Our community is going through another significant outbreak of COVID-19.
COVID-19 UPDATE
NWMS recognizes the importance of family and friends in a patient’s cancer journey and healing process. We are also committed to protecting our patients, families, employees and the community during the outbreak of COVID-19. We will continue to have a no visitor policy in place until the transmission of COVID-19 is no longer a threat.
Current safety protocols:
- Symptom and exposure screening at check in
- NWMS supplied masks required at all times within the clinics
- No visitors will be permitted in the clinic. Visitors can accompany their loved ones during a visit via video conferencing
- Isolation for symptomatic patients
Please know we are committed to clinical excellence and vigilance in following COVID-19 guidance and protocols to provide outstanding care at this time, and always. NWMS is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and screening protocols.
Click here to visit our COVID-19 Resource Center for more information.
VACCINE INFORMATION
We now have the ability to offer a third vaccine to our patients that meet the current CDC criteria.
Contact our clinic at 253-428-8700 to schedule your vaccine.
Who needs to get a third vaccine shot?
According to the CDC, the only people who would need to get a third COVID-19 vaccine shot to supplement their initial two would be people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
This is because these patients are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness and especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
This includes people who have:
- been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system. -received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- advanced or untreated HIV infection. -active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.
Please check with your oncologist on the best time to get the vaccine.
The CDC reports that about 3% of the adult population would qualify for a third shot.
When should I get my third shot?
CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Who needs to get a booster shot?
Everyone who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The CDC has confirmed that these COVID-19 vaccines weaken over time, like many other vaccines, so if you got fully vaccinated, you will need to get a booster shot to make sure you continue to be fully vaccinated.
Health leaders expect that people who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will need booster shots, but they are awaiting further data before making a decision.
Where can I get my third dose?
You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at NWMS! Please call 253-428-8700 to schedule after talking with your oncologist.
The Washington Department of Health also has a vaccine finder.