Information on COVID-19 Vaccine distribution for Mayo Clinic patients

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Dec 24, 2020

For Mayo Clinic Patients:
The COVID-19 pandemic has made this a trying year for everyone. But there is good news to report.

An effective and safe COVID-19 vaccine is available now, and other COVID-19 vaccines will be coming soon. These vaccines have been tested under strict guidelines. Studies show that the first vaccine available, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and the next vaccine likely to be available, the Moderna vaccine, are 95% and 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19.

Like many, you may have questions about these vaccines. This COVID-19 vaccine educational flyer will answer some of your questions. Be sure to follow Mayo Podcasts for up to the minute news about vaccination, COVID and more.

Mayo Clinic is working with other health care organizations, and state and federal authorities, to prepare for the fair and safe distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. But it will take some time to vaccinate everyone who wants to be vaccinated for COVID-19.

The first people who will be offered vaccination for COVID-19 are those with the highest risk of getting infected: front-line health care workers and adults in long-term care facilities. As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, more people will be offered vaccinations.

We will continue to share with you information about COVID-19 vaccines on our COVID-19 information hub and on Mayo Clinic News Network's COVID page. Mayo Clinic patients can expect emails from their care teams and see updates on Patient Online Services, Mayo's patient portal, about scheduling vaccination appointments at Mayo Clinic.

While COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing COVID-19, you should continue to follow other prevention protocols already in place:

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth.
Stay at least 6 feet apart from other people.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.

Mayo Clinic believes that COVID-19 vaccines will be effective in preventing COVID-19. When you are eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19, we encourage you to schedule a vaccination appointment. Follow news from your state and local health authorities for further information.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

migizii | @migizii | Dec 27, 2020

In reply to @blueg1948 "Will I be able to get the vaccine at Mayo? I am 72 year old Mayo..." + (show)

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❤️

dsowinski | @dsowinski | Dec 27, 2020

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

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 28, 2020

In reply to @rred "As Dr. Poland pointed out in one his podcasts, the vaccine will likely be distibuted through..." + (show)

@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?

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 28, 2020

In reply to @migizii "I have checked with my pulmonologist’s office at Mayo, Rochester. I am a patient for specialists..." + (show)

@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?

rred | @rred | Dec 28, 2020

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.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Dec 28, 2020

@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.

Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Dec 28, 2020

@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?

rred | @rred | Dec 28, 2020

In reply to @amandajro "@rred that is a good question. From what I can tell, if you are a Mayo..." + (show)

Yes. I currently use Mayo's patient portal.

sue6175 | @sue6175 | Dec 28, 2020

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

migizii | @migizii | Dec 28, 2020

In reply to @merpreb "@migizii- The purpose of your PCP is to be the one medical person who oversees your..." + (show)

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.