Public Health Measures and Vaccines are Our Only Hope
Reaching the Community with an Important Message
by Annette Pinder
The Medical Society of Erie County COVID-19 task group (Task Group) says widespread vaccination is a critical step in controlling the pandemic, and recommends that health providers, patients, and staff get the vaccine when it is their turn. They also agree that priority should be given to essential employees and those at high risk of severe COVID-19 symptoms, ensuring equal access to groups of people who are disproportionately affected by the virus. Task Group members have undertaken several initiatives to ensure proper protocol in their own practices.
Richard Charles, MD, Director of General Physician, P.C. (GPPC) says, “We are providing ongoing education to providers, staff, and patients in the form of videos, written materials, and with ongoing website updates. If we can prevent just one person from getting this illness, that’s a huge win!”
Messaging has also been consistent at UBMD Physicians Group, where the response has been positive and few people doubt the seriousness of the virus. Kevin M. Gibbons, MD, Executive Director of UBMD Physicians Group says, “Patients are asking reasonable questions, such as whether a cancer medication might interfere with the vaccine. Above all, consistent messaging is important, and why I shared a picture of me getting vaccinated.” Dr. Gibbons calls the current vaccines a triumph of science, saying, “Given the track record of infectious diseases over the past 20 years with SARS, MERS, and now COVID-19, we may face diseases in the future that are far worse than this virus. Public health measures and vaccinations are our hope, as is getting younger people interested in science and medicine.”
Todd Shatkin, DDS, President and Founder of Shatkin F.I.R.S.T., is conducting staff and provider education and following all guidelines, even installing a state-of-the-art filtration system in surgical and treatment areas. He says, “There has been some hesitation from a few staff members, but I emphasize the importance of everyone getting vaccinated.”
Jennifer Carlson, LMSW at Sheridan Medical Group, says the practice has formed its own COVID response team, overseen by their medical director, which includes an economist, engineer/process analyst, practice administrator, compliance specialist, and social worker. The team created an education curriculum, holds virtual staff meetings, and shares information through their website, waiting rooms, and social media, with linkages for mental health needs. As for any distrust among staff members, Carlson says, “Primary care physicians will gain patients’ trust by acknowledging their apprehensions, and spending more time with them during appointments.”
Dr. Raul Vazquez, founder of G-Health Enterprises and Urban Family Practice, conducts ongoing town halls to answer staff questions. The largest medical practice on Buffalo’s west side serving the Hispanic population and individuals of color, Dr. Vazquez is proud to say that nearly all of his staff have willingly received their first vaccine.
Task Group members continue to work toward consistent messaging and education, dispelling myths, and emphasizing the importance of mask-wearing, social distancing, and avoiding groups, even after vaccination. Learn more about the Medical Society of Erie County and the COVID-19 Task Group at www.wnydocs.org.
