Dear patients and friends,

In this regular newsletter update, we are doing our best to keep you informed about the coronavirus and Covid vaccines. Below are the answers to a few of the most common questions we are getting right now.

Who is eligible now?

This week, seniors 80 and over became eligible for vaccine signups. View the table in light blue below for Oregon's projected vaccination eligibility schedule for other groups. If you are a Washington resident, check out this webpage for the Washington Department of Health for phase information and vaccination locations.

I'm eligible. How do I sign up?

Check out the dark blue side bar where we've gathered the resources we know of for signups. Unfortunately, we are aware, as is the state of Oregon, that volume of eligible adults exceeds the weekly allotment of vaccine. This means that for most, it will take time to be able to sign up. Our recommendation is to keep checking back with sign up sites and if you're having trouble to call the help centers listed below.

I'm not tech savvy. How can I sign up?

Adults who are 80 and, over and others who have difficulty signing up with internet platforms may call 211 to receive help scheduling from a live operator. You can also text questions to 898211 or email ORCOVID@211info.org.

Should I get the vaccine?

If you become eligible I recommend you get the vaccine. Both vaccines currently in distribution are safe and effective. Side effects are common but generally mild and short lived. If you have questions or specific concerns with the vaccine, I am happy to help you make this decision.

Am I eligible if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

According to OHA, "adults who have a medical condition or disability who receive services in their homes," are the only group currently eligible based on pre-existing conditions. Other than this group, OHA has not specifically addressed a timeline for those with pre-existing conditions to be vaccinated, but has acknowledged that this will be one of the subsequent priority groups.

Can I come into the office for visits now?

Our office has been and will remain open for new-problem visits that must be conducted in person. Now that staff has been vaccinated, we will also begin seeing regular follow up appointments and some annual exams in the office at the providers' discretion. These will be conducted with all Covid safety protocols in place including visits at intervals to minimize shared time in waiting spaces, regular disinfecting of common spaces, masking, social distancing, temperature checks, and a pre-visit screening phone call. We also ask that when you come to the office you come alone or limit to one additional visitor when necessary.

We will continue to offer virtual visits for the foreseeable future and may encourage that option if we feel it's a better fit for your needs.

Should I still be getting Covid tested?

Yes. If you have symptoms of Covid, please call our office to check in. Depending on availability of testing kits we may be able to test for you or direct you to a testing site. It is also a good idea to check state regulations if you have any travel planned, as many states are requiring pre-travel covid screening. Here is a good list of testing locations put together by Washington county.

I hope this update finds you well. Stay tuned for information as we learn more.

Sincerely,