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.
If you are 65 years of age or older and have not received your COVID19 vaccine and would like to, please answer the questions below. If you meet the criteria you will be redirected to our online scheduling portal.
Questions and answers about the COVID-19 Vaccines – 4/13/2021
Does Entira have Vaccines?
Yes – we are receiving a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccines.
How is Entira distributing Vaccines?
Entira will be prioritizing patients that are at a higher risk due to underlying health conditions and patients 65+.
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://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/index.jsp
Do I need an appointment?
Yes – we are calling patients to schedule appointments.
How will I be notified I am selected to get a vaccine?
At this time, we will call you on the telephone when you are eligible to make an appointment.
Can I be added to a waitlist?
We are not using a waitlist at this time. We are using a randomized approach based on our prioritization guidelines.
Why was I called and not my spouse/significant other?
We are using a randomized approach based on our prioritization guidelines. Due to the low volume of vaccines being received it is a randomized approach per person.
Why is Entira using a lottery process?
We want to vaccinate all of our patients that want to be vaccinated. However, due to the very limited amount of COVID-19 vaccines received and the number of Entira patients we are utilizing a randomized approach because all of our patients are important to us.
What if I have an underlying condition that Entira does not know about?
The best way for us to take care of you is to be aware of your medical conditions. We would appreciate receiving any information you have to help us best serve you.
What if I am an essential worker (Child care, food processing and retail, first responders, etc.) without an underlying condition, can I get vaccinated? Essential workers are given priority through public health and state mass vaccine sites. We encourage you to visit the MDH webpage to identify your location and appointments: please go to this link on MDH website.
I have an underlying condition and am getting my vaccination somewhere else, how do I get documentation from Entira. We want to vaccinate all of our patients that want to be vaccinated. However, due to the limited amount of COVID-19 vaccines we understand you may have the opportunity to be vaccinated elsewhere. We support you to get vaccinated if you want to be vaccinated. If you need documentation to be vaccinated, please contact us at 651-788-4444.
Do I have a choice in which vaccine I receive?
No. Entira’s allocation may vary from week to week. All FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC recommends that you should get any COVID-19 vaccine that is available when you are eligible. The COVID-19 vaccines are very good at protecting you from COVID-19 disease. If you do get sick with COVID-19 after being vaccinated, it is less likely that you will get very sick or have to go to the hospital. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will be one of the best ways to protect yourself and everyone around you.
__________________________________________________________________________
COVID VACCINE INFORMATION:
For the latest information, please go to this link on MDH website. As we learn more, we will post information here on our website.
TESTING FOR COVID, INFLUENZA AND STREP:
Most 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.
- A TeleVisit appointment will be scheduled prior to any testing.
- During the TeleVisit, 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.
- If you need a test, you will be informed of which clinic to go to and what time your scheduled test will be done. These scheduled appointments are done Monday-Friday from 8 am – 4 pm. Signs at each clinic will provide details and parking instructions.
- Rapid Antigen Test typically have same day results. Patient will be called with results.
- PCR Test are sent to a lab and the results can take approximately 24-72 hours.
- In addition, State Saliva Testing Sites are available:
* For information, see here
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 reasons, 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.
- Our East Side clinic will have a “sick baby clinic” which will see patients under 2 years of age with these same symptoms.
- You must have a scheduled appointment to be seen at any of the Sick Clinics and Sick Baby Clinic. 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.
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 TeleVisit with the patient’s primary care provider.
• After the TeleVisit 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.
PATIENT UPDATE:
Mask Required: Effective July 25, Governor Walz announced a statewide mandate which requires people to wear face masks inside stores, and indoor gatherings, such as clinics. All patients must be universally masked. For the safety of yourself and our staff, we ask that you wear a mask or other cloth face coverings such as a bandana or scarf when you come to the clinic for all appointments. Masks must be worn at all times at the clinic and in the exam room as well. Thank you.