Menu
Visit these helpful links to register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Please note, you may register at either site regardless of your town of residence.
Sarasota County:
https://sarasota.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/clinical-and-nutrition-services/immunizations/covid-19.html
Manatee County: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/covid-19-vaccination-drive-thru-priority-groups-65-tickets-134534388979
Text Registration
You may also register to schedule your COVID-19 vaccination by sending a text message.
Simply text “FLCOVID19” to this number: 888777
You will receive a text reply asking for your zip code and e-mail address. Upon your response, you will be added to a list and then contacted to schedule a vaccine.
Dec 10, 2020 – Covid Update
Covid Testing- Rapid test vs PCR?? Rapid testing has become the most available and widespread test for detection of Covid (Coronavirus). The test is simple, inexpensive, and results usually back in less than 60 minutes. However, it is much less sensitive for detection of virus and thus has a higher rate of false negative results. This test is most accurate when testing symptomatic patients, and less sensitive as a widespread screen in those feeling well. Remember, a negative test today can become positive by tomorrow, so do not let your defenses down and assume all is well on the basis of one negative test, especially a rapid test. PCR testing is more sensitive and more likely to be accurate, even in asymptomatic patients. It too, can still miss some cases, so please remember to be cautious and re-test if your symptoms suggest Covid, even with one negative test.
The drawback to the PCR test is the need for it to be sent off and results can take 2-7 days before they are back. If you are symptomatic and awaiting results, please quarantine and assume it is positive until you hear back. And remember, please call your doctor at LernerCohen if you are unwell.
Vaccines for Covid???
We are all very excited and anxious about the upcoming vaccines that should be available to help prevent the infection with Covid. There are a number of different vaccines that should become available, and as of now we believe they all have similar efficacy and should all be safe. We know there have been a very small number of allergic reactions to the vaccine, so for those who have had severe, life threatening allergic reactions to medicines, or vaccines, please check with your physician before receiving a shot.
It is unclear if the vaccines will be available in physicians offices, pharmacies, hospitals or if the state will set up centers to vaccinate. Please stay tuned to our website (LernerCohen.com) as we will update this as we learn more. We certainly hope to see most people receive the vaccine. Interesting data suggest that those who received a FLU vaccine in 2020 have some protection against severe infection from Covid. So, if you have yet to get a flu shot, please do so as soon as possible.
March 23, 2020 – Remember, frequent handwashing, social isolation, and trying hard to not put your hands to your face remain the best preventative measures we have to avoid this virus.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and azithromycin remain EXPERIMENTAL as treatments for Coronavirus and should not be assumed to be an effective treatment or preventative medicine. The decision to take either of these two medicines should be made after a thoughtful evaluation by your physician, although at this time hydroxychloroquine is not readily available in Sarasota, other than at the hospitals.
Loss of taste or smell may be a previously unrecognized symptom of this disease. Please notify your doctor if you develop this as a new problem.
Most patients with Coronavirus infection will not need hospitalization. The primary reasons for needing hospitalization are severe shortness of breath with low oxygen levels or dehydration requiring IV fluids.
A pulse oximeter can be purchased at most pharmacies relatively inexpensively. This is helpful to have at home and easy to use to measure the oxygen content in your system.
We remain open for our patients. We are screening calls so that no one with fever or symptoms suggestive of Coronavirus come to the office. We remain available for all, either by telephone evaluations, ER visits or hospital visits. Please feel free to call us for any questions or concerns.
Your mental health remains a vital concern to us. Please remember to get daily exercise, either by walking, bicycling, swimming or using a home gym. Alcoholism, depression, and anxiety are going to rise. Please be aware and try to protect against this.
Please do not use a communal gym such as in a condo or fitness club, and we recommend you do not work with a personal trainer who may have multiple clients and who could be a source of infection. Speak to your trainer about a virtual workout with them on Skype or Facetime.
Nail and Hair salons should be avoided. Again, there is so much potential for the virus to be passed on, we do not feel this is a risk worth taking. A bad hair day is better than a Coronavirus infection.
March 13, 2020 – Coronavirus is a new and unique virus. Currently, there are no vaccines available for protection.
A Concierge Medical Practice Serving Florida’s Gulf Coast Since 2005. Nothing is more important than your health. We’re here to ensure you get the personal attention you need to enjoy the well-being you deserve.