St. David' Healthcare Visitation Policy Changes & COVID-19 Vaccine Booster

It’s been a year and a half since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Texas. As the virus continues to evolve, and COVID-19 continues to bear down on our community, we have remained steadfast in our resolve to combat it. Below are updates on some important and timely issues related to COVID-19 that we wanted to share with you.

Visitation Policy Changes
Due to a recent legislative mandate (Texas House Bill 2211), we are making changes to our visitation policy to comply with the new law. As of September 1, all patients will be allowed one visitor per day during visiting hours.
• Visiting hours are 5am-8pm
• Visitors must be 18 years of age or older
• Visitors must pass the entrance screening
• Visitors must wear a mask at all times
• Any patient seeking emergency care may have one visitor

One visitor may remain overnight for the following services or circumstances:
• Pediatrics under 18 years old
• NICU
• Laboring mothers
• Patient advocates for elderly, disabled or impaired patients
• Undergoing surgery or a procedure
• End-of-life care

We are committed to providing a safe environment for our patients, physicians, colleagues and visitors. Universal masking remains in effect and additional PPE may be required. All visitors are required to comply with these policies.

Visitation may be denied if an attending physician determines in-person visitation with the patient may lead to the transmission of an infectious agent that poses a serious community health risk.

COVID-19 Vaccination Booster
After careful consideration of the latest medical data, the FDA recently authorized mRNA COVID-19 booster shots for immunocompromised people. A recommendation for the general population is expected soon. This measure is designed to further protect you from COVID-19 as immunity wanes with time and this virus continues to spread.

As a result, we are actively planning for hospital-based third dose vaccination clinics in late September or early October. These vaccinations will only be available to colleagues who have already received both prior doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. Please remember to verify your vaccination status prior to September 15 through the HCA Healthcare COVID-19 immunization link.

A third shot is now available and recommended for those who are immunocompromised and, therefore, at greater risk of serious, prolonged illness. Immunocompromised colleagues are encouraged to speak with their physician about whether getting an additional dose is appropriate. This helpful link can identify the closest and most convenient location to receive the vaccine.

For now, booster shots are being advised for the mRNA vaccines only, which does not currently include the Johnson & Johnson shot. It is also recommended to receive the same vaccine administered during the prior two dose series.

For the thousands of St. David’s HealthCare colleagues who have received the COVID-19 vaccine, thank you for choosing to protect yourself and the people around you.
Moment of Silence

The Texas Hospital Association is encouraging hospitals throughout the state to observe “five minutes of silence” at noon on Friday, September 3, to honor those impacted by COVID-19. The observance hopes to shine light on the number of people who have died from COVID-19, on healthcare heroes – like you – who have bravely fought the pandemic, and on the importance of taking action to prevent further illness. We encourage you to participate in this time of reflection, honor and remembrance.

COVID-19 Vaccination
Our physicians are among the most trusted in Central Texas. The community has trusted us to care for them for decades, and now we’re asking them to trust us about the COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to watch the below video that features several of our physicians talking about the COVID-19 vaccine, and join us in sharing it with friends and family.

Watch Video Here

Thank you for your tireless work to beat COVID-19. Together, we can move forward and end the pandemic.