Coronavirus (COVID-19)

_________________________________________________________________________________
2/24 Update: ​

______________________________________________________________________________________

2/22 Update

As we continue to advocate on behalf of our patients for additional vaccines, our TPMG physicians have expressed their concerns to state officials and leadership:

A letter from 3,400 members of the Virginia Academy of Family Physicians (VAFP) signed by Dr. Jerome Provenzano, MD, a family practice physician at TPMG, urging the state to collaborate with community-based family medicine physicians and their practices to improve and accelerate COVID-19 vaccination efforts across Virginia. The VAFP leadership stated we’re missing a key component to ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially in rural and underserved communities, where family physicians have established patient relationships. The VAFP leadership believes the urgency to identify and vaccinate our most vulnerable citizens is a much higher priority than the clerical processes involved, especially during this public health emergency. The letter urged Virginia to consider partnering with primary care physicians as part of a successful vaccine distribution strategy.

Read the entire letter here:

VAFP Letter

TPMG

____________________________________________________________________________________

Update: 2/18

For those of you who may have missed Governor Ralph Northam’s press conference, here’s a short recap of what was discussed yesterday regarding the COVID-19 vaccine:

A new vaccination hotline is in place for individuals who cannot access the internet, need help in another language, or prefer to pre-register by phone. The phone number is (877) 829-4682 or 877-VAX-IN-VA. Residents can call between the hours of 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., seven days a week. He stated the state is averaging around 150 sign-ups per minute and at peak hours, around 300 sign-ups per minute. More than 240,000 people had signed up on the new centralized website to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine since the site launched on Tuesday. Additionally, Northam noted 1.6 million registration records are being migrated over to the new system from local health departments.

Governor Northam believes this system will be a tremendous step forward in the vaccination process. In the last several weeks, there has been an increase from 105,000 doses per week to 130,000 doses per week. He expects this number to grow as the Biden administration announced Tuesday, they are increasing allocations to the states.

The governor did talk about COVID-19 scams, noting that the COVID-19 vaccine is free. When pre-registering, you will be asked to provide basic information to determine eligibility; you will not be asked for your social security number or immigration status. Anyone who pre-registers will receive confirmation and a reference code that can be used to verify that you are still on the waitlist.

Centralized Vaccination System: https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/preregister/
Hotline: (877) 829-4682 or 877-VAX-IN-VA

These implementations are part of the infrastructure needed to reach the state’s goal of giving 50,000 doses a day. For the latest TPMG updates related to the COVID-19 vaccine, please see the table below.

TPMG​

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Update: 2/17

The Virginia Department of Health continues to encourage residents to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine through their new centralized website. We understand that not all patients have access to a computer. For those who are uncomfortable or unable to pre-register online, VDH launched a hotline to assist residents. The number is (877) 829-4682.

We would also like to remind you to be patient while access this new system, as the state expects millions of visits to the site this week. Please understand that data migration to the new centralized system will be ongoing throughout the week. We advise you to continue to check back later in the week if your name does not appear in the system.

Once again, this new system allows you to register online; however, it does not schedule appointments. VDH will contact you directly through your preferred method of communication once you’re eligible for an appointment.
https://vaccinate.virginia.gov/preregister/

We will continue to update you with more details as we receive them. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. For the latest TPMG updates related to the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://mytpmg.com/patient-info/coronavirus-covid-19/

TPMG​

2/16 Update

To unify the process of registering for the COVID-19 vaccine, the Commonwealth of Virginia launched a statewide pre-registration system today. On Friday, the Virginia Department of Health directed all local districts to close pre-registration forms and replace them with a link to the new statewide system starting February 16.

Please note: After your eligibility is established, the system will send you to your local health department website. We found that some of these sites haven’t been updated with the state-wide link. Please continue to check back to complete your registration.

If you pre-registered before today, you will maintain your current status in the queue and will be able to confirm your registration in the new system.

This system will allow you to register online; it does not schedule appointments. VDH will contact you through your preferred method of communication when you’re eligible for an appointment.

In conjunction with the new statewide system, the VDH will launch a dashboard that will show vaccines distributed and administered by providers, including health departments. Before the dashboard, there has been no way to track vaccine administration efficiency through health departments, pharmacies, and area hospitals. Currently, that data lies with health department officials, which only some are willing to share. We hope this new statewide system will allow for greater access and transparency among residents as we continue to vaccinate Virginia.

We would also like to remind you to visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/ as a helpful resource to utilize for information related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

We will be updating you with more details throughout the week. To view our latest COVID-19 updates, please visit https://mytpmg.com/patient-info/coronavirus-covid-19/.
​
TPMG

 __________________________________________________________________________________

2/15 Update

Over the weekend, we learned new details from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regarding the COVID-19 vaccine registration. To unify the process of registering for the COVID-19 vaccine, the Commonwealth of Virginia is launching a statewide pre-registration system. On Friday, February 12, the VDH directed all local districts to close pre-registration forms and replace them with a link to the new statewide system starting Tuesday, February 16. For those of you who have already pre-registered, the VDH COVID-19 Vaccination Response​ page states that all existing waiting lists will be imported into the new system. Pre-registered individuals will maintain their current status in the queue and will be able to search for their names in the new system beginning Tuesday at 8 am.

We would also like to remind you to visit: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/ for the latest vaccine updates throughout the state of Virginia. Residents can utilize this resource center to determine which phase their county is in, eligibility requirements, and vaccine information to help you better prepare.

Once again, thank you for your continued support and cooperation. We will be updating you with more details throughout the week. To view our latest COVID-19 updates, please visit mytpmg.com/ https://mytpmg.com/patient-info/coronavirus-covid-19/.

Thank you,

TPMG

_________________________________________________________________________________

We would like to address the numerous comments we have received surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.

As of today, 2/12/21, we have not received 600 doses of vaccine. We have received 300 doses.

We were told by the Health Department that we will receive another 300 doses of the vaccine, but this shipment has yet to arrive. The 200 doses that the health department ordered for TPMG weeks ago has also not arrived.

The statement claiming all TPMG “has to do is order the vaccine and we will receive it” is not true. The system, though originally envisioned to work in that fashion, is not in place. The only way TPMG can receive the vaccine, as of now, is by the health department ordering it for us, based on guidelines they have from the Virginia Department of Health and the availability of vaccine.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Update: 2/12

We understand if you have felt frustrated or overwhelmed with the process of registering for a COVID-19 vaccine. As we have mentioned in previous statements, we have been in ongoing conversations with local politicians, regional health system leaders, and members of the state and local health departments to find answers about when TPMG can secure more vaccines for our patients. Despite the challenges we face, we continue to have a positive outlook and will advocate on your behalf. TPMG is fully equipped and ready to administer vaccines once we receive additional supplies. Please understand that all COVID-19 vaccines come through the CDC and the State of Virginia. We must rely on these two sources for any vaccine. Unfortunately, we are unable to order vaccines directly from the manufacturers. The state is severely restricting who is receiving vaccine supply. While we wait, we recommend all eligible patients sign-up at multiple places, as distribution from the Virginia Department of Health is limited.

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has an online resource for community members to see what vaccine phase their health district is currently at and eligibility requirements.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/phase-by-health-district/

Also, if you have questions regarding the vaccine or are unable to access the internet, you can call the VDH hotline 877-ASKVDH3 (877-275-8343).

COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Sites:

https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/2020-regional-news-releases/virginia-beach-health-district-will-expand-covid-19-vaccination-to-phase-1b-recipients/
https://www.norfolk.gov/5025/How-to-Sign-up-for-Vaccine
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/chesapeake/covid-vaccination-information/
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/portsmouth/covid-vaccine-information/
https://www.suffolkva.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=334
https://www.yorkcounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1883
https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/peninsula/
https://www.cvs.com/

For patients in the Northern Neck who are part of the Three Rivers and Chickahominy health districts they have begun vaccinating “Phase 1b” eligible patients. To register for an appointment visit https://redcap.vdh.virginia.gov/redcap/surveys/?s=LMXRP7FMT4 or call the Northern Neck Resource Center at (888) 204-5357.

This week many Virginians were hopeful of securing an appointment with a CVS pharmacy; however, a lot were disappointed when appointment slots quickly filled up. CVS stated yesterday that although appointments have filled for the week, the pharmacy is expecting to get its next shipment next week and more appointments will become available. This will be ongoing as more shipments are received. As part of a federal program, CVS receives 26,000 doses weekly which are divided among the 36 stores offering the vaccine across the state. We understand your frustration and encourage you to continue to check back for more available appointments at CVS.com.

As we continue to learn more information about the distribution and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine we will provide you with the necessary resources and updates to make informed health care decisions. We will monitor developments over the weekend. To view our COVID-19 vaccine updates this week, please see the table below.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
February 11, 2021​

We continue to learn more information about the statewide coronavirus vaccine waiting list. After recent criticism over inconsistent vaccination efforts, Governor Ralph Northam stated they are working to make it easier for residents. The state is developing a centralized registration system that will include one website and hotline for residents. The center will field any questions people may have about vaccine registration, which phase they are in, and also help Virginians who don’t have access to internet to register.

For those already registered with their local health district you will not lose your spot or need to re-register on the new system. The state’s vaccine coordinator, Dr. Danny Avula, said they are working to supplement, not replace, local efforts. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will manage the new system and plans to launch the website within a few weeks; however, it may take several months before the state launches a universal way for residents to schedule their own appointments. The timing of this new tool will be dependent on vaccine supplies from the federal government. We encourage eligible residents to still register for the vaccine through their local health department.

As many of us wait to get vaccinated it’s important that we continue to “mask up”, as this is a critical step to prevent and stop the spread of COVID-19. Here are two ways you can make sure your mask provides the best protection. First, make sure your mask fits snugly around your face. Second, choose a mask with layers to keep your respiratory droplets in and others’ out. For more tips visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/effective-masks.html

Once again, we would like to assure our patients we continue conversations with local politicians, health system leaders, and state and local health departments to obtain more vaccines for our patients. This will be an ongoing effort. For the latest TPMG updates on the COVID-19 vaccine visit: https://mytpmg.com/patient-info/coronavirus-covid-19/.

TPMG

____________________________________________________________________________________________

2/10 Update

As we continue to move through the vaccination phases, we would like to provide tips courtesy of the CDC on how to best prepare.

What to expect at your vaccine appointment?
– You will receive a vaccination card that tells you the date you received it, where you received it, and the type of COVID-19 vaccine you received.
– Continue to follow COVID-19 safety measures – social distancing, wearing a mask, and avoiding crowds.

After getting the vaccine
– Ask your provider about v-safe, a free, smartphone-based tool with personalized health check-ins and a reminder for your second dose. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vsafe
– It’s important you continue to wear your mask. You could be spreading the infection even though you’re not sick because your vaccinated.

Common side-effects
– Pain and swelling at the site of injection.
– Fever, chills, tiredness, and headache throughout the body.
– Drink plenty of fluids and exercise your arm at the site of injection.

Scheduling your 2nd dose
– Pfizer vaccine (21 days) after the initial dose, Moderna vaccine (28 days) after the initial dose.

Is it safe?
– The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two COVID-19 vaccines which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data and findings from large clinical trials.

For additional questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, watch tonight’s Vaccinate Virginia: Virtual town hall on WAVY TV from 7pm to 8pm. The panel will feature the state’s vaccine coordinator, Dr. Danny Avula, along with other local medical experts.

Do your part to protect yourself and others by practicing COVID-19 safety measures, and together let’s bring an end to the pandemic. For the latest TPMG updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, please see the table below.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Update: 2/9

With more than 1 million vaccines administered to Virginians and positivity rates dropping, we are slowly making progress throughout the state. The Virginia Department of Health has reported a total of 206,942 people fully vaccinated in Virginia. Furthermore, the state’s positivity rate has significantly decreased since the start of the year. On February 8th, 1,700 new cases were reported in the state, a 28 percent decrease from two weeks earlier where we saw an average of 3,312 cases per day.

Today, we find out new information on the rollout of vaccines at local CVS pharmacies. CVS have decided to push back registration to Thursday, February 11th, and will begin administering vaccines on Friday, February 12th. The decision was made to ensure vaccine availability for eligible individuals. Additionally, CVS is only allowing those 65 years of age and older to register at this time. The following Hampton Roads cities will be administering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment only – Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg.

For seniors and those without internet access living in Norfolk, there’s a resource to help you pre-register. Beginning tomorrow until Friday, February 26th Norfolk recreation centers will open Monday through Friday to assist eligible Norfolk Phase 1b residents. No appointment is needed, and each resident will receive a pre-registration confirmation card.

Vaccinate Norfolk Pre-registration effort:
– Berkley Neighborhood Multi-Service Center
– Vivian C. Mason Technology
– Sherwood Forest Recreation Center
– Norfolk Fitness & Wellness Center
– Park Place Multi-Purpose Center
– East Oceanview Recreation Center

If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, we encourage you to register at multiple locations in your designated health district. Additionally, we advise patients to continually monitor the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for the latest COVID-19 vaccine updates. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

We appreciate your continued support and cooperation. For the latest TPMG updates pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, please see the table below.

Thank you,
TPMG

February 1, 2021

We know that many of our patients have questions about how they can obtain the COVID-19 vaccine and are unhappy with the lack of vaccine availability and lack of information about when they might expect to receive a vaccine. We understand your frustration when you hear that a family member or friend who has a Primary Care Provider (PCP) at one of the large health systems in our region is able to receive a COVID -19 vaccine.

Please understand that all COVID-19 vaccines come through the CDC and the State of Virginia. We must rely on these two sources for any vaccine. Unfortunately, the state is severely restricting who is receiving vaccine supply. Also, TPMG cannot order vaccines directly from any of the vaccine manufacturers.

Over the last several weeks, TPMG has communicated with Senators Warner and Kaine, the Secretary of Health for the State of Virginia, the leadership of the state’s vaccine program through several organizations of which we are members, local politicians, regional health systems leaders, and members of the state and local health departments to request vaccine be shipped to us for our patients. Even with these efforts, which we assure you are ongoing with the CDC and Virginia Department of Health, we have only received 300 doses. Unfortunately, we have not been told when or if we will receive additional vaccines.

We apologize; this will not make you feel any better. Still, it is to say that at this point, you need to follow your local news outlets and health department websites for information on how to sign up for or register to receive a COVID-19 vaccine outside of TPMG.

If we do receive an additional supply of vaccines, we will distribute them based on the number of doses we receive and individual patient medical history based on the CDC guidelines.

As we receive more information, we will pass it along. We plan to post daily updates (Monday – Friday) even if the update is to say we do not have any additional information. Please be assured that we are advocating as strongly as we can for our patients.

We appreciate your patience.​

TPMG

_______________________________________________________________________________​_________________

Dear TPMG Patient,

Your TPMG providers understand the high level of interest and demand for obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine. However, at this time we do not have information regarding when the COVID-19 vaccine will become available to the general public. We encourage all Virginia residents to monitor the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) COVID-19 Vaccine website. The VDH COVID-19 vaccine website: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

The VaccineFinder website will be updated once COVID-19 vaccination is widely available to the public to help direct people to find a vaccine provider near them. The VaccineFinder website link: https://www.vaccinefinder.org/​

Additionally, please refer to both the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites for information on the phases of groups that will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine following Phase 1a. At this time, we are unable to prioritize patients to obtain the vaccine based upon health conditions.

When we learn more information about the distribution and availability of these vaccines, we plan to send out another mass message to update our patients.

Please assist us with the high call volume by first checking the above resources or mytpmg.com before calling the office regarding vaccine availability. https://mytpmg.com/patient-info/coronavirus-covid-19/

Thank you,
Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group
Your Health, Skillfully Guided

While influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, they are caused by different viruses:

– COVID-19 is caused by an infection called SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus.
– Influenza is cause by infections of influenza viruses.

While the two viruses have similar symptoms, it may be difficult to determine the difference between the two, based on symptoms alone. Testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. This page compares the two viruses and offers the most accurate available information

For more information on symptoms of Coronavirus, visit the CDC website here.

Patient Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

See Frequently Asked Questions here.

Telemedicine Now Available

Learn more virtual telemedicine visits with TPMG providers here.

In-Person Office Visits

For more information about in-person office visits and the safety precautions being taken by TPMG offices, click here. In response to the current COVID-19 situation, we require all patients age 3 year and older to come to TPMG offices in a mask.

TPMG After Hours Care Clinic Telemedicine Visits

TPMG After Hours Care Clinic is offering Telemedicine visits. For more information, click here.
*Please note, TPMG After Hours Care Clinic remains closed at this time for in-person visits for the safety of our patients and staff.

Now Scheduling Screening Mammograms

TPMG is monitoring developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) both with respect to our patients and our employees. We are closely following guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and have been in regular contact with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

Updates related to TPMG medical office operating hours will be provided on this page during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The health and safety of our patients and our employees is our top priority.

If you are feeling symptoms related to Coronavirus, please call your Primary Care Provider.

Symptoms include:

– Fever
– Cough
– Muscle pain
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
– Fatigue
– Sore Throat
– Chills
– Repeated shaking with chills
– Headache
– Congestion or runny nose
– Nausea or vomiting
– New loss of taste or smell

This is not an inclusive list and you may experience some symptoms and not others.

Your Primary Care Provider and the staff will work with you to determine your next steps. Your doctor has a protocol to work with the local health department to determine testing and additional care.

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing:

– Trouble breathing
– Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
– New confusion or inability to wake or stay awake
– Bluish lips or face

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: Notify the operator that you are in need of care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.