As COVID-19 numbers continue to increase, all outpatient healthcare workers need to be vaccinated immediately.  Outpatient healthcare providers are often the first in line to assess and treat patients with COVID-19. They have been working arduously to prevent hospital ERs from becoming overwhelmed during the pandemic. However, in New York State there is no immediate plan to vaccinate all healthcare workers, especially if they are not associated with a hospital system. 

Other states have created DOH vaccination sites where any 1a Healthcare worker can schedule themselves to be vaccinated without a prior invitation.  In New York State many Healthcare workers have been told to wait but have not been given a timetable for when they will be permitted to receive the vaccine.  Many have reached out to the DOH and have received no information.

ALL 1a Healthcare Workers need to be vaccinated immediately regardless of inpatient or outpatient work settings and regardless of hospital affiliation.  We are all exposed to hundreds of patients a day and each of our contributions are equally important in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many of us, including retired physicians, have been asked to volunteer during the surge.  Many of us have contracted COVID-19 while at work and placed our own families at risk while caring for patients.  Some of us have isolated away from our own families. We have spent the holidays in our offices and institutions caring for the sick.  It is time to acknowledge all of our sacrifices by allowing us all an equal opportunity for vaccination in the coming week so that we can continue to care for our patients safely.