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September 15, 2022
SPANISH / PORTUGUESE
Rhode Island COVID-19 Partner Update
Vaccine Update
Updated, Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Doses Available in Rhode Island
 The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized and recommended bivalent boosters for COVID-19. Bivalent means these doses protect people against two strains of COVID-19, the original strain and the Omicron variant—which is the strain causing most current cases. The Moderna bivalent booster can be used by people age 18 or older. The Pfizer bivalent booster can be used by people age 12 or older. CDC recommends that everyone age 12 or older get an updated (bivalent) booster at least two months after their last dose. This recommendation applies no matter how many boosters a person has already received. For example, if you got your primary series and two booster doses, you should still get an updated booster at least two months after your last dose.
COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill and being hospitalized with COVID-19. You are best protected when you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines—this includes getting your recommended boosters. Click here to read the release
Click here to view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) updated COVID-19 vaccination schedules [health.us2.list-manage.com].
October 19 Webinar: Vaccine Confidence Boost
Rhode Island-based Community Health Workers (CHWs) and other healthcare workers are invited to attend this free, live, and interactive online training session. Participants will practice using effective communication techniques to have informed conversations about the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines.
This timely workshop is ideal for: Community Health Workers (CHWs); Community outreach specialists; Vaccine registration coordinators; Vaccine clinic staff and volunteers; Peer navigators; and anyone who provides COVID-19 vaccine education or outreach.
This special session is supported by the RIDOH Community Health Worker (CHW) Program and Community Health Worker Association of Rhode Island (CHWARI), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other community partners.
Date: Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free, no-cost
Register by October 5 here: https://bit.ly/3e3TqZ4.
Learn more, download, and share this flyer.
For questions or assistance, email: nwando.ofokansi.ctr@health.ri.gov
Testing Update
Extended expiration dates for COVID-19 self-test kits
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the expiration date for some rapid self-test kits. According to the FDA, an extended expiration date means the manufacturer provided data showing that the test’s shelf-life is longer than was known when the test was first authorized. In most cases, the FDA grants an extension of 6 months. For more information about how a test kit’s expiration date is determined and why it may be extended, review the FDA's frequently asked questions about COVID-19 rapid self-test kits.
If the test kits that you received have been granted an extension, please don’t discard them once the expiration date marked on the box has passed. You can continue to use the test and have confidence in its results until the extended expiration date has passed.
If you think your test result is wrong, you may test yourself again after 24 hours have passed. You may also call their primary care provider or go to a local pharmacy to be tested by a professional. For additional guidance, please refer to this flyer or covid.ri.gov/testing.
Back-to-School Resources on Everyday Steps for Families to Protect Against COVID-19
 Please share the below COVID-19, back-to-school resources to help families understand how they can keep kids healthy and in school this year. The video is narrated in English and Spanish by Dr. Carla Martin, a Rhode Island pediatrician. The flyer is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- Back-to-School Video: Dr Carla Martin, mom to three Rhode Island students, shares the everyday steps that families can take to keep kids healthy and learning this school year.[English] [Español]
- Back-to-School Flyer: Everyday Steps to Prevent COVID-19 and Other Illnesses in Students. [English] [Español] [Português]
Substance Use and Overdose Prevention Update
September is National Recovery Month
The Rally 4 Recovery is a free annual event to celebrate recovery from substance use and recognize recovery is a reality! Every day, more and more Rhode Islanders are getting better, healing and living sober, meaningful, and productive lives in long-term recovery. We encourage all of those who are in recovery, seeking recovery, who love someone in recovery, or who are impacted by such to come join us as we celebrate.
- Main Rally and Rally 4 Recovery Job Fair: September 17; Noon–4 p.m. Roger Williams Park Temple to Music, Providence
- Rally and Recovery Walk: September 24; Noon–3 p.m. City Park, Warwick
Rhode Island CHW Partnerships Spotlighted in National Publication
 The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) blog recently featured Rhode Island as among those key states leading the way in Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce development and sustainability, by closely focusing on its partnerships with the Community Health Worker Association of Rhode Island (CHWARI), and with state Health Equity Zone (HEZ) backbone agencies, among other initiatives.
CHWs are recognized as trusted front-line public health workers who provide and advocate for culturally informed care, carry out health education, and promote health in their communities. CHWs have also played a key role throughout the COVID-19 response to support community members in accessing key healthcare services while addressing barriers related to social determinants of health.
Read the complete article here: Developing Meaningful and Effective Partnerships between State Leaders and Community Health Worker Associations
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