May Blood Drive

Our next blood drive supporting MD Anderson Blood Bank will be Wednesday, May 19th from 12:30pm – 6:30pm. As always and especially during the pandemic, blood and platelet donations are greatly needed. All donations go directly to support MD Anderson Cancer Center. MD Anderson is currently in need of all blood types, but their need… Read More

Tejano Night

Join us at the Bay City Civic Center for a night of great Tejano music! August 14, 2021 at 7:00pm The evening will begin with Grupo Pronto of Palacios, TX followed by the Grammy Award winning Tejano recording artist Stefani Montiel. Beer booths will be available as well as food vendors including Taco Cito’s, Real… Read More

Fully Vaccinated Adults Less Likely to be Hospitalized with COVID-19

CDC: Fully Vaccinated Adults 65 and Older 94% Less Likely to be Hospitalized with COVID-19

By Rebecca Myers, MSN, RN for MEHOP

Key Points

  • Both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines protect against COVID-19-related hospitalizations for fully vaccinated adults 65 and older
  • Everyone 16 years of age and older should get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible
  • Getting vaccinated is the best protection against COVID-19

In a press release issued on April 28th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that a new assessment shows that fully vaccinated adults 65 and older were 94% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people of the same age who were unvaccinated. People in this same group who were partially vaccinated were 64% less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than the unvaccinated group1.

  • You are considered ‘fully vaccinated’ two weeks after your second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • You are considered ‘partially vaccinated’ two weeks after your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

These real-world findings confirm that both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines prevent severe COVID-19 illness. According to the CDC two-thirds of people aged 65 and over in the U.S. are already fully vaccinated1.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19, also known as SARS-CoV-2, is a coronavirus that caused a world-wide pandemic of respiratory illness2. Over three million people worldwide have died from COVID-19, over 500,000 in the U.S3.

How Does Coronavirus Spread?

Coronavirus spreads with person-to-person contact. An infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes and the droplets (infectious viral particles) land in the mouth or nose of an uninfected person close by4.

How Can I Protect Myself And Others?

Harvard Health recommends these actions to keep yourself and other safe:

  • Wear a face mask
  • Maintain distance between yourself and others.
  • Socialize outdoors
  • Avoid close contact with people who a sick.
  • Minimize touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces regularly.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Get vaccinated as soon as possible.

How Do I Know If I Have COVID-19?

According to Johns Hopkins Health, COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Cough
  • Fever or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • New fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Congestion or runny nose

Some people diagnosed with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some develop severe symptoms and must be hospitalized.

If you have fever and any symptoms listed above call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms before you go anywhere. Then, follow their advice.

When Should I Call 911?

The healthcare providers at MEHOP5 advise that if you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion or inability to arouse
  • Blueish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC Vaccinated Adults Less Hospitalized. Released April 28, 2021.

2. Johns Hopkins Health. What is Coronavirus? Updated April 30, 2021.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#datatracker-home. Updated April 30, 2021.

4. Harvard Health. Preventing the spread of coronavirus. Updated April 28, 20201.

5. Matagorda Episcopal Health Outreach Program (MEHOP). MEHOP.org. Retrieved April 30, 2021.

March Blood Drive

It’s time again for our quarterly blood drive supporting MD Anderson Blood Bank. As always and especially during the pandemic, blood and platelet donations are greatly needed. All donations go directly to support MD Anderson Cancer Center. MEHOP’s blood drive will be held Wednesday, March 31st from 12:30pm – 6:30 pm. The MD Anderson donor… Read More

MEHOP Receives 2nd Dose Vaccines

After a delay caused by unprecedented winter weather, MEHOP received 2nd dose vaccines the week of February 22nd, a week after their anticipated arrival date. Those who received their 1st dose vaccinations at MEHOP’s prior vaccination clinics in Bay City and Wharton have been scheduled to receive their 2nd dose with this latest shipment. Once… Read More

Diabetes: Fulfilling A Need

January 2021, MEHOP began a t-shirt fundraising campaign to help diabetics who are in need of assistance receive the lifesaving support necessary to get on track or stay on track with diabetes management. At-home medical supplies needed to monitor and care for their condition can be costly. Proceeds raised will assist those in need gain… Read More

Rapid Testing

Our new rapid diagnostic testing system is available at MEHOP Family Medicine – Bay City. This 4 in 1 system is able to detect COVID-19, Influenza A/B and RSV with diagnostic results in appropriately 30 min. DUE TO LIMITS PLACED BY MANUFACTURER ON QUANTITY OF TESTING SUPPLIES WE ARE ABLE TO RECEIVE AT ONE TIME,… Read More