Keeping You Safe – COVID-19 Update

AdventHealth Morning Briefing (Mar. 25, 2021) – Last week’s AdventHealth Morning Briefing featured Dr. Tim Hendrix, AdventHealth Centra Care Medical Director.  The decline in hospitalizations at AdventHealth’s facilities in Central Florida has slowed, a potential cause for concern coming off of Spring Break, said Dr. Tim Hendrix. He urged people to wear masks, wash their hands and remain socially distant. He also encouraged people to get the vaccine as soon as it becomes available, calling the current period a “crossroads” and not a time to relax safety procedures.

“The fastest way to get back to normal life is for more and more people to get vaccinated,” he said.

So far, AdventHealth has helped administer about 100,000 vaccines across Central Florida.

Those interested can sign up for alerts to learn when more appointments are available at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.

Watch the full Facebook LIVE video here.

New Eligibility Guidelines in Florida for COVID-19 Vaccinations – Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that anyone age 40 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, effective March 29. Additionally, everyone ages 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine as of April 5. Watch this video for more details.

What to Know About Coronavirus Vaccines and Their Side Effects – AdventHealth experts agree that Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and we are well underway vaccinating community members. So far, the most common side effect reported from those who have received the vaccine is an injection-site reaction. Moderate vaccine side effects, such as headache and fatigue, are not a cause for alarm. For those who receive a two-dose vaccine, whether you do get side effects after the first dose or not, the second dose is still needed to provide protection against COVID-19. From what we know so far, these coronavirus vaccine side effects are temporary, and shouldn’t discourage anyone from getting this potentially life-saving immunization. More details here.

Pfizer Says its COVID-19 Vaccine Protects Younger Teens – Pfizer announced Wednesday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and strongly protective in kids as young as 12, a step toward possibly beginning shots in this age group before they head back to school in the fall.

Most COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out worldwide are for adults, who are at higher risk from the coronavirus. Pfizer’s vaccine is authorized for ages 16 and older. One key question is the dosage: Pfizer gave the 12-and-older participants the same dose adults receive, while testing different doses in younger children. More details here.

More Adults Reporting Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression – The CDC reported that about 42% of U.S. adults reported recent symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from 36% last August. Six in 10 adults under 30 and half of adults with less than a high school education reported symptoms in the past seven days, making them the most affected groups. Nearly 1 in 4 adults experiencing symptoms reported an unmet need for counseling or therapy.

If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional support the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community.

Authorized MRNA Vaccines Effective Against Asymptomatic Infection – The CDC reported that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines reduced the risk of both asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection by 80% at least two weeks after the first dose and by 90% at least two weeks after the second dose in a study of vaccinated health care and other essential workers.  This is important because preventing both asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections among health care workers and other essential workers through vaccination can help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to those they care for or serve. More details here.

Study: AdventHealth’s ICU Outcomes in Patients with Severe COVID-19 – Central Florida Division physician leaders published a new study in PLOS which describes the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU in the largest health care system in Florida. The study demonstrates an improvement in the mortality of patients with severe COVID-19 and emphasizes the importance of standard of care measures. More details on the study here.

Keeping You Informed

Augmented Reality Improves Spine Surgery with iSight – An innovative device invented by one of our surgeons is gaining national attention. Dr. Chetan Patel, a spinal surgeon at AdventHealth Altamonte, designed the iSight glasses to allow surgeons to see important data without turning away to look at a screen. By using iSight, Dr. Patel is able to more efficiently complete surgical procedures. More details here.

AdventHealth Offering $1.2M in Grants to Local Nonprofits for Innovative Health Solutions – AdventHealth is offering $1.2 million in grants to local nonprofits for projects that are addressing Central Florida’s greatest health challenges, including care coordination, food security, mental and behavioral health, and community development. The AdventHealth Collaborative Community Council, comprised of regional business and civic leaders, will accept applications for the annual Community Impact grant opportunity April 1 through May 31. The funding will be available in January 2022. More details here.

Important Resources

We encourage you to use the following resources for your top COVID-19 questions and concerns:

  • Coronavirus Vaccine Alerts – Those who wish to be notified when additional vaccines might be available can register for alerts at www.CoronavirusVaccineAlerts.com.
  • Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub – AdventHealth launched a Coronavirus Vaccine Resource Hub and includes everything from FAQs, latest news and information on the AdventHealth vaccine team and our scientific committee. Visit www.CoronavirusVaccineFacts.com to learn more about the vaccine.
  • School Resource Hub – AdventHealth is prepared to support schools, daycares, parents, and caregivers as we navigate this new normal. SchoolResourceHub.com is a website dedicated to providing helpful resources for back to school concerns and important information regarding COVID-19.
  • AdventHealth Safe Business Program – AdventHealth is here to help as a trusted health care provider committed to safely care for Central Florida. We are working with local businesses to help them safeguard their employees and customers and continue to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Helpful tips can be found at AdventHealthCFLSafeBusiness.com.  
  • If you have questions about COVID-19 or wonder if you should be tested, call the free AdventHealth Coronavirus Information Line at 877-VIRUS-HQ (877-847-8747). You can also find information at www.CoronaVirusSignsAndSymptoms.com.
  • Donation Hub – For ways you can help, including sending notes of encouragement to our caregivers, as well as virtual volunteering opportunities, please click here.
  • Mental Health – If you, your family, or colleagues, are in need of emotional help during this uncertain time, the Heart of Florida United Way 211 Information and Referral Crisis Line is connecting residents with information about available resources in the Central Florida community. Whether it’s finding out the location of the nearest food pantry or seeking information related to the virus, 211 Call Specialists are there to help.
  • Virtual Visit Options – AdventHealth Virtual Visits are available now for primary care, pediatrics and specialty care, as well as physical therapy. In the comfort of your home, you can speak with a medical provider by a video visit or phone call.
  • Health Coverage Support – If you or someone you know has recently lost their health insurance due to the COVID-19 crisis, free help is available from certified navigators through the Primary Care Access Network at CoveringCFL.net.
  • Convalescent Plasma Need – AdventHealth is actively recruiting potential plasma donors and currently has supplies to meet all treatment requests. Convalescent plasma is one of the important resources our physicians are using to help COVID-19 patients recover. Please visit OneBlood’s website and donate plasma if you qualify.