The Good News – a safe, effective vaccine (probably Pfizer’s) is on the way to NC. Although it needs to be officially approved, we at Davidson Family Medicine are excited about the vaccine and would recommend it to our patients and our own families – based on what we know at this time.
However… only 85,000 doses are in the first shipment to NC. These vaccines will probably go to: 1) Atrium (and possibly Novant) hospital systems to inoculate hospital/health care workers dealing directly with SARS-CoV-2 ; and 2) Long term care residents/workers to be inoculated by CVS/Walgreens contractors who will travel to those facilities.
Davidson Family Medicine has been advocating to obtain the vaccine to help inoculate our patients. We will be able to order the vaccine beginning Thursday, December 10. We do not know how many vaccines will be shipped and do not know when they will arrive.
We anticipate vaccinating our most vulnerable patients with the first round of vaccines that we receive.
Questions we have been asked:
- “Is there a waiting list for the vaccine?” No.
When we receive the vaccine, we will post further information on our website, Facebook, and send out emails (with some phone messages) to existing patients. At that time, we will provide details on what type of patient should first receive the limited number of vaccines that we have on hand. As more vaccines are received, we of course want all of our patients who wish to be vaccinated to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. - “If I have already had SARS-CoV-2, do I need a vaccine? If I have tested positive for antibodies, do I need the vaccine?” Yes, the vaccine will help boost your antibodies further because naturally acquired antibodies can decrease over time.
We have seen about a 12% positivity with our testing recently. We are continuing our testing of existing patients, especially those with symptoms or who have been exposed. We will try to help you with testing around any holiday travel. If flying, we recommend testing 1-2 days prior to travel and 4-5 days after travel (with quarantining in between if at all possible).
Please continue to be vigilant, wearing your masks when around others, and avoid indoor gatherings including indoor dining.
Like you, we are ready for this pandemic to come to an end! We have been amazed at the resilience and patience of all of you. We thank you for the trust that you have placed in us.
Sincerely,
Davidson Family Medicine