How can I get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
COVID-19 Vaccine Update (Updated February 11, 2021)
Mercy Doctors Medical Group does NOT have any COVID-19 vaccine and has no influence on your ability to obtain one. Mercy Doctors CAN NOT schedule vaccination appointments.
Because of the vaccine handling requirements, Mercy Doctors is not planning to be a distribution point. We do, however, strongly urge our patients to get vaccinated.
What is Coronavirus and COVID-19?
Novel Coronavirus (or “New Coronavirus”) is a type of virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — an infection of the airways and lungs. It’s part of the same family of coronaviruses that causes the common cold. “Coronavirus” is often used to describe Novel or New Coronavirus.
How is COVID-19 Spread?
Novel Coronavirus is spread from person to person — mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on it and then touching your face.
What Are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe symptoms similar to the flu.
fever
dry cough
shortness of breath
headache
nausea/diarrhea
body aches
fatigue
sore-throat
loss of taste or smell (highly suggestive of COVID)
Symptoms appear within 2-14 days of exposure (average is 5 days after).
Symptoms appear to be more severe in the elderly and people with chronic conditions. The latest data shows that about 80% of people with COVID-19 will show no or very mild signs of illness. Most people who get it will not need to visit their doctor and will recover on their own.
You can be contagious before you feel sick or exhibit symptoms, so if you have been exposed to someone sick with coronavirus, you should self-isolate.
What Do I Do if I Feel Sick?
If you develop symptoms (fever (over 100.4 degrees), cough, loss of taste or smell, and/or trouble breathing (shortness of breath))
Immediately seek medical advice.
Call our office before you come in and tell us about your symptoms. We will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness.
While sick, avoid contact with people, don't go out, and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website: What Do if You Are Sick
If you think you have COVID-19, that you or a family member, housemate or roommate have been exposed or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or have traveled to an area that is at high or elevated risk of community spread, call us first before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
The same common sense ways that you would use to avoid catching a cold or flu will help you to avoid getting COVID-19:
Wear a mask. The CDC has published good guidelines on how to choose and wear a mask https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Wash your hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are also effective.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Stay home/“Shelter in Place” except for minimal “essential activities” — See the State of California’s COVID Restrictions page for more details on permitted activities: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Throw away the tissue in the trash and wash your hands afterward.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress.
Avoid group gatherings — including concerts, conventions, sporting events, and social gatherings.
Avoid visiting health care facilities except to get medical care — for example, nursing homes, clinics, and hospitals.
For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control website: How to Protect Yourself
How to Avoid Getting Sick
What Are We Doing to Keep Our Patients Safe?
Where Can I Get More Information?
Many insurance companies are waiving cost-sharing for medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19. Please contact your health plan for specifics.