Island Hospital
Employee Portal
Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint This Page
  • About
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Maps & Directions
    • Our Promise
    • Leadership
    • Public Documents
    • Honors & Awards
    • Newsroom
    • News Releases
  • Medical Services
    • Birth Center
    • Cancer Care Center
    • Cardiac Rehabilitation
    • Diabetes Education
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Emergency Department
    • Family Medicine
    • Gynecology & Obstetrics
    • Internal Medicine
    • Laboratory
    • Pediatrics
    • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy
    • Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
    • Pulmonary Rehabilitation
    • Respiratory Care
    • Sleep Wellness Center
    • Sports & Spine
    • Surgery
    • Telemedicine
    • Urology
    • Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
  • Clinics
    • Family Care Clinics
    • Anacortes Family Medicine
    • Center for Maternal & Infant Care
    • Fidalgo Medical Associates
    • Island Primary Care – Orcas
    • Teen Clinic
    • The Walk-In Clinic
    • Specialty Clinics
    • Island Surgeons
    • Island Urology
    • Psychiatry & Behavioral Health
    • Respiratory Clinic
    • Sleep Wellness Center
    • Sports & Spine
    • Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine
  • Patients & Visitors
    • Billing & Insurance
    • Pricing
    • Find a Provider
    • Patient Portal
    • Privacy Policy
    • Medical Records
    • Advance Directives
    • Patient Rights
    • Flu Prevention
    • Testimonials
    • Visitor Information
    • DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
    • Local Services
  • Classes & Support
    • Classes & Events
    • Healthy Living Blog
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Health Links
    • Auxiliary
    • Pastoral Care Services
    • Health Insurance Counseling
    • Volunteer Services
  • Careers
  • Foundation
  • COVID-19 Info, Testing & Vaccines

Image

COVID-19 Information & Updates

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Last updated 1/15/2021

Island Hospital received our first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on December 29, 2020. We are currently working on vaccinating the Phase A1 population which includes frontline healthcare workers. Vaccines are allocated and distributed by the State in coordination with Skagit County Public Health. We will notify the community as more information becomes available on the vaccination process for the community. There are a lot of unknowns at this point and we’re doing all we can to develop plans based on limited information.

Our Call Center is currently overwhelmed with calls regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, we are not scheduling vaccination appointments. Call Center representatives do not have any further information beyond what is on this page. Updates regarding the prioritization and distribution of the vaccine will be posted on this webpage, the Island Hospital Facebook page and via local media outlets.

Image
Find Your Phase

Check Your COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility. 

Click here to find out if it’s your turn to receive the vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

The short answer is we don’t have an exact date for most of our community. There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, with more supply anticipated on a weekly basis. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Department of Health have developed recommendations to prioritize vaccine distribution.

Currently we are focused on vaccinating the Phase A1 population, which includes healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents. Island Hospital is responsible for vaccinating all healthcare personnel on Fidalgo Island with the vaccine allotment we receive from Skagit County Public Health and Washington State Department of Health.

Vaccine distribution will be conducted in a phased approach over several months. The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as quantities are available. Vaccines will eventually be available through doctors’ offices, pharmacies, hospitals, and other health centers. We will update our website and publish information as more information becomes available.

On January 5, 2021, the Washington State Department of Health published an update to the phases. Most notable was the change to Phase B1, which now includes individuals 70 and above.

Please note that timing of the phases will be determined by the allotments received from the state and county. We did not receive doses of the vaccine for Phase A1 until late December and therefore will be working through this group in January.

https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm695152e2.htm

Currently, two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use by the FDA: Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines have a high effectiveness rating with similar side effects to the annual flu shot. They both require two doses, approximately three to four weeks apart. Island Hospital currently has the Moderna vaccine, and we may receive allotments of the Pfizer vaccine in the future.

Island Hospital will be charging patient’s insurance an administration fee for the vaccine. No copays will be collected and there will be no additional cost to the patient.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19 and may also help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do contract COVID-19.

For the latest COVID-19 Vaccine information the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC websites are great resources:

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

Island Hospital is currently working with Skagit County Public Health to develop a rollout strategy for Phases B1 and beyond. We will update our website, Facebook and the local media outlets as soon as we have more information.

For the latest COVID-19 vaccine information the Washington State Department of Health and the CDC websites are great resources:

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

We will continue to post information about the COVID-19 vaccine on this page. Please check back regularly or follow Island Hospital on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/IslandHospital).

Additional information can be found on the Healthy Living blog.

Other resources for reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccine:
Vaccine Info: Washington State DOH
FAQs about COVID-19 Vaccination: CDC
8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program: CDC
COVID-19 Vaccines: FDA

COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION & LOCATIONS

In order to be tested for COVID-19 at an Island Hospital clinic, you must be assessed by one of our providers.
  • If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, please go to the nearest Emergency Department.
  • If you are an established patient of an Island Hospital clinic and are experiencing COVID symptoms, please contact your provider at 360-293-3101. A triage nurse will determine if you need to be tested and provide instructions. You may also use the Walk-in Clinic. Our hours are Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • If you are not an established patient and you are ill or have COVID-19 symptoms, please use the Island Hospital Walk-in Clinic. Our hours are Monday - Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • If you are a Skagit County resident or work in Skagit County and are symptomatic OR have a recommendation from a medical provider or public health official to be tested, please go to the Skagit County Public Health Drive-Thru Testing Site. The county provides all contact tracing for COVID-19 exposures. For more information, visit: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusdriveup.htm

Skagit County Public Health Drive-Thru Testing Site (New location as of 11/18/20)

Skagit Fairgrounds
501 Taylor Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Enter through the South Gate of the Fairgrounds

Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
No appointment necessary

  • Additional testing locations:

    WhidbeyHealth

    360-240-4055
    Will test if asymptomatic, but if insurance does not cover being tested the cost is $156, due upfront. Appointment required.

    Rite Aid - Mount Vernon

    360-424-7958
    Go online to schedule an appointment and then you will be directed to the drive thru at the pharmacy. Free for 18 and older. Appointment required.

Message from Island Hospital

If you think you have been exposed to the COVID-19 and have symptoms, please call Island Hospital's Call Center at (360) 293-3101, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If after hours or on weekends, and you are not in respiratory distress, self quarantine at home and wait until the phone lines are open.

If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and tell the dispatcher about your symptoms 

Our sincerest condolences go out to all who have been affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Island Hospital’s primary focus is on the safety and health of our patients and staff. We are working closely with Skagit County Public Health and the Washington State Department of Health to closely monitor regional COVID-19 cases and implement the latest care guidelines in accordance with CDC recommendations.

We are extremely proud of our dedicated providers and staff who have carefully prepared and remained committed to provide the best healthcare for our patients.  

We will continue to share resources and update this page as new information is made available.

Call Center

Staff in our Call Center are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with COVID-19 concerns as well as your usual healthcare needs.

Call (360) 293-3101

Entrance Restrictions

All patients, visitors and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

Once a person has passed the screening, they will be given a sticker that allows for entry onto the hospital campus for the remainder of the day.

See All Entrance Restrictions

Visitation Guidelines

In order to protect our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic we are implementing new visitation guidelines.

Read New Guidelines

COVID-19 Testing

Testing is available at Island Hospital for individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms.

Learn More

Drive-Thru Testing

Provided by Skagit County Public Health at Skagit Fairgrounds (beginning Nov. 18), Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m; Tuesday and Thursday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment necessary.
Learn More

We're ready for your next visit!

Island Hospital is taking extra measures to ensure the safety of our patients during the COVID-19 crisis.

View The Full List

We're ready for your next visit!

Island Hospital is taking extra measures to ensure the safety of our patients during the COVID-19 crisis. Here's what we are doing to make the hospital and our clinics safe for your next visit:

  • Screening patients and staff upon entry into the building
  • Requiring masks be worn by patients and staff
  • Installing Plexiglas at all registration desks
  • Additional sanitizing in high-touch areas
  • Rearranging waiting areas so chairs are 6 feet apart
  • Scheduling virtual visits, when appropriate
  • Scheduling car checks, when appropriate
  • Restricting visitors

We are here for you!

Entrance Restrictions

Island Hospital will be limiting entrance into the facility with the goal of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of patients, staff and visitors. 


All patients, visitors and staff will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms:

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

Once a person has passed the screening, they will be given a sticker that allows for entry onto the hospital campus for the remainder of the day.

      Revised Visitation Guidelines - December 1, 2020

      In order to protect our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, we are implementing the following visitation guidelines. Our waiting areas are closed to visitors. Support persons must remain with the patient at all times. Support person must wear a mask at all times.

          INPATIENT

          • One (1) support person per stay for inpatient admissions NOT related to COVID-19.
          • One (1) support person per stay for Birth Center patients.
          • One (1) support person per stay for end-of-life. Adjustments may be allowed after discussion with your care team.

          EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

          • One (1) support person per stay for ED visits.

            SURGERY

            • One (1) support person is permitted to help check in and assist with discharge.
            • During surgery, support person must wait off premises. Updates will be provided by phone.
            • One (1) support person for minors.

              PRIMARY & SPECIALTY CLINICS

              • One (1) support person only for newborn and pediatric clinic visits.
              • One (1) support person only to assist with mobility or communication, if needed.

              DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING, LAB, PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL/SPEECH THERAPY

              • One (1) support person to assist with physical or cognitive disabilities, if needed.

                We encourage the use of phone and video calls for patients to stay in touch with families as well as to keep them informed regarding their plan of care. Please note, video recording is NOT permitted without staff permission.

                Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

                    Community Education Programs 

                    Community Education programs including classes, screenings and support groups have been impacted due to COVID-19. We are currently offering a limited number of online classes and a handful of screenings. 

                    Community Education Programs

                    Frequently Asked Questions

                    Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus strain spreading from person-to-person in China and countries around the world, including the United States. Health experts are concerned because this is a new virus. While most people will have mild symptoms, the virus can cause sever illness and pneumonia in some people.

                    Health experts are still learning the details. Currently it is thought to spread:

                    • via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
                    • between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

                    Experts are still learning about the range of illness from novel coronavirus. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (like a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.

                    People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus:

                    • Cough
                    • Fever
                    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
                    • Chills
                    • Muscle pain
                    • New loss of taste or smell
                    • Other less common symptoms include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

                    Currently the risk to the general public is low. At this time, there are a small number of indivudal cases in the U.S. To minimize the risk of spread, health officials are working with healthcare providers to promptly identify and evaluate any suspected cases.

                    Travelers to and from certain areas of the world may be at increased risk. Although coronavirus originated geographically in Wuhan, China, the disease is not specific to any ethnic group. Chinese ancestry -- or any other ancestry -- does not make a person more vulnerable to this illness.

                    Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

                    • wash hands often with soap and water. if not available, use hand sanitizer.
                    • avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
                    • avoid contact with people who are sick, especially if you are 60 and older or have underlying health conditions that put you at higher risk for severe illness.
                    • stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
                    • cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

                    Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent novel coronavirus infections.

                    Call your primary care provider, if you have symptoms like cough, fever or respiratory problems and think you should be checked by a healthcare provider.

                    Island Hospital's Primary Care Clinic line is (360) 293-3101.

                    The Washington State Department of Health has guidance available for people who have or think they may have COVID-19:

                    • What to do if you have confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
                    • What to do if you were potentially exposed to someone with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (PDF)
                    • What to do if you have symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have not been around anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (PDF)

                    There are no medications specifically approved for coronavirus. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.

                    Important links to stay informed

                    Island Hospital encourages everyone to stay informed as information surrounding the coronavirus is changing rapidly. The best sources for reliable information are:

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
                    Washington State Department of Health
                    Skagit County Public Health
                    World Health Organization

                    Latest Media Coverage

                    Get More Info

                    • Vaccine rollout across Skagit County still early in phase one

                      Vaccine rollout across Skagit County still early in phase one

                      01/13/2021
                      The COVID-19 vaccine is here, but neither Island Hospital nor all of Skagit County have …Read More
                    • Crane, Tangaro see new positions with Island Hospital Foundation

                      Crane, Tangaro see new positions with Island Hospital Foundation

                      01/06/2021
                      The Island Hospital Foundation will see new leadership heading into 2021. Janie Crane will now …Read More

                    Our Promise

                    Your best healthcare experience begins at Island Hospital.
                    We always place your emotional and medical needs first and foremost.

                    Contact Us

                    P: (360) 299-1300

                    Address: 1211 24th Street
                    Anacortes, WA 98221

                    Send us a message.

                    Online Resources

                    Find a Provider

                    Patient Portal

                    Classes & Events

                    Maps & Directions

                    Pay a Bill

                    Careers

                    Public Documents

                    Newsroom

                    About Us

                    Information

                    Website Privacy Policy

                    Privacy Policy

                    Notice of Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Rights

                    Language Assistance Service

                    Employee/Partner Resources

                    Technical Support

                    Connect With Us

                    © Copyright 2020, All Rights Reserved, Island Hospital