COVID Updates

February 17, 2022: CDC now recommends that adolescents ages 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series or 2 months after your Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

For any questions or concerns, please contact our Mobile Wellness Unit at (850)253-1907 or email us at coach@mcmh.us

COVID-19 Visitation Update

Dear Patients, Families, Friends & Volunteers,

The No Patient Left Alone Act was signed April 6, 2022, guaranteeing visitation right for patients and their families. “No health care facility in Florida may require a vaccine as a condition of visitation and every health care facility must allow their residents and patients to be hugged by their loved ones.”

For more information, please click here

With this new Act, we stay committed to keeping our community safe and we need your help. The virus causing COVID-19 can cause outbreaks in hospitals. Many of our patients are elderly and may have medical conditions putting them at a very high risk of becoming sick, or even severely ill, with COVID-19. Visitors and staff are the most likely sources of introduction of the virus that causes COVID-19 into a facility. A face mask is required for entry and masks are available at each entrance. Hand hygiene is extremely important so be sure to sanitize upon entry, during the visit, and upon leaving the hospital

We appreciate and recommend every visitor do a self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms and encourage one to postpone visiting, if ill or have one or more of these common COVID-19 symptoms:

surg tech in mask

    • Fever
    • Dry Cough
    • Sore Throat
    • Aches and Pains
    • Diarrhea

Your presence is important for your loved one, but their health comes first. Alternative methods of visitation (such as Skype and FaceTime) are available, as well, so you are able to continue to communicate with your family member or friend. Madison County Memorial Hospital would like to thank you for everything you are doing to keep our patients and staff safe and healthy.

 Visitation Hours: 7:00am to 7:00pm

We encourage you to review the CDC website for more information about COVID-19 symptoms, how it spreads, and actions you can take to protect your health.

If You Received Pfizer-BioNTech

You should get a booster:
– Everyone 16 years and older
When to get a booster:
– At least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series
Which booster should you get?
– Teens 16-17 years old can get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster
– Adults 18 years and older can get any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States

If You Received Moderna

You should get a booster:
– Everyone 18 years and older
When to get a booster:
– At least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series
Which booster should you get?
Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States

If You Received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen

You should get a booster if you are:
– Adults 18 years and older
When to get a booster:
– At least 2 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination
When to get a booster:
Any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States

You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots. For example, Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccine recipients 18 years of age and older may receive a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine if they desire.

Data Supporting Need for a Booster Shot

Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with the Delta variant may decrease over time.

Although COVID-19 vaccination for older adults remains effective in preventing severe disease, recent data suggest vaccination is less effective at preventing infection or milder illness with symptoms over time. Clinical trial data show a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine is effective in protecting against COVID-19, adding to other evidence demonstrating that a booster shot may result in increased effectiveness compared to primary vaccination.

MCMH is now offering the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.
Please contact the COVID help center or fill out the online form to schedule your appointment today!
CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19.

AUTHORIZED FOR PFIZER-BIONTECH MODERNA J&J / JANSEEN
4 years and under No No No
5-11 years old Yes No No
12-17 years old Yes No No
18 years and older Yes Yes Yes

Vaccination Information

Why Get Vaccinated

What to Expect

Fact Sheet for Recipients

If you have had COVID, manufacturers recommend a (14) day waiting period before receiving the vaccine, please schedule accordingly.

How to Best Prepare for your Vaccination

1. We strongly encouraged prescheduled appointments but accommodate drive thru requests.

2. Bring a Picture ID, Insurance Card, and Vaccination Card to present them to the logistics coordinator at the Front Lobby Pavilion.

3. Enter from NW Crane Avenue and turn right at the first stop sign and take the first left that goes between the school and the hospital.  Click here for a map.

4. Remain in your car and the logistics coordinator will check you in, verify your paperwork, and set you up to receive the vaccine.  Remain in your car the entire time.

5. If you have never had a reaction to a vaccine you should anticipate waiting 15 minutes after the shot for observation.  Once you are cleared, you can go about your day. If you have had a reaction in the past, you should anticipate waiting 25 minutes for observation.

6. If you have a question about your specific condition, please contact your Physician.

For those of you who do not use Social Media, check out our Blog to see the latest information regarding the Moderna Vaccination Process.

If you do use Social Media, please follow us on Facebook

“This Mobile Wellness Unit program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award with a percentage financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.”

Please click on the various tabs below to learn more about changes at the hospital in response to the virus, COVID News, COVID Safety, COVID Testing, COVID Data provided by the Department of Health, and to find out more or participate in the COVID Vaccination process.

COVID News and Information

    Patients
    Empty tab. Edit page to add content here.
    COVID Testing

    Jefferson County Health Department
    1255 W. Washington Street
    Monticello, FL 32344
    Call (850) 342-0170 for information

    Madison County Health Department
    218 SW Third Avenue
    Madison, FL 32340
    Call (850) 973-5000 for information

    COVID Dashboard
    Addition Data Sources for COVID

    • Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Response information here.

    COVID Reports

    • The list of long-term care facilities with active COVID-19 cases is available here.
    • The list of long-term care facilities with deaths is available here, which is updated weekly.
    • Additional detailed information available here.

    COVID Frequently Asked Questions

    When will MCMH receive the vaccine?

    MCMH received its first shipment of the Moderna vaccine December 23, 2020.  MCMH has a tiered distribution plan with priority going to those working in higher-risk areas.

    Will MCMH’s workforce be required to receive the vaccine?

    MCMH employees and contract staff will be encouraged, but not required at this time, to receive the vaccine.

    Can the general public receive the vaccine when it is released?

    Due to limited supplies of vaccines, priority has been given to healthcare workers and long-term care residents as these groups have a high-risk of exposure to the virus.  Many experts expect the vaccine to be available for the general public in spring 2021.

    Can I contract COVID-19 from the vaccine?

    No. The vaccine does not contain the live virus that would cause COVID-19.  Instead, it is designed to help you develop antibodies to help recognize and prevent the virus from causing infection.  After receiving the vaccine, you may not feel well for a few days as the vaccination will trigger an immune response.  However, symptoms such as runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell are not consistent with post vaccination adverse effects and may indicate COVID-19 infection.

    If I receive the vaccine, does that mean I cannot catch COVID-19?

    These COVID-19 vaccines, as with all vaccines, are not 100% effective, but are an important part of managing the pandemic.  MCMH will still require masks, social distancing, and proper hand hygiene in our facility.

    How is the vaccine given?

    The two vaccines that have been currently approved require two doses.

    Is the vaccine safe?

    Vaccine safety is determined in terms of “adverse events”, or when a patient experiences a negative effect after receiving their dose.  Guidelines around this are very stringent, and too many or too severe events will cause a vaccine to be terminated during initial trials.  By the time a vaccine reaches consumers, the risk of a negative outcome is very low.

    Does this vaccine use live or dead virus?

    Both Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines are mRNA vaccines, and AstraZeneca’s and Johnson & Johnson’s are non-replicating vectored vaccines.  None of the early vaccines being tested are live weakened versions of the virus.

    Do we have knowledge of what products are in the Covid-19 vaccine? Some people have concerns if the vaccine has a blood product due to their religious beliefs.

    Both Pfizer and Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccines are genetically manufactured and do not have a human or blood components.

    When can I stop wearing a mask after I am vaccinated?

    There is not enough information currently available to say if or when the CDC will stop recommending people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.  Experts need to understand more about the protection the COVID-19 vaccines provide before making that decision.  Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision.

    Does immunity after getting COVID-19 last longer than protection from COVID-19 vaccines?

    The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we do not know how long natural immunity might last.

    Regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, we will not know how long immunity lasts until we have more data on how well it works over a longer period of time.

    Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and we continue to look to the CDC for guidance.

    If I have had COVID-19, do I still need to get the vaccine?

    The protection someone gains from having an infection (called natural immunity) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person. Since this virus is new, we do not know how long natural immunity might last.  What we do know up to this point is that the reinfection rate appears to be very low.

    What is the effective rate for Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines?

    Pfizer has indicated their vaccine has an efficacy rate of 95%, Moderna has announced its vaccine is 94.5% effective.

    How many doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will I need? What is the time period between the initial vaccine and the 2nd vaccine shot/booster?

    Both vaccines will require two primary doses.  An initial vaccination and then a second dose either three or four weeks later. The Pfizer vaccine requires a booster 21 days later and the Moderna vaccine requires a second dose 28 days later.  The different vaccine products are not to be interchangeable. The second dose must be completed with the same vaccine brand as the first dose.  Both doses are important to ensure full protection.

    What if I miss my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine?

    These two COVID-19 vaccines do not reach their maximum effectiveness unless you receive the two doses.  Your second dose will be scheduled after you get your first shot.

    How long will it take for the Covid-19 vaccine to begin protecting me?

    It normally takes about two to three weeks for immunity to develop.  In the Pfizer vaccine clinical trial, the drop in infection rate between the vaccine group and the placebo group started around 14 days after the first dose.

    What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

    Pfizer has said that some Phase III clinical trial participants experienced mild-to-moderate side effects with its investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate.  Scientists anticipate the shots may cause mild flu-like side effects — including sore arms, muscle aches and fever.

    Will COVID-19 vaccines cause me to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests?

    No. These vaccines will not cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests.  Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection or vaccination and that you may have some level of protection against the virus.

    Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.

    Will I have to get a COVID-19 shot every year?

    Scientists are still studying this and will determine this once the vaccine is distributed and more data is available.

    What is the criteria for U65 Population?

    What is the criteria for U65 Population?

    We are planning to follow the guidelines presented by AHCA that outlines key at-risk conditions such as:

    • Clinically extremely vulnerable
      • Solid Organ Transplant and Bone Marrow Transplant Patients
      • Cancer patients undergoing active treatment
      • Cystic fibrosis
      • Sickle Cell Disease
      • Adults with Down Syndrome
    • Vulnerable
      • COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
      • Chronic Kidney Disease
      • Chronic Liver Disease
      • Chronic Heart Disease, such as severe heart failure
      • BMI > 40
      • HIV/AIDS
      • Chronic Neurological Conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy
    What kind of documentation do we need to provide to get the Covid-19 vaccine if we are under 65?
    • Current prescription and picture ID.
    • Insurance Card.
    • Diagnosis and/or care plan from your primary care physician or specialist.
    How do I sign up to get a vaccine if I think I fit into one of these categories?

    Go to our website:  www.mcmh.us/COVID.  You will find a scheduling form that allows you to give us your information and then one of our logistics coordinators will contact you to schedule and appointment.

    Do I have to have an appointment or do you all accept drop-in?

    Yes, you do need a scheduled appointment.  Each bottle holds a total of 10 vaccines, therefore it is critical for us to have the exact number of people as vaccines.  There are very strict storage and administration guidelines.  The vaccine must remain frozen until time to do the shot.  Once it is thawed we have a six hour window to give the shot.  Once we pull the medicine up into a vial, we have two hours to administer the shot, so appointments are critical.

    Where do I go to get the Covid-19 Vaccination?

    For information on how and where to get a Covid-19 Vaccination please email us at coach@mcmh.us or call us at (850)253-1907.

    What if I have additional questions?

    You can contact the public relations department at 850-253-1907 or email coach@mcmh.us or follow us on Facebook @madisoncountymemorialhospitalMCMH.

    Contact Us

    We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. You can also send us a message through our Facebook page. Please do not include personal health information in your communications through social media.

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