COVID-19 numbers continue to increase throughout our nation. Our healthcare system is being overrun despite providers doing their best to flatten the curve. With the vaccine being available that curve can be flattened more quickly.  It is evident that frontline healthcare needs to be vaccinated, however our government doesn’t see that there is a large portion of the healthcare community supporting our country and our positive COVID patients. These are the outpatient healthcare workers who are independent of hospital systems, but who see and treat COVID patients. These doctors also 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 to prevent hospital emergency rooms from becoming overwhelmed during the pandemic. However, in Ohio there is no immediate plan to vaccinate all healthcare workers, especially if they are not associated with a hospital system. These independent offices are being ignored and left to fend for themselves, despite taking in a large portion of the COVID care during this pandemic. There was no plan for these providers. 

Other states have created DOH vaccination sites where any 1a Healthcare worker can schedule themselves to be vaccinated without a prior invitation.  In Ohio these Healthcare workers have been told to wait until pharmacies receive the vaccine, despite their evident and continued exposure risk. They also 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 COVID-19 daily and each of our contributions are equally important in combatting the 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 out patients safely.