RI Department of Corrections Inmates Receive Coronavirus Vaccine

CRANSTON, RI—Inmates at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections are being vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with phase one of the state's vaccine distribution plan, which prioritizes older adults in congregate or crowded settings.

The vaccination of Rhode Island inmates is a response to significant virus outbreaks within the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI), which has led to the deaths of two inmates and one correctional officer.

Since March, there have been over 1,000 COVID-19 cases among inmates and employees at Rhode Island prisons.

Advocates and lawmakers have been vocal in demanding more safety protocols to be taken within the Rhode Island prison system since the beginning of the pandemic. Most recently, A demonstration organized by Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE) took place outside of Gov. Gina Raimondo's house Wednesday, Dec. 23 as an attempt to force officials to take action.