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COVID-19 Vaccines Available at Maria Parham Health

COVID-19 vaccines will be available for you soon!

Maria Parham Health has received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

We have begun vaccinating individuals in Phase 1a and will continue to do so through January 14th. For more information about individuals who qualify for Phase 1a, see this document from NC DHHS.

We have administered 581 vaccines to date, and second round doses of the vaccine are scheduled to begin on January 20, 2021.  We are distributing the COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal government, and our state. We are currently in phase 1B, Group A of vaccination, which includes adults age 75 and over. We also recognize that the authorized phasing and release of vaccine is in flux based on government policy and distribution, and we have a dedicated Vaccine Task Force to navigate the changes. 

At this time, available community appointments have been filling up very quickly upon release, but we are coordinating with our medical providers and the Health Department to expand vaccination availability in our community. We urge community members to consult this page and the Maria Parham Health Facebook page for updates regarding this ever-changing situation.

At the moment, we are releasing scheduling and sign up information as it becomes available to us from the CDC and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Please do not show up at the hospital without an appointment.

ATTENTION! All vaccination appointment slots have been filled at this time. 

However, we are coordinating with our medical providers and the Health Department to expand vaccination availability in our community. We urge community members to consult this page and the Maria Parham Health Facebook page for updates regarding this ever-changing situation.

Vaccinations for individuals who already have appointments will be administered at the Maria Parham Health COVID Vaccine Clinic, 566 Ruin Creek Road in Henderson, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:45am to 2pm

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

  • Please complete this form and bring it with you to your appointment, along with photo ID and your insurance card.

  • Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your appointment.

  • Our clinic location will be marked by brightly colored pink signs.

  • Please wear short sleeves if at all possible.

  • Please keep your appointment, to avoid wasting any valuable vaccine doses. If you cannot keep your appointment, please call 252-436-1693 as soon as possible.  

Maria Parham Health may bill your insurance provider for administrative fees connected with your COVID-19 Vaccination, but you will never see a bill.

Importantly, no individual will be denied a COVID-19 vaccine because he or she doesn’t have insurance coverage.

As a result, all patients – regardless of whether they are uninsured, have private health insurance or have Medicare or Medicaid – will not experience any out-of-pocket costs to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Maria Parham is pleased to be administering the COVID-19 vaccine and taking this important step toward ending the pandemic while advancing our mission of Making Communities Healthier.

Great care has been taken to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and they will be available to all for free! Getting vaccinated will be critical for stopping the spread of COVID-19, so use this page to learn more. As we learn more about vaccine distribution in North Carolina, we’ll provide information to help you make a plan to be vaccinated when it’s your turn!

More information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services here. 

More information from the CDC here.  

North Carolina’s Vaccine Rollout Plan

The best way to fight COVID-19 is to distribute in phases, first starting with vaccinations for those most at-risk, then reaching more people as the vaccine supply increases from January 2021 to June 2021. Maria Parham Health will follow the state and national phased roll-out plan for vaccinating the community. Dates for each phase aren’t certain at this time, but we will provide additional information about when you can get vaccinated as we learn more. 

Community FAQ – COVID-19 Vaccine

We know there are a lot of questions about the emerging COVID-19 vaccines. Our goal is to keep you informed as vaccines are approved and rolled out for our workforce, patients and community in the weeks ahead.

We have created a list of common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines based on current knowledge and understanding. These questions will continue to evolve with time, so we encourage you to check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.

Common Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines:

  1. Who is currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? When will it be available to the general public?

We are in the process of distributing the vaccine in accordance with prioritization guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the federal government and our state health departments. Vaccine administration has begun with our frontline healthcare workers. As soon as the vaccine becomes more broadly available, we strongly encourage our community to get vaccinated.

  1. The vaccine was produced very quickly. How do I know it is safe?

The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Safety is the top priority while federal partners work to make the COVID-19 vaccines. Despite what the name may suggest, “Operation Warp Speed” does not mean that manufacturers were able to skip steps or cut corners in the vaccine development process. Instead, after development of the vaccine, manufacturers took a secured risk and overlapped the study, manufacturing and distribution phases. The FDA committed to giving these vaccinations priority (not rushed) review at all phases of the studies, which helped speed up the overall process. Ongoing monitoring of vaccine effectiveness and side effect reports will continue to be evaluated by the FDA and the manufacturers.

  1. If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, should I still wear a mask?

Yes. For several reasons, a mask and other proven methods of preventing COVID-19 (hand hygiene and social distancing) are still important even after receiving the vaccine. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

  1. If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, should I still get the COVID-19 vaccine when it is available?

Yes. At this time, the vaccine is recommended even if you previously tested positive for COVID-19. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again; this is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people who have had COVID-19 greater than 90 days ago should proceed with getting the vaccine. Due to limited vaccine supply, if you have had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, your likelihood of reinfection is low enough during this time period that you can wait to get the vaccine until you hit the 90-day mark after being sick.

  1. Can you contract COVID-19 by getting the vaccine?

No. The vaccine is NOT a live vaccine, and it is NOT possible to contract COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine. Some people experience side effects from the vaccine, such as headache, muscle pain, or fever – but that does not mean you have COVID-19.  It means your body is working to build the necessary immunity against the virus, which is a good thing. 

  1. What are the possible side effects/adverse events from the COVID-19 vaccine? 

The most common adverse reactions reported have been fatigue, headache, fever/chills and joint pain. This means your body is working to build the necessary immunity against the virus.

You can read more in Pfizer’s FDA Briefing Document about the side effects reported among the vaccine study participants. 

  1. Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered to children?

The COVID-19 vaccine is not indicated for children younger than 16 years old at this time.

  1. Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered to pregnant women?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals. It is important to note that the COVID-19 vaccines currently available have not been tested in pregnant women, so there is no safety data specific to use in pregnancy. Pregnant women should make an informed decision after discussing with their healthcare provider.

Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, employees, providers, volunteers and visitors. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in partnership with our local and state health departments.

Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, please contact the health department.

COVID-19 Online Risk Assessment

To help support the health of our community, we are providing access to an online COVID-19 risk assessment developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This tool does NOT provide a diagnosis, and it should NOT be used as a substitute for an assessment made by a healthcare provider.

Quick Links:

Coronavirus Helpline: 1-866-462-3821

Hygiene Reminders from the CDC

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage
     

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

  • Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
  • Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
  • Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.

Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use. Learn more here.

How to use hand sanitizer

  • Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
  • Rub your hands together.
  • Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

For more information, visit the CDC website.