Community Physicians Critical to Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccination Effort
Many people have already taken advantage of the availability of COVID-19 vaccine at large community sites. However, some patients have expressed the desire to wait until their own doctor can provide the vaccine and discuss concerns they have about the vaccine. Surveys have shown that people trust their own doctor to help them to make important decisions about their health.
Physicians can now easily enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider and offer the vaccination in their own office. Many physicians and their office staff are already promoting COVID-19 vaccination as the quickest and safest way for patients to get back to normal. Now, you can further protect your patients, patients’ families, and our community by enrolling to offer COVID-19 vaccines in your practice.
National surveys strongly indicate that the public wants to hear from their own doctors about the COVID-19 vaccine. More than sports stars, clergy, politicians, or other influencers - doctors are the most trusted messengers of vaccine information for many people. All physicians – from primary care doctors, to family medicine practitioners, to specialists, and emergency room doctors – have an opportunity and a responsibility to help patients with their questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
With high COVID-19 case numbers looming throughout the world, please help your patients understand the value of the vaccine and its role in stopping the pandemic. Pockets of unvaccinated people remain vulnerable in our own local communities. Many may not be at high risk for severe virus symptoms, but of course there is still a risk of acute or long-term health impacts from the virus.
Please make a point to recommend COVID-19 vaccination in every visit to all of your patients aged 12 and older who do not have contraindications.
Additionally, the CDC and the California Department of Public Health no longer require patients to wait two weeks between COVID-19 vaccination and any other type of vaccination. Physicians can now provide COVID-19 vaccination as part of their regular office visits. Pediatricians and family medicine practitioners are encouraged to offer COVID-19 vaccination at Back To School visits and sports physicals, along with other routine childhood immunizations.
For practices that want to provide COVID-19 vaccinations, it is easier than you think. Vaccine supply and support are available. COVID-19 vaccine providers must enroll in some state systems, including CAIR2 and myCAVax: https://mycavax.cdph.ca.gov/s/. The County can provide vaccine upon request to providers who have completed all of the enrollment processes. More information is available on the County’s webpage for vaccine providers.