CommonSpirit Health is proud to be able to offer the COVID-19 vaccination to our flourishing communities. The vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the virus.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments open at a variety of convenient locations.
Patients who have a patient portal account can use the link above to schedule your updated COVID-19 vaccine. If you are not a CommonSpirit patient and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact one of our many primary care clinic that is most convenient for you.
Our knowledgeable providers are able to share the most up-to-date information and guidance. Please speak with your provider to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines available and what is recommended for you.
Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website to view the most up-to-date guidance about currently available COVID-19 vaccines.
The best way to protect yourself against severe COVID-19 disease is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more about the currently available COVID-19 vaccines here
We look forward to partnering with you on your care. It’s important to be well-informed so you can make the care decisions that are right for you. Read on for more information on visitor restrictions, COVID-19 testing and common questions and answers.
COVID-19 Testing
If you are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, please contact your primary care provider for guidance on your health concerns and potential COVID-19 testing.
If you do not have a primary care provider, consider utilizing our Virtual Urgent Care option. Our virtual care providers are happy to guide you to the most appropriate care options given your symptoms. Learn more.
Always Dial 911 if you believe you are experiencing an emergency including heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening event.
Visitor Restrictions
The health and safety of our patients, caregivers and their families are a top priority. Visitor guidelines are subject to change based on community prevalence of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Confirmed Patients or COVID-19 Patients Under Investigation:
- Visitors are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), which will be provided.
Patients with disabilities (which is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment) who require help with the provision of medical or behavioral health care, activities of daily living, speaking for the patient or keeping the patient safe, may have a designated assistance person if requested. Appropriate PPE must be worn.
Resources
Though not as prevalent as it once was, COVID-19 is still active in our community, so it is important that you have quick access to self-test kits, masks and more to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community whole and healthy.
Resources
CommonSpirit Health recommends to following resources to find the most accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19, community impact and guidelines.
We are honored that you have chosen us for your health care needs. At CommonSpirit Health, we truly believe that health and care are better where we are. We’re dedicated to partnering with you to safely deliver the care you need – mind, body and spirit.
Preparing for a Hospital Procedure
We are here to help you plan for your procedure. With your health and safety in mind, we’ve added even more safeguards in advance of your procedure and we need your partnership to keep you safe and so that we stay safe.
We know that COVID-19 spreads by:
- Touching a surface or object with the virus on it and then touching your face, or;
- Being near a sick person for a prolonged period of time (>15 minutes) where virus can spread through the air by sneezing, coughing and talking.
- Please take extra precautions to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 prior to your scheduled surgery.
If you do get COVID-19 prior to your scheduled surgery, CommonSpirit Health has worked with our care teams to add the following safeguards to protect you from complications associated with COVID infection and surgery and to protect our staff from infection.
- Elective surgeries will be postponed if your scheduled surgery is within two weeks of a COVID-19 infection. This will allow anesthesiologists and surgeons to assess how severe your symptoms are and to reduce unnecessary risk of transmitting the infection to health care professionals. Please ensure your surgical or procedural team knows if you had a recent COVID-19 infection.
- Between two and seven weeks after your COVID-19 infection, anesthesiologists and surgeons or proceduralists will conduct a risk assessment, which will include factors such as age, severity of the infection and surgical risk.
- If you and your surgery are determined to be low-risk, the anesthesiologist and surgeon will discuss with you about scheduling the procedure between two and seven weeks after your COVID-19 infection. This decision will take into account whether the risk of proceeding exceeds the risk of delay.
- A delay of your surgery beyond seven weeks will be considered if you continue to have COVID-19 symptoms
Visiting a Clinic
CommonSpirit Health clinics are ready and able to safely care for your whole health, but we understand some patients have concerns about seeking care during COVID-19. We are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.
- If you have respiratory viral symptoms, it is required that you wear a mask and your clinic may have special instructions for you to protect the themselves and other patients from infections. This will include wearing a mask, but may also include other protective measures.
- If you do not have one, we will provide you with a mask.
- If you are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to age, a medical reason, disability, or it is necessary to see the mouth for communication purposes, we will discuss options with you.
Your upcoming clinic visit
We have safety measures in place to bring you peace of mind. Please call your clinic to learn the specific precautions they require before your arrival to keep you and others safe. We're here for you.
Getting sick isn’t in anyone’s plan; but when symptoms come on quickly it is important to be ready. COVID-19 is still active in our community, so it is important that you have quick access to self-test kits, masks and more to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community whole and healthy.
Talk with your health care provider about whether you are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.
Individuals who are more likely to get very sick include older adults (ages 50 years or more, with risk increasing with age), people who are unvaccinated, and people with certain medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you have symptoms like those of the common cold, you may have COVID-19. It is important to test yourself to avoid spreading the virus.
Stay aware of COVID-19 in your community. Use what you learn to guide your precautions.
To determine the COVID risk in your county, visit https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/activity-levels.html
Masks are recommended for those at high risk when COVID-19 community levels are medium and for everyone when levels are high. Layered prevention strategies — like staying up-to-date on vaccines and wearing masks — can help prevent severe illness and reduce the potential for strain on the health care system. Wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you.
Stay up-to-date on vaccines.
Get vaccinated annually for COVID-19. Vaccinations and boosters are an important part of protecting yourself or those you love from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. Vaccinations are available at your CommonSpirit Physician Group clinic, as well as at local pharmacies and community vaccination clinics. Receiving the annual vaccine reduces your risk of hospitalization of death, with the greatest benefit coming in higher risk individuals. This benefit is above and beyond the protection that comes from all previous vaccines and infections. The effects are strongest in the first 6 months after each vaccination.
Testing
Have a supply of COVID-19 self-test antigen kits at home and know when and how to use them.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, test immediately.
If you test positive, treatments are available that can reduce your chances of hospitalization and death
When to take an at-home COVID-19 test
| Test Yourself If… | Timing |
|---|---|
| You have any COVID-19 symptoms | Immediately |
| You were exposed to someone with COVID-19 |
Within 5 days after your exposure If you test negative for COVID-19, consider testing again 1 to 2 days after your first test |
| You are going to an indoor event or a gathering |
Immediately before the gathering, or as close to the time of the event as possible This is especially important before gathering with individuals at risk of severe disease, older adults, those who are immunocompromised, or people who are not up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines. |
Where can you get COVID-19 self-test kits?
- Buy tests online or in pharmacies and retail stores.
- Free tests may also be available through local health departments.
- Residential households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 free at-home tests by visiting https://special.usps.com/testkits.
If you’re not able to obtain a self-test when you need it, you might also visit a community testing site, or call your local health department for more options.
Have a plan to contact a health care provider right away if you test positive.
Your health care provider may prescribe oral antiviral medications which can help your body fight off viruses that cause disease. These medications can reduce the symptoms of your viral infection and significantly reduce your chance of hospitalization and death, especially if you are in a high-risk category. Don’t delay: Treatment must be started within five days after you first develop symptoms to be effective.
If you don’t have a health care provider, we have many primary care providers who would be honored to care for you. CommonSpirit has telehealth options, or you may visit a CommonSpirit urgent care facility if you do not have a CommonSpirit primary care physician.
If you have any of the following symptoms, please seek emergency care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Difficulty waking or staying awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
At CommonSpirit Health, we support the mind, body, and spirit of our communities with access to care when and where you need it most. If you are experiencing mild respiratory symptoms, our virtual urgent care providers can help.
