Blog homeThe safety of our healthcare providers is one of our top priorities, and we strongly recommend providers receive a COVID-19 vaccination. We are dedicated to bringing providers the most up-to-date vaccine information available from reliable sources. This post will be updated as new information becomes available.
For the latest information on the national vaccine distribution plan or for general information about the vaccine please visit the following links:
- CDC – General COVID-19 information
- CDC – Vaccinations for healthcare providers
- CDC – Vaccine FAQ
- FDA – COVID-19 vaccine updates
Please see below for our most commonly asked questions.
Will CHG Healthcare or any of its brands (CompHealth, Weatherby Healthcare, Global Medical Staffing, RNnetwork, Foundation Medical Staffing) be supplying vaccinations for locum tenens or travel healthcare professionals?
CHG Healthcare is not a healthcare provider and as such, will not receive a vaccine allotment during the initial healthcare provider phase of the vaccine rollout. We are contacting our client healthcare facilities to better understand their respective vaccination efforts and advocate for providing the vaccine to temporary providers at the earliest appropriate time.
How will I know if the facility has the vaccine and if I will be able to receive it while on assignment?
Vaccination processes will vary by facility. If you are currently on assignment, please follow that facility’s directions regarding participation in its vaccination rollout. Otherwise, your individual consultant or representative will provide you with available information on COVID-19 vaccination efforts at your assignment. We are actively encouraging facilities to include locum tenens and travelers in their vaccine distribution plans. Many facilities have reported that temporary providers on assignment will be included in their respective allotments.
I need a letter confirming my status as an active health care provider in order to be eligible for the vaccine. Can I get a confirmation letter from CHG?
If you are already on assignment or scheduled or confirmed to work, you may request an authorization letter from your consultant/provider representative. The letter encourages healthcare facilities to include temporary healthcare providers at the earliest appropriate phase of the vaccine rollout.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cost anything? If so, will CHG Healthcare cover the cost?
Based on currently available information, there are no direct costs for the COVID-19 vaccine to an individual recipient. Vaccine administration costs are estimated to be around $25 and should be covered under an individual provider’s health insurance. Please contact your insurance provider for additional information.
What should I mention to the vaccination provider before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
Please obtain specific guidance from your vaccine administrator regarding potential risks factors. With multiple vaccines being rolled out, it is vital that you know which vaccine you are receiving and follow the latest CDC/manufacturer guidance. If in doubt, please ask your personal healthcare provider and/or the vaccine administrator. Some common issues that likely merit discussion with your personal provider and/or the vaccine administrator are things like:
- If you have any allergies
- If you have a fever
- If you have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
- If you are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affect your immune system
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding
- If you have received another COVID-19 vaccine.
What happens if I have a reaction or medical issue related to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?
If you believe you are having a reaction or medical issue, please call 9-1-1 immediately and/or follow specific emergency guidance received from your vaccine administrator at the time of vaccination. CHG Healthcare cannot provide medical care or advice.
At the time of vaccination, confirm potential side effects for your specific vaccine with the vaccine administrator, including reactions that require immediate emergency medical care. Based on initial reports, most vaccines appear to have reports of side effects such as sore arm, fatigue, low grade fever, and body aches that generally last only one or two days.
How will I know when to return for the second dose of the vaccine?
Doses and timing of doses vary by vaccine, although most appear to require two doses administered approximately four weeks apart. Please confirm the specific process and timing with your vaccine administrator for your specific vaccine. You will most likely get a vaccination card with a return date for your second dose. Remember to bring this card with you at the time of your second dose. If two doses will be required for your vaccine, please coordinate assignment dates with CHG Healthcare and the facility.
What if I don’t want the COVID-19 vaccine or would prefer to wait until a later date?
CHG Healthcare strongly encourages but does not require providers to receive the vaccine if they will be treating COVID-19 patients or working in other higher exposure environments. However, individual facilities may require proof of vaccination, in which case they may not consider you for an assignment.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to your individual consultant/rep.
