January 14, 2021
In today’s update, you will find important information, including:
- Important Update + A Request: COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
- Sign Up to Volunteer at the Tualatin Vaccination Clinic by Noon Today
- RCC Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Hot Topics!
- More Answers to Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Ready to Schedule the Second Dose of Your COVID-19 Vaccine?
Important Update + A Request: COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
We know some of you have been unable to find available appointment times. As of yesterday afternoon, we have opened additional appointments for the vaccination event we are holding this weekend at our Tualatin Medical Office Building on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you received a scheduling ticket: as of yesterday afternoon, you can schedule an appointment for the Tualatin vaccination event this weekend.
If you are a NW-based Program Office employee: you may be able to schedule at Tualatin starting today, via kp.org.
Note: Due to the positive, overwhelming response, appointment times are filling fast. If you are unable to find an appointment time, rest assured, more appointments and clinics are opening soon.
AN IMPORTANT REQUEST: this weekend’s vaccination event is open by invitation only to KPNW employees with appointments, and members and non-members who are part of the 1a group AND received an invite from their employer. We need to support our teams working the event, giving them time to test and improve our workflows. We do not want to create an overwhelming first experience for them. Please support the invitation-only process and do not invite others to attend.
The good news you can share with members is that we are actively working to stand up large vaccination events, beginning as soon as next week. Updates will be forthcoming soon.
Sign-up to Volunteer at the Tualatin Vaccination Clinic by Noon Today
There remains a need for volunteers January 16 & 17, at the Tualatin vaccination clinic. Vaccination hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with hours of greeters and vaccinators varying as needed for set up/break down. If you can help, please complete the availability form before noon today. Volunteers will be awarded in seniority order, following local bargaining guidelines as applicable.
Regional Command Center Leaders Share the Latest COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
During Tuesday’s live audiocast, leaders provided important updates and answers on the COVID-19 vaccine and more.
If you missed it, listen to the audio recording. You can also review the COVID-19 FAQs on the COVID-19 NW page.
Plan on joining the next LIVE audio broadcast Tuesday, January 19, starting at 12:10 p.m. Submit your questions or suggestions for future topics.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Hot Topics!
We are working to rapidly increase the speed and volume of COVID-19 vaccines administered to our employees, members, and non-members so we can reach herd immunity and protect everyone in our communities. We are in discussions with the Oregon Convention Center, in preparation for a large-scale community vaccination event next week. Details are still being worked out and we’re eager to share more soon!
Below are the hot topics of the moment:
- How will members be notified when they’re eligible for a COVID-19 mRna vaccine?
The vaccine rollout has been rapid and changing quickly. As stewards of the vaccine, we are following the guidance of the CDC, the Oregon Health Authority and the Washington State Health Department. Patients will be notified when they’re eligible. Direct members to kp.org/covidvaccine, select Northwest region, to learn about eligibility.
- Can I give my scheduling ticket to someone else?
No. The initial COVID-19 vaccines have been purchased by and are owned by the federal government. We are stewards of the vaccines and are required to administer them to the populations prioritized by state health departments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. You cannot give your scheduling ticket to someone else.
- What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Common side effects include a sore arm, headaches, and fatigue. Most side effects are usually mild or moderate and resolve within a few days after vaccine administration. The side effects show your body is responding.
- Is it true that people 65+ are now eligible?
The federal government recently announced, under Operation Warp Speed, that all people 65+ are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We are awaiting further guidance on how to prioritize that group in KPNW.
- Do the vaccines work against variant strains?
New variant strains are circulating in the United States and throughout the world. A new study shows the Pfizer vaccine can protect against these new strains, and we expect that we can extrapolate that the Moderna vaccine would protect, as well. However, this study has not been peer reviewed or published. It does suggest that the vaccines we have will continue to be effective. In the meantime, Kaiser Permanente is continuing to strictly follow CDC guidelines to help keep everyone safe while our researchers and infectious disease physician experts work closely with public health officials to better understand new strains of the virus.
- Do we need to continue to wear masks and physically distance?
The COVID-19 vaccine does provide enhanced protection for you once you have been vaccinated. What we don’t know is whether the vaccine prevents asymptomatic transmissions. We don’t have enough evidence yet to say when you can resume regular activities. Until we have that data, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic: cover your mouth and nose with a mask, wash your hands often, and stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Will employees receive additional paid time off to be vaccinated?
No. We follow our usual pay practices for a voluntary vaccination, such as the flu shot. Your health and safety are our top priority, and we are working to make getting vaccinated onsite at Kaiser Permanente easy and convenient. You can be vaccinated before or after work or while on break. Employees can also get vaccinated by any COVID-19 vaccine provider approved by their state. Provided it works operationally and other options are not available, employees may be vaccinated during scheduled paid time. For example, like the flu shot, employees are not required to clock out for a vaccination opportunity available during a shift outside of a break/meal period if the department can accommodate. Due to the observation period and vaccination sites for this vaccine, it may be less likely than for flu vaccine to be able to be accommodated during a shift, but it is not precluded.
Update! More Answers to Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
We’ve updated the COVID-19 Vaccine Employee FAQs to help answer your questions about the vaccine.
Ready to Schedule the Second Dose of Your COVID-19 Vaccine? More Appointment Times and Clinics Will Open Soon.
Some of our own Kaiser Permanente staff are due for their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in the next 7 to 14 days. Over the next several days, while we transition appointments and vaccine supply to our large-scale vaccination clinics, employees due for their second dose may not be able to find an open appointment time. Please be assured, we will soon open up second dose appointments for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at locations throughout the metro area. We recommend you receive your second dose of Pfizer on or after day 21 and the 2nd dose of Moderna vaccine on or after day 28. However, if that is not possible, it is okay to complete your vaccine later and it will still be effective. You will not need to repeat your series.
NWP 365 Podcast Episodes
Episode 125 | Dr. Dacones speaks to Dr. Spindel about COVID-19, vaccine priority, quarantine, and PPE.
Situation Update
Note: The COVID-19 Quick Facts Dashboard has been updated to include vaccination data.
Join the “COVID-19 Vaccination: It Matters in Saving Black Lives” Virtual Townhall
The Institute and UCLA BRITE Center for Science, Research and Policy invite you to attend a virtual town hall Saturday, January 16, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with some of the nations’ premier COVID-19 experts and historically Black institution and organization leaders to address facts, fears and myths pertaining to COVID-19 vaccinations as we fight to protect and save Black lives. Learn how to attend.