by Annette Pinder
Knowing patients look to their trusted physicians for guidance concerning their health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Medical Association, Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) and the WNY COVID Working Group are urging primary care providers to administer COVID-19 vaccines to their patients in their offices. They also suggest that physicians talk to their patients about the vaccines, and follow-up with them in phone calls, letters, emails, social media posts, or other communication tools to deliver this important message.
According to the CDC, 80 percent of adults visit a physician’s office to receive their health care. It is also where many people prefer getting their vaccinations, especially during a routine appointment, rather than at a vaccine distribution location.
“From my experience in pediatrics and public health, a person’s own physician is a trusted information source about vaccines,” said Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Concerns about getting a COVID-19 vaccine can be based on a need for more information. Doctors are very familiar with addressing patient questions about vaccines with factual, science-based responses that address concerns in a neutral and compassionate way.”
She continued, “The Erie County Department of Health has been working with pediatricians and primary care offices to store and supply COVID-19 vaccine for their offices. This is one more tactic for our vaccine outreach to get as many eligible county residents protected against COVID-19 as soon as possible.”
If you are a physician in need of vaccines for your office, call the ECDOH at 716-858-7690 during normal business hours. If you are a patient with questions, talk to your doctor. To make a vaccine appointment, call 716-858-2929 or visit https://tinyurl.com/hrunzsz4.
