The Town of Bristol is hosting a free flu clinic next week and hoping anyone who has not already been vaccinated takes advantage of the opportunity. Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello is overseeing the operation and strongly urges people to sign up.

"In the middle of all that's going on right now, it's so important for people to get the flu vaccine," Chief DeMello said. "The flu is still out there, and people can still get very sick from it."

Worse, he said, would be getting both the flu and the coronavirus at the same time — "you can't rule that out as a possibilioty," he said.

With Rhode Island hospitals at max capacity, and with the state opening two temporary field hospitals, anyone who gets very sick with the "regular" flu could be at risk for entering a stressful environment if they get really sick.

The clinic will be Tuesday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. Held at the Quinta-Gamelin Community Center at 101 Asylum Road, it will be organized in Covid-friendly ways, with a layer of pre-screening in a tent outside, social distancing within, and a patient flow that prevents any congregating.

"We're taking as many precautions as possible, and we have plenty of space to move people through the building," the chief said.

Anyone attending the clinic must register ahead of time (no walk-ins allowed). It is open to anyone ages 3 and older.

Register at: schoolflu.com

See all clinic dates and locations at health.ri.gov/flu