COVID-19 Help at Our Clinic
COVID-19 Vaccine at TRFM
Three Rivers Family Medicine has purchased a limited number of doses of the new Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
About the New (2023-24) Vaccine
- You can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as your annual flu vaccine — just ask the staff when you call.
- Check CDC guidelines to see if you qualify: CLICK HERE
- If you have specific questions about your eligibility, please consult with your primary care provider. If you do not have a provider, you can set up a visit with Dr. Amy Ellingson or Roy Huffstetler, PA-C.
Cost & Insurance
The new COVID-19 vaccine costs $192.32, if you were to pay for it out of pocket. There is also a $40 fee to administer the shot. It is the patient’s responsibility to determine whether their health insurance provider will cover all or part of the cost.
Q: Why is there a cost now, when the vaccine used to be free?
A: From the state Department of Health:
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Federal government purchased all of the COVID-19 vaccines and made them free to every person who wanted them. Now that the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended, COVID-19 vaccines are expected to follow a similar path as other vaccines, which means they will be purchased by clinics and hospitals directly for adults. COVID-19 vaccines will still be available, but they may cost money for some adults to receive.
“Like other vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines will likely be covered by most insurance plans. COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available at no cost to all children in Washington state until their 19th birthday through the Vaccines for Children program. There are also programs for adults that can help cover costs of getting vaccinated if they don’t have health insurance or their plan doesn’t cover the vaccine. Visit HHS.gov for more information on these programs.”
Other Locations
- Okanogan County Public Health: CLICK HERE
- Chelan-Douglas Health District: CLICK HERE
COVID-19 Testing
Three Rivers Family Medicine schedules COVID-19 testing from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. To schedule a test, please call (509) 689-3749. Same-day appointments are often available.
Visiting Three Rivers Family Medicine
What is Three Rivers Family Medicine doing to ensure patients and visitors are safe?
Our focus, always, is on illness prevention, and that remains at the core of our response to the novel coronavirus and all health risks.
Effective April 3, 2023, we will no longer require masks in our clinic, except for those with contagious respiratory illnesses. These illnesses include, but are not limited to:
- Influenza
- COVID-19
- Cold
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Tuberculosis
Staff, providers, patients, and visitors will still be required to mask up if they have any of the above conditions. We appreciate everyone’s continued cooperation.
To reduce risk of exposure to our employees, providers and patients, we ask that only patients enter the clinic, unless they need a parent or guardian with them.
COVID-19 Symptoms and Action
What are the symptoms of COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
Patients with COVID-19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Symptoms can include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
I think I may be feeling symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection. What do I do?
To ensure everyone’s health and safety inside the clinic and in your community, please wear a mask (or request one) when you arrive for a visit.
If you are exhibiting symptoms that you feel require emergent medical attention, please call 9-1-1 or come to the Emergency Room next door at Three Rivers Hospital, 507 Hospital Way in Brewster.
How do I protect myself and my family?
For current information about COVID-19 and recommendations for keeping yourself and your family healthy, click here: U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Who is most at risk for being significantly impacted by COVID-19?
Those with existing health conditions or compromised immunity should take extra precautions to remain vigilant of symptoms and take preventive measures.
For your protection and safety, please continue to follow everyday best practices to help prevent and slow the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% isopropyl alcohol.
- Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the crook of your elbow.