Governor McKee, Department of Health, and Health Insurance Commissioner Announce Actions to Protect Access to COVID-19 Vaccine in Rhode Island
Published on Friday, September 12, 2025
Bulletin to health insurers requires coverage for all patients older than 6 months; Standing order expands pharmacists’ ability to vaccinate
PROVIDENCE, RI – Governor Dan McKee announced immediate measures today to ensure continued access to the COVID-19 vaccine for all Rhode Islanders older than 6 months of age who want to receive one. The Governor’s announcement comes in response to efforts by the federal government that have created uncertainty around vaccine access.
“We are taking action in Rhode Island to ensure that the public health turmoil at the national level does not affect the ability of Rhode Islanders to access vaccines that keep us healthy and safe,” said Governor Dan McKee. “It’s crucial that people who want to get the COVID-19 vaccine have the ability to do so in Rhode Island.”
At Governor McKee’s direction, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner (OHIC) issued a Bulletin to insurers to ensure coverage of COVID-19 vaccine according to the vaccination recommendations by major medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Collectively, these organizations recommend that the COVID-19 vaccine be available for everyone 6 months of age and older. At the Governor’s direction, prior to the issuance of this bulletin, both RIDOH and OHIC met with insurance providers on this issue, and providers indicated they would provide continued coverage in alignment with this order.
At the Governor’s direction, RIDOH has also issued a standing order to allow pharmacists to administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to all patients who are 3 years of age and older, independent of the FDA indications. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently available in many retail pharmacies in Rhode Island. Pharmacies may still set their own vaccination criteria and may require clients to self-attest to either being at least 65 years of age or having a condition that puts them at higher risk for COVID-19. It is important to note that the list of conditions is broad and that the majority of Rhode Islanders may fall into at least one of these condition categories and can be vaccinated in a pharmacy.
“There is a place in Rhode Island for everyone in the state older than 6 months of age to get their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Rhode Island has some of the best overall vaccination rates in the country because we make vaccine access a priority, and because RIDOH bases its recommendations on science and data. We will continue to make the COVID-19 vaccine available, and we will continue to be the source of science and fact-based information about vaccines in Rhode Island.”
“Access to the COVID-19 vaccine promotes public health and mitigates outbreaks of disease that raise insurance costs and strain our hospitals and health care providers,” said Health Insurance Commissioner Cory King. “Vaccine coverage without patient cost-sharing eliminates financial barriers for consumers and preserves necessary access.”
Most Rhode Islanders will get their COVID-19 vaccine through their primary care provider, at a health center, or at a pharmacy. The COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the offices of primary care providers in the coming weeks. A physician can administer the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine to anyone older than 6 months of age. The offices of pediatricians and family physicians are the best option for accessing the COVID-19 vaccine for children, especially those between 6 months and 5 years of age.
People who are having difficulty accessing the COVID-19 vaccine can contact RIDOH at (401) 222-5960.
Background
Prior to December 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had recommended the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.
Over the last several months, the makeup and practices of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices—a federal advisory group that has long provided independent, expert guidance to the CDC—have changed dramatically. The current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has circumvented the standard process for developing and amending national immunization recommendations. This process has been developed over time and is informed by rigorous science and medical best practices as they evolve.
Rhode Island adheres to established immunization practices and has the sole authority to make vaccine recommendations for the people of our state (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-18). RIDOH remains fully committed to providing safe and appropriate immunization recommendations and vaccines to Rhode Islanders.
What They’re Saying
“The Rhode Island Health Center Association strongly supports the Governor and RIDOH's decision to ensure full access to COVID-19 vaccines. As Rhode Island's community health centers serve over 220,000 Rhode Islanders, including patients who are uninsured, this action reflects a commitment to keeping all Rhode Islanders healthy,” said Elena Nicolella, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Health Center Association.
“The Rhode Island Medical Society strongly supports the state’s leadership in ensuring broad access to the updated COVID-19 vaccine. By aligning with science-based recommendations and working collaboratively with insurers, pharmacies, and providers, the state is helping to protect the health of our patients and our communities. We are grateful for this partnership and remain committed to working alongside the Department of Health to make vaccination accessible to all Rhode Islanders,” said Dr. Kara Stavros, President of the Rhode Island Medical Society.
"The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics thanks Gov. McKee and the Rhode Island Department of Health for ensuring access and availability of COVID-19 vaccines for children and adults. We are proud that the important steps announced today will contribute to the health and well-being of the children and others in our wonderful state," said Scott A. Rivkees, MD, President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“I am proud to stand alongside our Department of Health and the Governor in expressing strong confidence in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines,” said Michael P. Koster, MD, Vice President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“Arches Medical would like to formally express our full support for the state’s work to expand vaccine and COVID access. As an organization committed to the well-being of the public, we believe these initiatives are crucial for ensuring health equity and protecting our communities,” said Kenny Correia, PharmD, BCACP, CDOE, Director of Pharmacy Services at Arches Medical.