COVID Vaccine/Booster Information - Updated October 24, 2022
Cascade Medical offers vaccines and boosters to all our patients aged 5 and older! This includes Pfizer Bivalent for children 5-11 years old, and Moderna Bivalent for children 6-17 years old.
Simply give us a call at (509) 548-5815 to make your appointment.
Confused about all the different vaccines (J&J, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novaxx)? Clinical trials show all available vaccines work extremely well at preventing severe Covid-19. For more information on how the vaccines differ in administration, age ranges that are best for each one, etc., click on this link.
Not sure if you are eligible for a booster? Click here for a helpful tool that will help you figure out if you are due for a booster, and if so, which one to get.
What if you're immunocompromised? This chart is the one for you.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW PRIOR TO YOUR COVID BOOSTER APPOINTMENT
- Bring a copy of your ID, Insurance card, and your Covid vaccination card/proof of vaccination to your appointment
- If you are feeling ill at the time of your appointment, DO NOT come to receive a vaccine.
- If you have had a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days, recommendations suggest deferring the vaccine.
- Be ready to mask and social distance as much as possible during the extent of your appointment
- Please wear comfortable tops, blouses, shirts, that can easily provide access to the upper arm
- If you are pregnant, engage in shared decision making with your OB/GYN prior to scheduling a vaccine appointment.
- You will be provided a hard copy of the EUA vaccine information sheet. Please click here to review prior to vaccine administration: https://www.fda.gov/media/144637/download
TESTING INFORMATION
NOTE: In order to preserve resources, Cascade Medical tests for COVID-19 will be given ONLY for symptomatic patients. Thank you for your understanding.
Cascade Medical is working closely with the Chelan-Douglas Health District and state Department of Health in response to the threat of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Our top priorities are:
- To prevent further spread of the disease
- Ensure a safe environment for patients and staff at Cascade Medical
While this is a new virus, our response is well-practiced. Our staff train year-round to respond to infectious diseases safely, with protocols in place to utilize specialized equipment, protective gear and spaces designed for infection control. We are staying current on best-practice guidelines from the CDC and our local health district, with daily briefings from state and federal partners.
We activated our Hospital Incident Command System for better coordination and communication, with our staff, partner agencies and our community. Here's a list of safety measures we are taking to protect everyone's health and maintain a safe environment for care.
We ask our community to join this effort by staying informed, and protecting yourselves and loved ones with preventative measures.
Important resources:
- Chelan-Douglas Health District
- Washington State COVID-19
- Washington State Department of Health
- Centers for Disease Control
- Patterns, drop-off locations for homemade protective equipment
Patient materials:
- Basic FAQ about COVID-19 (CDC): English, Español
- Home care for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (CDC, Español tambien)
- What to do if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath, but haven't been around anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 (State DOH): English, Español
- What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with COVID-19 (State DOH): English, Español
How can I protect myself and my family?
-- Wash your hands frequently, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
-- Avoid touching your face.
-- Cover your cough and sneezes.
-- Stay away from people who are sick
-- Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, including cell phones, keyboards and door knobs
-- Stay informed with reputable information sources, such as Chelan-Douglas Health District, Washington State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control.
What is Cascade Medical doing to ensure that patients and staff are safe?
For the safety of our patients and staff, Cascade Medical will screen everyone upon arrival according to CDC guidelines. Please allow extra time before your appointments. We will welcome you at the Main Admitting entrance on Commercial Street. A staff member will ask how you're feeling, take your temperature and give you a medical-grade mask to wear while you're here.
Please call first if you have respiratory symptoms. If you or someone you know intends to visit Cascade Medical with a fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call (509) 548-5815 and we will arrange to treat you in a way that reduces the likelihood of transmission.
After 5 p.m.: Please enter through the Emergency Department entrance for screening. Again, please call first if you have any respiratory symptoms.
I have a scheduled appointment at Cascade Medical. Is it safe to keep that appointment?
Most healthcare services are available in person. We also offer telehealth appointments, so you can visit with your provider and care team with your phone, tablet or computer. If you are not sure, call your care team and they will help you determine which option is best for you.
If I have a loved one who is currently an inpatient at Cascade Medical, may I visit them?
For the safety of our patients in Acute Care and Swing Bed, we request that all visitors stay home until further notice.
What is the status of COVID-19 at Cascade Medical?
Cascade Medical has sent over 200 samples for testing. Four were positive -- two in late March and two in May. The remaining results are pending or negative. To protect the privacy of our patients, we will not disclose any other information.
I think I may have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. What do I do?
Refer to our patient materials above for information on how to self-isolate and prevent the spread of disease when you don't feel well.
If you need medical care, call before you arrive in person. Whenever possible, we prefer to start the screening process over the phone. If necessary, we will arrange to treat you in a way that reduces the disease’s transmission.
Should I get tested for COVID-19?
Cascade Medical will test anyone with symptoms associated with COVID-19, including: shortness of breath, fever, coughing, chills, shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell. If you do have symptoms of concern, please call BEFORE you arrive at Cascade Medical.
How much does COVID-19 testing cost?
The state Insurance Commissioner ordered most insurers to cover the cost of COVID-19 testing. Please be advised the state doesn't regulate all insurance plans, including Medicare and Veterans Affairs, so please check with your insurer.
The cost of the test is $135. If a triage nurse orders the test, it’s billed as an outpatient lab ($135). You will only incur Emergency Department charges if you need immediate medical treatment.
If you don’t have insurance, we offer a community financial assistance program and payment plans. We can also help you enroll for health insurance through Washington HealthPlanFinder.
Read more from the Insurance Commissioner's office: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/health-insurance-and-coronavirus-covid-19-…
I don't have insurance. What are my options?
-- Cascade Medical offers a community financial assistance program, as well as payment plan options. Read more: https://cascademedical.org/financial-assistance
-- If you need help finding a health insurance plan that fits your situation, call Cascade Medical at (509) 548-5815 and we will connect you with one of our bilingual insurance navigators. We can also help you navigate Washington Healthplanfinder, which offers enrollment for life-changing events, including change of employment.
Is Upper Valley Mend offering Free Clinic?
Upper Valley MEND's Free Clinic is open every Monday at Cascade Medical from 6:30pm-8pm.