Can anyone talk to their physicians?

[question everything]

My primary care giver is with Fairveiw. I usually communicate via messages in MyChart but asking for the vaccine just gives me an auto response that they give it only to people 75 and older.

My 75 year old spouse will have an open heart surgery in three weeks - thankfully has been getting the vaccines - and I need to be vaccinated too. Am on two waiting lists but everything is automated. Perhaps I am with the wrong health system.

When I tried to call and explained this I was directed to the Dept. of Health, yea, a great help.

Park Nicollet has been doing a good job. It seems.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. i am with Fairview also, and on Jan. 28 I got this email, which you probably got as well:

Now scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments for people 75+ years old

While there are still very few doses of vaccine available at this time, today, M Health Fairview will begin scheduling COVID-19 vaccination appointments for people 75 years of age or older in addition to front-line health care workers who cannot perform their job remotely. The M Health Fairview COVID-19 vaccination effort is a phased approach, per guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health.

You will be asked to show identification including a driver’s license or other government issued ID or proof of employment at the time of your vaccination, whichever is applicable.

COVID-19 vaccines require two doses. Please choose a first appointment that allows you to return exactly 21 days later at the same location. Your second vaccine appointment will be scheduled when you receive your first dose.

To understand side effects or criteria that would prevent you from receiving the vaccine, visit the CDC.

Confirm your eligibility and schedule your appointment now.

NOTE: We are currently not scheduling vaccines for individuals 75 years of age or older at Fairview Range and Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital. We expect to begin scheduling vaccinations for individuals who meet these criteria at Fairview Range and at Grand Itasca as soon as vaccine supply becomes available through the Minnesota Department of Health.

If you do not meet current eligibility requirements, you can still take action now. Visit your M Health Fairview MyChart account to update your communications preferences and opt-in for e-mail and text message communication from us. Emails and text messages are the best ways for us to communicate with you, your friends, and your family about the upcoming availability of a COVID-19 vaccine. In the coming weeks, we will be vaccinating other age groups, in accordance with guidance from state and federal partners. We will be notifying our patients of changes in priority via email and text messages.

We appreciate your patience as we work tirelessly to vaccinate as many people as we can as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible. Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Hub for more information.

Thank you.

I took this to mean I'd be notified when people under 75 are eligible. Have you tried emailing your personal physician directly with a question about your health or your husband's that's more than a question about when you can get vaccinated - e.g., "My husband who is over 75 is having surgery soon. He's had the covid vaccine but I have not. Is it safe for either him or me to be around him after he has the surgery?" Switching health systems probably won't make any difference; my brother is with Health Partners and is in exactly the same situation - waiting to hear from them when the vaccine is available.

[question everything]

2. I have email my personal physician. I don't think that they see them. It goes to the computer in

search of code words and got that form letter. Because this is what I have said. Worse, that conversation is "closed" I cannot respond.

Two years ago, on a different matter, I was so pissed at that "roboletter" that someone actually called me to straighten things out

I think that the only way to talk to my physician is to make an appointment.

I have arranged for an appointment with my cardiologist, though. In the past few months, ever since we found out about the surgery - which was delayed to February with the hope of lowering the number of Covidiots - I have been going around with pressure on my chest which is probably a panic attack. But at least I will see someone.

I stopped at CVS. Yes, they are supposed to get vaccines next week. The manager said that his 65 year old father in law got the vaccine... in Arizona.

Thanks for the reply.

[dflprincess]

3. I also received that email from Fairview

Ironically, right after I set up my "e-visit" with my doctor to figure out if I should be tested. (And, yes, I'm postive, lucky it's a fairly mild case).

An "e-visit" consists of filling out a detailed questionnaire; I think they also have video visits, it might be worth trying to set one of those up.

BTW my friend is having an awful time getting through to her doc in the Park Nicollet/HealthPartners system. I think all the clinics are overwhelmed right now especially with people looking for the vaccine.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Yikes, sorry to hear you got the bug, hope you recover quickly!

[dflprincess]

5. Thanks

It's like two steps forward and 1 back. But, as I said I've been fairly lucky. Except for some sinus congestion no real breathing problems mostly just headaches and fatigue. But, let me tell you, not being able to taste or smell is weird. On the other hand, I've lost a few pounds because when all your food "tastes" the same, it really puts a crimp on your appetite.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

6. Yuck, but it's good that you don't have the really nasty symptoms.

I had a really bad head cold once where I couldn't taste or smell anything for a couple of days and it was really annoying. Would totally suck to have it go on for weeks.