PeaceHealth will reach out to schedule eligible patients for COVID-19 vaccination

With the expansion of the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility by the state to those in the 1B1 group — age 65+ and those 50 years and older living in multi-generational households — PeaceHealth has seen a 4,000 percent increase in daily inquiries from the community.

“This response is good news as it’s a strong indication that many people in our community want protection against the virus so they can get their lives and our community back to normal,” says James Bochsler, MD, vice president and medical director of PeaceHealth Medical Group, Northwest.  “However,” Bochsler continued, “with an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 people in Whatcom county in this eligibility category alone and a limited supply of vaccine, it will take time to vaccinate all those who are interested.  We ask for your patience and understanding as we begin the process of reaching out to eligible PeaceHealth Medical Group patients via PeaceHealth’s online patient portal, My PeaceHealth, to fill appointments based on vaccine availability.”

 To ensure that PeaceHealth phone lines stay open for critical medical communications, Bochsler requested that patients do not call PeaceHealth to inquire about scheduling a vaccine appointment unless you are a healthcare worker in the 1A eligibility category.  “As more supply becomes available,” Bochsler said, “we look forward to supporting vaccinations for more eligible patients and community members.” 

For more information or to sign up for COVID vaccine updates, go to peacehealth.org/vaccine