Our highest priority is your health and safety. We strongly encourage you and your family to get the COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes available to you. The safety profiles of the currently approved vaccines are similar to those of the regular “flu” shot, and their effectiveness in preventing serious illness is even better. Our national and local physician leadership strongly advocate for you to protect yourself from this serious illness.
The final distribution of the vaccine is determined by each state, generally based on recommended CDC guidelines. The initial distribution was tiered to deliver vaccines to the highest risk patients — nursing home residents, healthcare providers, patients with chronic conditions, and then patients over 65. The exact order is determined by the state. The vaccine itself is funded by the United States government. The cost of the actual administration of the vaccine will be sent to your insurance plan on file and we anticipate it to be paid as part of your preventative care benefits.
Possible side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine may include mild pain in the arm receiving the shot, feeling tired, and/or a mild fever lasting 1-2 days, all of which are similar to the flu shot. More serious complications are very rare. The vaccine is not yet approved for children under 16. Obstetric patients and those seeking to become pregnant should speak with their physician.
While you wait to receive the vaccine, we urge you to continue following the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) safety guidelines: wear a mask, stay at least 6 feet apart, avoid crowds and wash your hands!
Best of health,
Stone Ridge Family Medicine