Rhode Island's Incoming Governor Receives Coronavirus Vaccine

PROVIDENCE, RI — Soon-to-be-Gov. Dan McKee received his first coronavirus vaccine Tuesday morning. McKee and his wife, Susan, were given initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the state-run mass vaccination site at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

"Vaccines are how we get Rhode Island back to school, back to work, and back to normal," McKee said. "We must do everything we can to overcome vaccine hesitancy and build trust with Rhode Islanders of every background from every community."

Both McKee and his wife were eligible to receive the vaccine based on the Rhode Island Department of Health's current guidance, which applies to anyone aged 65 and older. The pair made their appointments online using the department's vaccine portal last week, McKee's office said.

Once he is sworn in as governor, McKee said he will focus on getting vaccine doses into communities.

"My administration will engage people in all 39 cities and towns — faith leaders, elected officials, business owners, and community activists — to spread the word that these vaccines are safe and will save lives," he said. "I thank every health care worker, public safety official, first responder, National Guard member and volunteer who are all working hard to get shots in the arms of Rhode Islanders quickly and safely."

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