E-Newsletter

PHYSICIANS: California Medical Association President Peter N. Bretan, Jr., MD issued a statement endorsing Governor Newsom's executive order yesterday mandating the COVID–19 vaccine for health care workers. Dr. Bretan’s statement read, in part, “Ensuring all of us are vaccinated against COVID–19 sends a strong message that the safety of our patients and our colleagues is top priority. It is a duty that comes with our responsibility as people who care for others. We can all do more to keep each other safe, and health care workers in particular have a moral and ethical obligation to do all we can to protect our patients. We will continue to do all we can to help convince all Californians that vaccines are safe, effective and critical as we come together to bring this pandemic to an end.”

The San Diego County Medical Society strongly agrees with this statement and our President, Sergio R. Flores, MD was interviewed live on Channel 10 News last night supporting the Governor’s policy and urging people to get vaccinated.

There are four new Monoclonal Antibody Treatment sites in the region: Monoclonal Antibody Regional Center (MARC) at Vista Community Clinic in Vista, MARC at Neighborhood Healthcare in Escondido and Family Health Centers of San Diego in Hillcrest and in Chula Vista. Please help spread the word about the expanded availability of this life saving COVID–19 treatment.

Medically eligible patients who are 12 years of age or older, with a positive SARS CoV–2 viral test result, mild to moderate COVID–19 symptoms, and who are at high–risk for progressing to severe COVID–19 and/or hospitalization qualify for this early treatment. High risk conditions include, but are not limited to, those 65 years of age or older, a BMI = 25, diabetes, pregnant, or certain chronic medical conditions. Other medical conditions or factors (such as, race or ethnicity) may also qualify a patient as high risk.

Treatment will be provided at no cost to all medically eligible individuals regardless of health insurance or immigration status. Providers and patients can call (619) 685–2500 with any questions and/or to schedule a treatment appointment.

Additional information can be found on the MARC section of the Health Professionals website. Please reach the County at COVIDtreatment@sdcounty.ca.gov for monoclonal antibody questions or at MCSDCallCenter.HHSA@sdcounty.ca.gov for all other questions.

A reminder that CalVaxGrant offers up to $55,000 in grant funding to help physician practices vaccinate their communities against COVID–19. Funding will be awarded on a first–come, first–served basis, so early submission is encouraged. The deadline is August 13^th. A fact sheet can be found HERE and you can apply at calvaxgrant.org.

As always, let me know if you have any questions! Paul Hegyi, CEO