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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

January 18^th, 2021

Dear Valued Patient:

All the Providers at BPC strongly endorse both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Both are very similar in using mRNA technology, have 95% immunity, and are proving to be safe. Technical vaccine details are available under the Patient Resources section of this webpage. Simply, all the Providers at BPC and nearly all the Staff have personally gotten the vaccine, and we think you should too.

At 95% immunity, this affords an individual incredible safety from COVID-19, especially severe disease. Considering the influenza shot is only about 50% effective, this is an incredible achievement and will quicken herd immunity. If we want our kids to go back to school and play sports, go back to restaurants and bars, and get rid of these masks, then take the vaccine! If not for yourself, then for our community.

Phase 1B has begun (and Phase 1A continues)

In Illinois, Phase 1B includes residents 65 and over, and front line essential workers (definition includes many residents who carry a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure because of their work duties, often because they are unable to work from home, and/or they must work closely to others without being able to socially distance). Do you qualify? Check: https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/vaccine-distribution

How can I get the Vaccine?

The State of Illinois Department of Health owns and distributes all the vaccines. BPC is now registered with the state to be a Point of Dispensing (POD). At the discretion of McLean County Health Department, BPC can be given vaccines to distribute to the general population.  It is unknown when this will occur, but our hope would be by February. We will announce on this website when we have it, and send a web message to anyone on our portal. We are not taking a waiting list at this time.

MCHD has told us you should watch the news feeds for their government distribution efforts, visit  https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/790/COVID-19-Vaccine-Information or call 309-888-5450 There is an email sign up at https://health.mcleancountyil.gov/791/Vaccination-Clinic-Dates for their vaccine clinics which are filling quickly.

BPC still maintains the separate Protected Clinic with enhanced safety measures for patients and Staff. When appropriate, we offer rapid COVID-19 testing, as well as send-out testing with results in 2-3 days, in addition to diagnosis and treatment for all acute diseases. We often can do same day appointments.

Please continue to social distance, limit gatherings, wash hands and of course mask when indoors. Although it is exciting what the vaccine can offer individuals, we need to sustain our efforts until everyone is safe from potential infection. Although our at-risk patients will soon be vaccinated, keep in mind there will still be plenty of middle aged, non-essential workers that will be waiting for a vaccine.

BPC is honored to provide leadership for your family’s health care throughout this Pandemic. Thank you for your support and encouraging comments. Together, we will overcome this virus and return to a normal life!!!