COVID-19

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE:

Entira continues to work hard to care for all of our patients in a safe environment and in accordance with current MDH/CDC guidelines.

Entira Family Clinics continues to receive a limited amount of the COVID-19 vaccine for our patients. Entira is offering vaccination appointments to individuals who would like to be vaccinated per MDH’s criteria.  Patients age 12 and older are now eligible to receive the vaccine.  

• Moderna Vaccine: approved for patients 18 and older
• Pfizer Vaccine: approved for patients 12 and older

Entira Family Clinics is now offering the booster vaccine.  The CDC now recommends a booster shot for Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine receipts who meet certain eligibility requirements.

• To be eligible for a booster vaccine:
  • You must have gotten a Pfizer vaccine only and must be 6 months out from when you received your 2^nd vaccine shot
  • Provide documentation that you received Pfizer, and have had both doses
  • Meet eligibility requirements per CDC.  Link to CDC criteria requirements https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html 

If you want to receive your COVID-19 vaccine or meet the CDC requirements for the booster you can schedule an  appointment on-line by clicking https://health.healow.com/entira or contacting your clinic.

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We encourage you to review all available options for vaccination. Please visit the Minnesota Vaccine Finder website to find additional sites for COVID-19 vaccinations: https://vaccineconnector.mn.gov/en-US/

COVID VACCINE INFORMATION:
For the latest information, please go to this link on MDH website.

MASK EXEMPTION:
Mask exemption waivers will be provided for qualifying medical reasons only.  Exemption waivers will not be provided for athletic masks.

TESTING FOR COVID, INFLUENZA AND STREP:
All of our primary care clinics are providing testing for COVID, Influenza and Strep. For convenience and to separate these patients from others being seen for different reasons, there are separate entrances for those with acute symptoms, which are clearly marked at each clinic location.

Please follow these steps:

• Call 651-788-4444 to schedule a testing appointment. You must have an appointment to be tested.
• An appointment will be scheduled prior to any testing.
• During your appointment, the provider will discuss your symptoms and determine if testing is needed. The provider will determine if you need a Rapid Antigen Test OR a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test.
• Rapid Antigen Tests typically have same day results.  Patient will be called with results.
• PCR Tests are sent to a lab and the results can take approximately 24-72 hours but can take longer.  Entira cannot guarantee results within this time frame due to the rapid surge in Covid-19.

SARS Covid Antigen Test – Fact Sheet For Patients
SARS Covid + Flu Test – Fact Sheet For Patients

SICK CLINICS:

• We have expanded our respiratory care clinics to all locations to better serve you closer to your home and work.
• We have designated Sick Clinic schedules and staff to see patients with new possible COVID, respiratory symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, sore throat, congestion, amongst others.
• For convenience and to separate these patients from others being seen for different reason, there are separate entrances for those with acute symptoms, which are clearly marked at each clinic location.
• Sick Clinic Hours varies from site to site.
• You must have a scheduled appointment to be seen at any of the Sick Clinics.  Please call our Scheduling Department at 651-788-4444.
• TeleVisits and E-Visits continue to be a great option for an alternative to in person visits.  See the link here for more information and to see a video.

Entira is taking the following steps to provide a safe environment for your care:

• Universal masking for all patients and staff
• Social distancing
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting in all waiting areas and exam rooms

Coronavirus (COVID 19) Serology & Antibody Testing: All clinics are offering  serology/antibody testing. Please call 651-788-4444 to schedule this service. For more details, see this: COVID-19 Serology Patient info sheet (1)

• Patients need to call 651-788-4444 to talk to a Triage Nurse.
• After talking to a Triage Nurse, they will schedule a visit with the patient’s primary care provider.
• After the appointment, the provider will then decide if a COVID-19 test should be performed and inform the patient during this time.
• After determining if the patient needs a COVID-19 test, THEN the patient will be directed to go to our North St. Paul clinic for testing.

Please see this link for more information on testing locations. 
CDC Overview on Coronavirus
MN Dept of Health Overview on Coronavirus

Click here for: Coronavirus self checker that you may find useful.