Dear Patient,

As you know, the CDC has relaxed its guidelines regarding masking in most indoor and outdoor settings for those who are vaccinated. This is due to the effectiveness of the COVID vaccines and a better understanding of the transmissibility of the virus.

The CDC continues to recommend masks in several settings, including airplanes, buses, and healthcare facilities. At InterMed, we continue to require all visitors wear a mask while inside our buildings.

However, we will no longer be taking temperatures of visitors or staff who enter our offices. You will be asked a few screening questions to determine if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID or if you have symptoms of the disease.

Why masks?
Masking remains one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of the virus. Many of our patients — and a few of our staff — battle medical conditions that put them at high risk of serious complications from COVID. In addition, not all age groups are eligible to receive the vaccine and our masks help protect them.

You or your family may also be unvaccinated. Without masks, your chance of catching COVID increases dramatically, and while many people experience mild symptoms, we still see far too many serious cases and hospitalizations.

The vaccine
If you have not yet been immunized, I strongly encourage you to make an appointment at our Vaccine Clinic or walk in when you have a free moment. Vaccinations are our way out of this pandemic. If you have questions about the vaccine, please speak with your provider or visit the CDC website for the facts. Next week our Vaccine Clinic is open Monday, May 24, and Tuesday, May 25, from 8 am – 4:30 pm.

If you received the vaccine somewhere other than InterMed, please scan or photograph your vaccine card and send it to us using the Secure File Upload. We’ll update this information in your medical record. Please do not send it via email.

• Enter your primary care provider under Intended Recipient, and “COVID vaccine” under Additional Information.

Finally, if you are coming to our offices, please be aware that there are several construction projects in Greater Portland that may impact your drive, so please allow extra time for your journey.

Stay safe and well,

Dan Loiselle, MD, Chief Medical Officer, and the entire InterMed Care Team