City’s Targeted Approach Focuses on Equity for Hard-Hit Communities
March 2, 2021
PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza and Council President Sabina Matos today announced that the City of Providence has been granted authority by the Rhode Island Department of Health to immediately begin registering eligible Providence residents ages 50 and older for vaccine appointments at upcoming vaccination clinics in some of the neighborhoods hardest-hit by COVID-19 in the state. These neighborhoods comprise the zip codes 02907, 02908, and 02909.
“The City is working closely with the Rhode Island Department of Health and community partners to reach residents in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Providence is making every effort to administer vaccines equitably and efficiently and this next step allows us to more directly reach our most vulnerable residents as quickly as possible.”
Vaccine clinics managed by the Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) will continue to be accessible to all eligible Providence residents ages 65 and older as well as those who are 50 and older in the hard-hit zip codes of 02907, 02908 and 02909. Additionally, Clinica Esperanza has been granted authority to vaccinate residents 18 and older provided they also help register and bring an older adult aged 65 or older to be vaccinated. Both individuals must live in the 02907, 02908 or 02909 zip codes. Clinica Esperanza, a Providence-based community health center, which primarily serves and prioritizes Providence’s immigrant and undocumented communities, saw a COVID-19 positivity rate of 23% at their clinic in February.
“Vaccinations are key to stopping the deadly spread of this virus. Ensuring that those in our hardest-hit and most densely populated communities get access to the vaccine is a vital component for Providence to getting back to a somewhat normal life,” said Council President Sabina Matos. “This is one step closer to getting us there. I am committed to continuing ensuring our policies are implemented with the equity lens framework our communities deserve. We have lost so many in this past year, and by getting vaccinated we can make sure that no other families feel the loss that many of us have. I want to thank the many community partners and all those that are working tirelessly to getting vaccines into the arms of those that need them most.”
Providence residents ages 65 and older or 50 and older living in zip codes 02907, 02908, and 02909 are encouraged to register for vaccine clinics through the City’s online portal VaccinatePVD.com. If residents cannot register themselves, they are asked to please call and connect to the Mayor’s Center for City Services by dialing 3-1-1 or (401) 421-2489. Representatives are available to help fill out the registration form on the constituents’ behalf in English or Spanish.
Appointments are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. All Providence COVID-19 vaccines are available to residents at no cost and insurance is not required. Vaccines are available to all eligible residents of all immigration statuses.
State-run COVID-19 vaccine sites and pharmacies will continue vaccinating residents 65 years or older.