COVIDVAX | ColGACare

Situation

Solution

THE SOLUTION: QUICK & EASY PRESCRIPTIONS

If you're thinking to yourself, "This is ridiculous." Well, we couldn't agree more.

We know how hard it can be to see your doctor. We're coming up on flu season, you want to knock out your flu shot and your COVID vaccine at once. Perhaps you're planning to visit elderly or immunocompromised family members this holiday season. NOTHING has changed regarding the science, WHY does it have to be this difficult?

We don't know, but given these extraordinary circumstances and the threat they pose to our community, we have decided to do what we can to try to help. MANY people are still considered to be "at-risk" for severe COVID and still qualify for the vaccine under current guidelines, including anyone with ANY of the following conditions:

Ages 65 and older

Cancer

Cerebrovascular disease

Chronic kidney disease (at any stage)

Chronic liver disease

Chronic lung disease

Cystic fibrosis

Dementia or other neurological conditions

Diabetes (type 1 or type 2)

Disabilities

Heart conditions

Hemoglobin blood disorders

HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus)

Immunocompromised condition or weakened immune system

Mental health conditions

Overweight and obesity (BMI>25)

Physical inactivity

Pregnancy

Smoking - current or former

Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant

Substance use disorders

Tuberculosis (TB)

Most of these conditions can be safely screened for without requiring an in-person doctor's appointment. While our practice is unique in that we typically only care for our contracted members, we have decided (for as long as it is necessary, and we are able) to offer limited, one-time, telehealth visits to Non-Members ages 12 and older, for the sole purpose of evaluating eligibility for COVID vaccination and providing prescriptions when indicated.

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HOW IT WORKS:

If you think we can make it even easier, we're all ears, but here's what we've got...

THE SITUATION: COVID VACCINE AVAILABILITY

If you're here, you may be wondering,
"What the HECK is going on?"

Ongoing turmoil and a legal "gray area" surrounding federal COVID-19 vaccine guidance have created a complicated situation for patients, doctors, and pharmacists across the country. While the FDA has approved the new 2025-2026 vaccines, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has not yet issued its recommendations, disrupting the standard process that ensures widespread access and insurance coverage.

The Federal-State Divide

The HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., has been at the center of the controversy after he unilaterally removed the COVID vaccine recommendation for children and pregnant people from the CDC's immunization schedule at the end of May. This action has led the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other medical organizations to sue him. This unprecedented move, along with the FDA's decision to limit its approval of new vaccines to people 65 and older and those with "at-risk" health conditions, has created confusion.

Meanwhile, COVID cases are surging.

As a result, some states are breaking away from federal guidance. California, Oregon, and Washington have formed a "Western Health Alliance" to create their own recommendations. Conversely, Florida is moving to end all vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. This patchwork of policies is causing significant confusion.

So, where do things stand in Georgia and Alabama?

The federal legal uncertainty has directly impacted vaccine availability in Georgia and Alabama.

Georgia

Prescription Required: Major pharmacy chains, including Walgreens and CVS, are requiring a prescription to get the new COVID-19 vaccine. This is because state laws often default to CDC recommendations, and without them, the pharmacies are legally cautious.
State Health Departments: The Georgia Department of Public Health has stated that its facilities will not require a prescription for vaccination. However, the department is currently awaiting guidance from the ACIP before it begins widespread distribution of the new vaccine. Some officials are concerned that the new federal policies will create barriers to access.

Alabama

Availability Varies: Access to the new vaccines in Alabama is also a mixed bag. Some major pharmacy chains, like Walgreens, are offering the vaccine without a prescription, following state-level guidance.
Mixed Policies: However, some CVS locations in the state may still require a prescription, depending on local and state pharmacy regulations. The Alabama Department of Public Health is providing resources but, like other states, is navigating the complexities of the federal policy changes.

The situation remains fluid as states and pharmacies continue to adapt to the ongoing federal changes. The upcoming ACIP meeting on September 18-19 is a key event that could provide a clearer path forward for vaccine recommendations and availability nationwide.

You start by signing up online, providing contact information, and paying a one-time, non-refundable Expedited Encounter Fee of $100.00. You will be asked to review some Terms, as well as to sign a consent for telehealth and an attestation that you have reviewed the Vaccine Information Statement provided.

Next, you will be sent a form to fill out a bit more about your medical history, as well as a Vaccine Screening Checklist that you can complete online.

Once those are submitted, we will review your information and reach out to schedule your telehealth visit with Dr. G to go over your responses.

If Dr. G decides you meet the criteria for vaccination, a prescription will be faxed to your choice of pharmacy upon completion of the visit and a PDF copy will also be emailed to you.

That's all.

If you have any questions, please TEXT US at 706-365-0365, and either Dr. G or Christina, our superwoman Office Manager, will respond as promptly as we're able.

VERY IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. Our practice is insurance-FREE, and only accepts a valid credit or debit card for payment. The Expedited Encounter Fee is non-refundable. Refunds will not be given if, for some reason you're found ineligible for a prescription.

2. We specialize in affordable, personalized care. Our current patient-members remain our priority. Appointments may be limited so that we're always able to meet our members' needs first.

3. We do NOT administer vaccinations. The appointments being offered are for determining eligibility for receiving a prescription, only. You will need to take the prescription to an accepting pharmacy of your choice to obtain your vaccination.

4. Dr. G carries a GA medical license, only. For this reason, while prescriptions provided are valid in all states, she is only able to provide telehealth services to Non-Members who are currently residing, or currently present in, the state of Georgia. When signing up, please be careful to provide an accurate address that corresponds to your current physical location, which may not be the same as your typical mailing address or home of record.

Now, if you're ready to skip the rigamarole, and you have read the "Very Important Reminders" above, you are welcome to sign up for an evaluation.