Information on COVID-19 Vaccine distribution for Mayo Clinic patients

I have checked with my pulmonologist’s office at Mayo, Rochester. I am a patient for specialists but am from a “different region” as they call it and will need to receive my vaccine in my “home region.” Thus, I need to contact my PCP in my local, small community and wait for my turn for the vaccine, unless Mayo changes course, and allows me to get a vaccine there. I received this news in mid-December. Good luck and sat safe❤️

Lets go after Cancer like Cov19 . Clearly that has and is not happening .

@rred- Good morning. I'm confused also. Since the beginning of this virus, nothing has been clear. everything has appeared shrouded in mystery. It has served no purpose in the health system but creates chaos and misunderstandings.

The CDC just announced that older people who have compromised immune systems like cancer will also be vaccinated soon. The CDC has only made recommendations and it is up to individual states to implement the vaccines. I think that what Dr. Poland was referring to when he said that the vaccines would be distributed through large medical facilities is that they would be shipped there first due to refrigeration capabilities but then dispersed from those facilities. Right now I don't see how large medical facilities can handle any more than they are.

I understand your confusion about the "care team". Do you have more than one doctor at Mayo? If so do they all confer about your health to recommend the best possible treatments for you?

@migizii- The purpose of your PCP is to be the one medical person who oversees your major health care. If you need more specialized care then he will refer you to a specialist. Most, if not all of your vaccines or boosters are given in your PCP's office. They will treat you for the flu or COVID-19 and refer you to be tested. If you have had aches and pains and have your doctor believes that you might have arthritis he might refer you to a specialist. They used to be called family doctors.
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/the-importance-of-a-primary-care-provider
https://www.verywellhealth.com/pcp-what-is-a-primary-care-physician-1738758
Have you called your PCP to find out when you might be vaccinated in your state?

I see Mayo doctors from different specialties when necessary. While my electronic data is avaiable to all, I don't think they consult with one nother unless necessary. I do not have a doctor coordinating my care among various disciplines. Should I expect my dermatologist or urologist or oncologist to notify me re: covid vaccine? All my specialists are at Mayo, My PCP is not.

@rred - No you shouldn't Your PCP should get a hold of you. I would call his office to make sure. Or your state Health Department.

@rred that is a good question. From what I can tell, if you are a Mayo Clinic patient, you will likely be included in the notification process, however, I don't see anything specific to your situation with your PCP outside of Mayo Clinic.

In the meantime, I would suggest referring back to the links above in the original post to learn of updates and next phases for the vaccines. Additionally, I would also recommend that you sign up for the patient portal to receive those notification and announcements.

Are you currently on the patient portal?

Yes. I currently use Mayo's patient portal.

I wish to receive the vaccine as soon It is available.

I decided to wait until January as our state has outlined vaccines in an order that does not include me for a long time. It is unfortunate since I had to quit my job due to covid and now they are getting vaccinations....I don’t want to take a sicker persons vaccination but priorities are sometimes askew. I will hold out hope that my PCP will take my pulmonologist’s advise that I am a high priority.