To Our Valued Patients:
With the arrival of the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine being delivered across the country, this has been a momentous couple weeks for our community. Since the start of the pandemic, researchers around the world have worked to develop a safe and effective vaccine at record speed. Their accomplishment means that the end of the pandemic is more clearly in sight.
As you may have seen in news reports, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that the first doses of the vaccine go to residents of long-term care facilities as well as healthcare workers who are at highest risk because they provide direct care for patients with COVID-19.
Patient Vaccine Information: We look forward to offering you the vaccine and will notify you as soon as it is made available to the public. We are not currently scheduling patients for the COVID-19 vaccine or taking names for a waiting list. The timing of your vaccination will depend on vaccine availability and on guidelines that the CDC will provide for a phased and equitable approach to vaccine distribution.
We will soon have a page on our website where you can find information on the COVID-19 vaccine and answers to common questions about the safety and effectiveness of current vaccines. We will be adding new information as it becomes available, including when vaccines will be available to patients. We will send out a follow up message when more information is available.
Stay Healthy: Even with a vaccine in place, it is critical that we maintain the health and safety guidelines of masking, physical distancing, small household gatherings and handwashing to control the rise in cases that is occurring across our state and country. We succeeded in flattening the curve in the spring, and the same goal is true now. Every action we can take to prevent transmissions is vital. We need your help now more than ever.
More information regarding the vaccine and frequently asked questions can be found here: Covid-19 FAQ Document
From all of us at Northwest Medical Specialties, we wish you a happy and healthy new year that brings an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
Sibel Blau, MD
Medical Director, Northwest Medical Specialties, PLLC