January 17, 2021 COVID Vaccine Update

USF Health has not received additional vaccine from our hospital partners or the state. As such, we must suspend further invitations for COVID-19 vaccine first shot appointments. This is effective immediately.

Patients and staff that have received their first shot from USF Health, and are scheduled for their second shot, will retain their appointments. USF Health will attempt to honor as many of the currently scheduled first dose appointments as possible; however, this is dependent on our supply. No new appointments will be scheduled until further notice.

This is a rapidly changing situation, and we will provide additional updates as new information becomes available.

COVID Vaccine Patient Information 

USF Health is now able to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible USF Health patients. Per Executive Order* by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, USF Health will only provide COVID-19 vaccines as follows:

“...During this first phase of vaccine administration, all providers administering any COVID-19 vaccine shall only vaccinate the following populations:
· Long-term care facility residents and staff;
· Persons 65 years of age and older; and
· Health care personnel with direct patient contact. Hospital providers, however, also may vaccinate persons who they deem to be extremely vulnerable to COVID-19.” 

Appointments are required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine through USF Health. If current patients meet the criteria above, you will be notified by email from USF Health providing more details.

*Here is more information on the Executive Order.

PARTICIPATE in a COVID-19 VACCINE STUDY

Enrollment is now open for the USF Health/Tampa General Hospital Phase 3 clinical trial testing the Novavax vaccine for COVID-19.

TGH-USF Health Office of Clinical Research are now part of the global search for a COVID-19 vaccine. Please consider volunteering to participate in one of our randomized clinical trials that will help determine the effectiveness of vaccines.

To learn more about eligibility and how to enroll visit USF Health/Tampa General Hospital COVID-19 Vaccine Study.

Our priority is to keep you healthy and safe.

At USF Health, we are working to ensure patient and frontline staff safety continues to be a priority.

As State restrictions on hospitals and clinics are lifted, you now have more options for seeing our physicians and providers in-person. To help protect both you and our clinical teams, USF Health has implemented new protocols for when you visit our clinical facilities. 

These measures will make your appointment seem different than previous visits, but rest assured they are meant as added precautions for keeping everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Screening you as you enter our facilities and our team wearing masks are some examples of what you will experience. 

We are taking these vital precautions to protect our patients and our frontline staff and closely monitor the official health guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Florida Department of Health. 

Please review the details below prior to your appointment to help you have a better and safe patient experience at your next visit.

In all instances for all patients

If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms before your scheduled appointment, please call 813-974-2201 and press option 2. 

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea

Visitor Policy

Effective Tuesday, September 1, USF Health clinics only allow one visitor per patient to preserve social distancing in our facilities. If patient waiting areas exceed our capacity, visitors may be asked to return to their vehicle to participate in the visit virtually. 

Screenings and COVID-19 Testing 

At USF Health, we continue to conduct screenings at our entry points to our buildings for patients and visitors. Entry into any USF Health clinical facility will include screenings which can consist of several questions about your recent exposure risks but will also involve taking your temperature. Frontline staff and vendors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms daily. 

PPE and Masks

Our health care providers and staff will continue to follow the appropriate measures to keep our patients safe by wearing PPE masks and gloves, as well as frequently washing their hands. We require all patients to wear a facial covering or mask while in our facilities and practice social distancing measures.

Steps we are taking to promote social distancing at our entrances and clinics

We have reorganized our waiting areas to keep patients a safe distance away from others and have separate waiting areas for patients with respiratory illnesses or symptoms. We also have alcohol-based hand sanitizers available in all of the reception, waiting, and patient areas. Routine cleaning and disinfection protocols take place inpatient areas. 

Procedures and Surgeries

All Ambulatory Surgery Center patients are screened through the pre-admission process and then again through COVID-19 testing prior to the surgical/procedure date. At any time, if your symptoms change or you have any questions, a member of the USF team is available to address and assist.

Parking for your in-person appointment

Our valet services may remain limited at a number of our locations.  We apologize for the inconvenience. 

Billing

In addition, we have also made updates to our billing policies during this time and continue to offer financial assistance to those with financial hardships.

MyChart

USF Health strongly encourages all patients to sign up for MyChart – our free online portal offering patients personalized and secure access to portions of your medical records. With MyChart, you can communicate with your medical care team, view your health summary and routine lab results, review your statements, and pay bills online, request prescription renewals, and more. Signing up is easy – simply call 813-974-2201 and request an activation code. This code will enable you to log in and create your own user ID and password. You may also request an access code to create a MyChart account at your next office visit. 

The 21st Century Cares Act and MyChart

USF Health patients will now have expanded MyChart-based access to most of their clinical data.  A new federal rule called the 21st Century Cures Act, which is going into effect in 2021 is designed to give patients more control over their personal health information.

Starting on Nov. 2, 2020, USF Health will provide nearly all physician-generated clinical documentation related to your visits with USF Health providers and release them to you via MyChart. Once your physician completes the notes and documentation associated with your USF Health appointment, those details will automatically be sent to you’re your MyChart account.

This more complete documentation will include lab results, imaging results, and pathology results, along with completed notes and orders related to your visits with USF Health providers.

To learn more visit our USF Health 21st Century Cures Act: FAQ page.