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Moderator

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.

Moderator
Amanda Roe | @amandajro | Feb 7, 2021
In reply to @seaspray "Amanda, What speculation did I share regarding Rochester as I know nothing about that Mayo? For..." + (show)
@seaspray

Amanda, What speculation did I share regarding Rochester as I know nothing about that Mayo? For a quick reference to Florida her is the link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/florida This is what has been up, has not changed yet they did get another supply designated for the group I mentioned. I read the newsletter that went out to the staff and I was there for a MRI on Friday and spoke with them. As I did say, Every state is doing it differently so Mayo in Rochester has nothing to do with Mayo in Jacksonville.

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@seaspray I have to apologize as I clearly misread the two posts and, therefore, thought you were both discussing Rochester so responded as such. Thank you for clarifying.

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seaspray | @seaspray | Feb 12, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "Hello, Amanda. Now that sounds more like what you would expect from Mayo. It makes no..." + (show)
@ess77

Hello, Amanda. Now that sounds more like what you would expect from Mayo. It makes no sense for Mayo NOT to be in the forefront of this research and the whole process. We do have to be careful about information....where it comes from, timing, and does it make sense....I'm so pleased to have both shots working creating antibodies for me. They better be working hard!! One more time, thanks Mayo for helping me be my healthiest.

I need to get the post I did on "Quality of Life" about my 2nd shot! Anyone know what to do? Let me know and I'll do my best.
Blessings, all......elizabeth

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Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you. I on the other hand have not been notified. But I did receive another donor envelope in my mail today. I am actually outraged. As a stage IV lung cancer patient over 65, not to have been called baffles me and everyone around me. My doctor's, especially my oncologist, do not understand this logic. I finally got registered at a Walmart for next week to receive my first. I have not left my house or gone into any stores since the end of Feb last year, but here I am, going into a Walmart for my vaccine. Pray I don't catch the virus while I am trying to prevent it.

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3 replies
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @seaspray "Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you...." + (show)
@seaspray

Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you. I on the other hand have not been notified. But I did receive another donor envelope in my mail today. I am actually outraged. As a stage IV lung cancer patient over 65, not to have been called baffles me and everyone around me. My doctor's, especially my oncologist, do not understand this logic. I finally got registered at a Walmart for next week to receive my first. I have not left my house or gone into any stores since the end of Feb last year, but here I am, going into a Walmart for my vaccine. Pray I don't catch the virus while I am trying to prevent it.

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Hi, @seaspray, There seems to be little,if any, uniformity in who does and doesn't get called early for the vaccinations. While you began your quarantine a bit earlier than I did in early March, I've relied on home deliveries for groceries and my calendars over the past months just record doc visits.

However, I did begin going sporadically to Walmart on their 6 -7am, sr only Tuesdays a few months ago for needed household supplies. Each store is different but mine has taken enforced strict shopper/staff precautions; counting the number of folks allowed in; wearing masks, etc. I'll be thinking of you next week as you go for your first vacc at your Walmart and hope the visit goes smoothly and leaves you feeling great relief for more Covid protection. Hope you let us know how your visit goes.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @seaspray "Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you...." + (show)
@seaspray

Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you. I on the other hand have not been notified. But I did receive another donor envelope in my mail today. I am actually outraged. As a stage IV lung cancer patient over 65, not to have been called baffles me and everyone around me. My doctor's, especially my oncologist, do not understand this logic. I finally got registered at a Walmart for next week to receive my first. I have not left my house or gone into any stores since the end of Feb last year, but here I am, going into a Walmart for my vaccine. Pray I don't catch the virus while I am trying to prevent it.

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Please do not be outraged at Mayo - the states control distribution of the vaccine, providers are neither able to request it nor to buy it in the marketplace. Every state is reacting "on the fly", trying to get the precious shots into as many arms as possible, as quickly as possible. Our state distributed to many seniors & educators through gigantic indoor events for several weeks, and these did NOT result in any spike in infections, but these were inaccessible to people far from our larger cities. Hence the decision to distribute through pharmacies - closer to more people. I am sure they will take precautions - just double-mask, and don't be tempted to stay & shop while you are there.
I am encouraged to hear that the companies have figured out how to manufacture and distribute the vaccine much more quickly, so that we should all be able to have our injections soon.
Sue

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1 reply
sue6175 | @sue6175 | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Please do not be outraged at Mayo - the states control distribution of the vaccine, providers..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Please do not be outraged at Mayo - the states control distribution of the vaccine, providers are neither able to request it nor to buy it in the marketplace. Every state is reacting "on the fly", trying to get the precious shots into as many arms as possible, as quickly as possible. Our state distributed to many seniors & educators through gigantic indoor events for several weeks, and these did NOT result in any spike in infections, but these were inaccessible to people far from our larger cities. Hence the decision to distribute through pharmacies - closer to more people. I am sure they will take precautions - just double-mask, and don't be tempted to stay & shop while you are there.
I am encouraged to hear that the companies have figured out how to manufacture and distribute the vaccine much more quickly, so that we should all be able to have our injections soon.
Sue

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I have had both vaccines. Now I would like to be able to print my record showing I have completed it. Can anyone assist me? I don’t see it on my portal.

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @sue6175 "I have had both vaccines. Now I would like to be able to print my record..." + (show)
@sue6175

I have had both vaccines. Now I would like to be able to print my record showing I have completed it. Can anyone assist me? I don’t see it on my portal.

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@sue6175, If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, you can print out your immunizations from your portal by selecting Medical Records on the left menu and then selecting Immunizations. It may look a little different on a mobile device but the headings should be the same.
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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @seaspray "Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you...." + (show)
@seaspray

Hi ess 77- Glad you got your second shot at Mayo and that is behind you. I on the other hand have not been notified. But I did receive another donor envelope in my mail today. I am actually outraged. As a stage IV lung cancer patient over 65, not to have been called baffles me and everyone around me. My doctor's, especially my oncologist, do not understand this logic. I finally got registered at a Walmart for next week to receive my first. I have not left my house or gone into any stores since the end of Feb last year, but here I am, going into a Walmart for my vaccine. Pray I don't catch the virus while I am trying to prevent it.

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@seaspray, I understand your outrage. As @sueinmn points out, vaccine distribution is governed by the state, not health institutions.

See more information here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/florida
Excerpt:
- Why have I not received an invitation to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment?
The State of Florida is currently distributing vaccines only through pharmacies at select Publix Super Market locations and county health departments. The State of Florida is currently distributing vaccines through certain designated pharmacies and county health departments. This means that Mayo Clinic in Florida is not currently receiving supplies of COVID-19 vaccine.

As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, more people will be offered vaccination appointments. If you are offered the vaccine sooner by other healthcare facilities, we encourage you to receive it there.

We encourage Mayo Clinic patients in Florida to seek vaccination at commercial pharmacies or their county health departments at the earliest opportunity. When Mayo Clinic receives new vaccine supply and can resume on-site vaccination for patients, Mayo Clinic will contact you either via email, a message on Mayo Clinic Patient Online Services account or a letter in the mail if you do not have a Mayo Clinic Patient Online Services account. If you wish to create an account, you can create one online.

For patients at Mayo Clinic AZ, FL, MN or the Mayo Clinic Health System, please see the following links:
Arizona: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/arizona
Florida: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/florida
Minnesota: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/rochester
MCHS: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/covid-19-vaccine

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1 reply
seaspray | @seaspray | Feb 13, 2021
In reply to @colleenyoung "@seaspray, I understand your outrage. As @sueinmn points out, vaccine distribution is governed by the state,..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

@seaspray, I understand your outrage. As @sueinmn points out, vaccine distribution is governed by the state, not health institutions.

See more information here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/florida
Excerpt:
- Why have I not received an invitation to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment?
The State of Florida is currently distributing vaccines only through pharmacies at select Publix Super Market locations and county health departments. The State of Florida is currently distributing vaccines through certain designated pharmacies and county health departments. This means that Mayo Clinic in Florida is not currently receiving supplies of COVID-19 vaccine.

As more COVID-19 vaccines become available, more people will be offered vaccination appointments. If you are offered the vaccine sooner by other healthcare facilities, we encourage you to receive it there.

We encourage Mayo Clinic patients in Florida to seek vaccination at commercial pharmacies or their county health departments at the earliest opportunity. When Mayo Clinic receives new vaccine supply and can resume on-site vaccination for patients, Mayo Clinic will contact you either via email, a message on Mayo Clinic Patient Online Services account or a letter in the mail if you do not have a Mayo Clinic Patient Online Services account. If you wish to create an account, you can create one online.

For patients at Mayo Clinic AZ, FL, MN or the Mayo Clinic Health System, please see the following links:
Arizona: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/arizona
Florida: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/florida
Minnesota: https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine/rochester
MCHS: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/covid-19-vaccine

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Thank you Sue & Colleen for letting me vent. I totally am aware of what Mayo puts out to the public as well as what the employees receive, which is quite different. I personally feel like I have fallen through the cracks but there is no one that can help me. I have 3 neighbors that have been called and received the vaccine from Mayo and two of them are under 65 with mild health problems. One day I will learn the truth as to what really happened but until then I will go against my Oncologist request that I not go into Public grocery stores and such and take my chances. Unfortunately I had to lie on the health form that Walmart makes you fill out to register!

REPLY
1 reply
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Feb 16, 2021
In reply to @seaspray "Thank you Sue & Colleen for letting me vent. I totally am aware of what Mayo..." + (show)
@seaspray

Thank you Sue & Colleen for letting me vent. I totally am aware of what Mayo puts out to the public as well as what the employees receive, which is quite different. I personally feel like I have fallen through the cracks but there is no one that can help me. I have 3 neighbors that have been called and received the vaccine from Mayo and two of them are under 65 with mild health problems. One day I will learn the truth as to what really happened but until then I will go against my Oncologist request that I not go into Public grocery stores and such and take my chances. Unfortunately I had to lie on the health form that Walmart makes you fill out to register!

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seaspray!!!!! I've been off this site for several days and here you are, my friend, being the wonderful, outspoken, fiesty, gladiator you are! I love your spirit. You've been fighting so many years against the horrible bad cells trying to conquer your body....and winning! You are a winner!!!

I also don't understand why you weren't in line for the vaccine before me in Jan.....I think I shouldn't analyze this one too much, as I keep coming back to one of two possibilities-a huge mistake OR I'm at more risk from covid19 than you! Both are unthinkable. I don't believe Mayo makes huge mistakes, I have so much positive to say about the place. I also don't want to think I'm in worse shape than you.....but, I think I am. You, my new friend, are fighting all your health issues and life issues with full force of your personality.

You go, mama. Walmart can't touch you! Suggestion: go week-day only, when there are fewer people there, double mask and stay away from everyone. Drown yourself in sanitizer! I was just in a small store on the way home w/my son from Mayo hospital. It was not a good time to go, but they had excellent safety/cleaning precautions in place and everyone I saw was following protocol.

Let us know when you have your appt, please. I bet you will be covered in love and good thoughts and prayers for protection and safety as you get that needle in your arm. I'm praying for you anyway!

Catch you later. I'm getting ready to drive Rob to his PCP for hospital follow-up visit. Also, hope to get some direction for him as to what to do now to get help he needs. Home health care P.T. is there now. Getting him agitated and anxious.....but, hopefully, that will settle and adjust as the providers realize his limitations, high anxiety and agitation level.....

Blessings, my friend. And to all....elizabeth

REPLY
1 reply
seaspray | @seaspray | Feb 16, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "seaspray!!!!! I've been off this site for several days and here you are, my friend, being..." + (show)
@ess77

seaspray!!!!! I've been off this site for several days and here you are, my friend, being the wonderful, outspoken, fiesty, gladiator you are! I love your spirit. You've been fighting so many years against the horrible bad cells trying to conquer your body....and winning! You are a winner!!!

I also don't understand why you weren't in line for the vaccine before me in Jan.....I think I shouldn't analyze this one too much, as I keep coming back to one of two possibilities-a huge mistake OR I'm at more risk from covid19 than you! Both are unthinkable. I don't believe Mayo makes huge mistakes, I have so much positive to say about the place. I also don't want to think I'm in worse shape than you.....but, I think I am. You, my new friend, are fighting all your health issues and life issues with full force of your personality.

You go, mama. Walmart can't touch you! Suggestion: go week-day only, when there are fewer people there, double mask and stay away from everyone. Drown yourself in sanitizer! I was just in a small store on the way home w/my son from Mayo hospital. It was not a good time to go, but they had excellent safety/cleaning precautions in place and everyone I saw was following protocol.

Let us know when you have your appt, please. I bet you will be covered in love and good thoughts and prayers for protection and safety as you get that needle in your arm. I'm praying for you anyway!

Catch you later. I'm getting ready to drive Rob to his PCP for hospital follow-up visit. Also, hope to get some direction for him as to what to do now to get help he needs. Home health care P.T. is there now. Getting him agitated and anxious.....but, hopefully, that will settle and adjust as the providers realize his limitations, high anxiety and agitation level.....

Blessings, my friend. And to all....elizabeth

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Hi All,
I got the vaccine today and was so relived it is behind me! I did call the Mayo covid hotline yesterday and told the nurse that I was about to receive my vaccine from Walmart and that I had to lie on 4 questions when filling out the form online. They asked me what the questions were and instantly referred me to someone higher up!! The PA I spoke with thought it was horrible that I was not called at Mayo and even worse to have to lie on this form. I had to say "no" to cancer, radiation, skin test and drug allergies! But, she said go for it anyway. So far I feel fine, not even a sore arm!! The Walmart I went to was just a grocery store, not a super Walmart. It was fairly empty and there was only 1 person in front of me. I had to wait 30 minutes after (because I have not had any vaccines as an adult) and no other appointments came in. So, all in all, it was a good experience. Can't wait to go shopping one day!!!

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