Jan 2021 - With the potential for inclement weather, we wanted to remind everyone that while we make every effort to remain open, hazardous road conditions *may* change our operating hours. If that happens, we'll make every effort to update the website, the FB page, and reach out to scheduled patients - however- if the power/internet are knocked out due to weather, that could hinder our abilities to make these updates. If you're unsure about our operating hours and haven't heard from us, feel free to call the main number (828-254-2444). Either our office or our answering service will be able to advise. Thank you- and stay safe!
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates:
1/22/21 People who need transportation assistance to a COVID-19 vaccine should reach out to their local transit agency, which you can find here NC_public_transit.pdf - For a list of vaccine providers by county, you can visit YourSpotYourShot.nc.gov
1/22/21 We've heard that a lot of our patients are having trouble getting through to the Health Department to schedule their COVID-19 vaccines. Due to extremely high demand and comparatively low supply, BCHHS has opened a COVID-19 vaccine wait-list for healthcare workers and patients ages 65+. Moving forward, this criteria will be expanded to include more of the population, based on the distribution "Phases" mapped out by the state. You can obtain additional information or get on their wait list by calling 828-250-5000 or visiting their website at https://www.buncombecounty.org/covid-19/default.aspx?redirect=bcready.
Again, the COVID vaccine remains in VERY HIGH demand which creates high call and web volume for BCHHS. We're prepared to lend a helping hand by vaccinating our own patients as soon as possible, though CFP is still anxiously awaiting the vaccine distribution to primary care offices. We don't know when we'll be able to offer the vaccine yet but, following the state "phase" guidelines, we have been reaching out to qualifying patients via the Patient Portal to start our own wait-list of patients that want to get the vaccine through our office. If you would like to be on our wait-list and have not let us know yet, please contact the office through your Patient Portal or by phone. As soon as we're able to start scheduling vaccine appointments, we'll reach out to our wait-listed patients. We appreciate your patience as we work through these growing pains!
1/22/21 - GETTING YOUR SECOND DOSE THROUGH THE HEALTH DEPT: https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=19057
1/15/21 - Phase 2, group 1 for the COVID-19 Vaccine distribution is opening soon. This phase includes patients 65-74 years old. We're reaching out to qualifying patients so that we can prepare for the number of vaccines we need to order, once that becomes available to us. To this point, primary care offices haven't been able to order the vaccine, but we're keeping a close eye on it! If you're interested in getting the vaccine through CFP, please reach out to us via your patient portal, and we'll put you on the list. You may also call the office to ask to be put on the list. Please be patient as call volumes are very high and staff is limited, so wait times may be extended. You may also reach out to the Buncombe County Health Department to schedule an appointment through them (see links and information below).
1/14/21 - The Buncombe County Health Department's (DHHS) phone lines have been flooded with calls about scheduling for the COVID-19 vaccine, making it hard for patients to get through to them. If you'd like to go there for your vaccination appointment, please click on the COVID-19 Immunization button on the www.buncombeready.org website for up-to-date information on how you can schedule your vaccine appointment at the health department.
1/11/21 - Phase 1b for vaccine distribution has now opened. This phase includes frontline essential workers and patients ages 75+. While primary care offices are still anxiously waiting to have the vaccine in-hand for our patients, we understand that the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department has now started taking appointments for patients that fall into this category. If you would like to get your COVID-19 vaccine through the health department, you can reach them at (828) 250-5000 to schedule your appointment. For additional information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine or the phased distribution plan for Buncombe County, visit: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines or https://files.nc.gov/covid/documents/COVID19-Vaccine-101-Deck-Final.pdf. We're currently reaching out to patients that qualify for Phase 1b so that we'll be ready to schedule them with us as soon as possible and willl post updates for 1b and future phases here as we have them to share.
1/6/21 - Our providers are very excited to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to our patients ASAP. As of now, only hospitals and health departments have access to the vaccine, but we're working hard to get it in-hand as soon as possible! We will follow the CDC and health department guidelines for vaccine distribution and will be reaching out to our patients that qualify for the next phase of vaccine distribution soon. If you would like to be on the COVID-19 vaccine list, please send us a portal message to let us know. We'll put you on the list and reach out to you to schedule when the vaccine is available for you. If you do not have the Patient Portal, you can reach out to us on the phone, though be advised that high call volumes will increase on-hold time.
Dec 2020 - Two COVID-19 vaccines have recently been approved and will soon be available to primary care offices to offer to our patients, but first it will be available to populations at highest risk for contracting COVID-19. This includes frontline healthcare workers and long-term care staff and residents. It is not yet available to primary care offices, but once it is, we will be updating our website and Facebook page and will reach out to patients directly via the Patient Portal or phone calls to let you know we're ready to schedule those appointments. We encourage our patients to continue taking precautions (masks, social distancing, washing your hands/using hand sanitizer) to keep yourselves and your loved ones well. For more information about the vaccine, visit: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines. Take care!
* We are asking that all patients wear a mask throughout the duration of their appointment and call to check-in from their cars. For more information regarding COVID-19 protocols, click the red link above.
