Ochsner Lafayette General has released information about the way they will offer vaccines; at this time they are reaching out to eligible people to schedule appointments.
There will be no walk-ups accepted. The information about how to schedule an appointment will be sent directly to those patients who are eligible, OLG officials say.
Yesterday, the state Health Department issued a press release encouraging hospitals to offer vaccines they don't need for their staff to others on the priority list.
Here's the full statement from Ochsner Lafayette General Chief Medical Officer Amanda Logue, MD about how this will work:
“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm we’ve seen from our healthcare providers, patients and community members about the COVID-19 vaccine. Since December 15, Ochsner Lafayette General has administered 3,062 vaccine doses to our employees, community physicians and other affiliated healthcare workers throughout Region IV. This week is a positive and monumental step forward in our fight against COVID-19. Ochsner Health is excited to partner with Governor Edwards and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) as we begin to vaccinate some of our community members, starting with existing Ochsner Lafayette General patients age 70 and older.
"Due to the limited number of vaccines available, patients meeting the criteria will receive direct communication from Ochsner Lafayette General with information about how to schedule their vaccinations. We will begin directly communicating with these patients today, starting with those who have visited one of our clinics in the last 90 days. Vaccinations are by appointment only for Ochsner Lafayette General patients age 70 and older, and we cannot accept walk-ins.
"At this time our vaccine shipments remain unpredictable, but it is our goal with each shipment to quickly and efficiently offer the vaccine to the tiered groups outlined by the CDC and the state. We understand there is great community demand and we appreciate your understanding and patience as we reach out to all eligible patients over the coming weeks.
"Although the initial vaccine rollout is limited to patients aged 70+, we anticipate expanding vaccine availability across the community very soon. As eligibility is expanded, we will contact patients and community members about how and when they can schedule appointments to receive the vaccine. We encourage both patients and community members with questions about the vaccine to visit LafayetteGeneral.com/vaccinefor the latest information and the LDH website for a full list of pharmacy locations across the state.
"While we continue to share in the hope and excitement of vaccinating our community for COVID-19, we must not lose sight of how important continued mitigation efforts remain. Please continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, maintain good hand hygiene and avoid gathering with individuals outside of your household. As we experience record numbers of cases in Louisiana and increased hospitalizations, we are reminded that we have a long way to go in our fight against COVID-19. We will get through this by protecting ourselves, our families and our community.”
