Flu vaccines: Two convenient options for providers Sept. 29 – Oct. 31

Getting a flu shot this fall is more important than ever. We anticipate an influx of COVID-19 cases this fall and winter – made even more dangerous during flu season. As providers, it’s imperative that we help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses for our patients, families, colleagues, hospitals and ourselves by getting a flu vaccine.

Point of dispensing (POD) exercises are an important component of Providence Caregiver Health Services’ annual influenza vaccination campaign and will be conducted using social distancing criteria. These POD exercises help the department and all Providence employees drill for a mass vaccination event.

Or if you prefer, providers can schedule an appointment any time between Sept. 29 and Oct. 31 to get a flu shot at your local Caregiver Health Services office. 

Providence expects 100 percent participation among providers. Vaccination data is publicly reported. Below are details about getting a flu shot using either of the two options.

Option 1: Participate in social distancing vaccine event

The social distancing vaccination POD event is open to all Providence employed and non-employed providers. If you choose to participate in the vaccination event, you can self-schedule.

When and where to participate

The flu events will be held Sept. 29 – Oct. 31 at all eight Providence acute care hospitals and at Providence Medical Group clinics in Oregon.
 

PORTLAND METRO:

• Providence St. Vincent, Sept. 29 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Stanley Family Room 21
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center, Oct. 1 (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Conference Rooms 3 and 4
• Providence Portland Medical Center, Oct. 2 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.), Social Room
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital, Oct. 5 (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Mother Gamelin Room
   

YAMHILL:

• Providence Newberg Medical Center, Oct. 5 (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Dundee Conference Room

NORTH COAST: (Note: there are several vaccine events at Providence Seaside, due to smaller rooms and social distancing requirements).

• Providence Seaside Hospital, Oct. 7 (3 p.m. – 7 p.m.), Education Room A
• Providence Seaside Hospital, Oct. 8 (6 a.m. – 10 a.m.), Education Room A
• Providence Seaside Hospital, Oct. 9 (4 p.m. – 8 p.m.), Education Room A
• Providence Seaside Hospital, Oct. 12 (6 a.m. – 10 a.m.), Education Room A
• Providence Seaside Hospital, Oct. 15 (5 p.m. – 8 p.m.), Education Room A

SOUTHERN OREGON:

• Providence Medford Medical Center, Oct. 9 (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Mary Norbert Hall

COLUMBIA GORGE:

• Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, Oct. 5 (7 a.m. – 4 p.m.), Conference Room 1 and 2

Option 2:  Go to Caregiver Health Services

Caregiver Health Services is happy to vaccinate our employed and non-employed providers and will use social distancing practices. We have made it convenient to schedule an appointment online. When you receive your flu shot, you will receive a copy of your vaccine consent. We recommend that you take a photo of your vaccination record as proof of compliance. 

Business hours and locations:

Adhering to our flu policy

Providence’s influenza policy requires all caregivers, volunteers and others who work in patient care areas in a facility, clinic or ambulatory setting – as well as those who have reason to enter a patient care setting – either to accept the influenza vaccination, or decline. Those who decline the flu vaccine must wear a surgical mask when entering patient care areas when flu season is declared.

As always, we appreciate your partnership in working together to reduce the impact of influenza season.

Authored by:
Steven Freer, M.D., FACP, chief medical officer, Oregon Region; Isidor Brill Chair, Department of Medicine, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center

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