVxcNK

Joseph Wendelken, a spokesperson for the Health Department, said Lifespan was able to expand eligibility because it has extra doses this week, noting that its not reflective of a statewide policy change.

People ages 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions are included in the next eligibility group, and Wendelken said the Health Department expects to update the statewide distribution plans later this week.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rhode Island opened its third mass vaccination site at a former Bennys store in Middletown.

On Thursday, K-12 teachers, school employees and child care workers statewide will become eligible to make an appointment at a city- or town-run clinic. However, theyre not yet eligible for the state-run clinics unless theyre 65 or older.

See the original post here:

Lifespan opens COVID-19 vaccine clinics to people with certain health conditions - WPRI.com