Health care workers in local medical practices are having a hard time getting the vaccine

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Health care workers in a non-hospital setting have been put into the same group as those ages 65 and up, making it extremely difficult for them to get vaccinated due to low supply.

Family nurse practitioner Lynn Kettell-Slifer has her own practice in Ponte Vedra Beach.

“Every time someone walks in the door, I’m risking not only myself and my staff but my patients,” she said.

But since she’s not affiliated with any area hospitals, she said it’s been extremely challenging to get herself and her staff vaccinated.

“I tried the Duval County website to sign up for Prime Osborn. I’ve tried the St. Johns County multiple times. I’ve tried the Publix site multiple times,” Slifer said.

She was able to get vaccine appointments for everyone at Regency on Wednesday. But they, once again, hit roadblocks.

“I went in with a staff member. The staff member was turned away at the door because they’re not a licensed medical provider even though they are here on the front lines with me,” Slifer said.

Slifer had even written a letter ensuring that her staff members are eligible since they have direct patient contact.

She was able to get her first shot since she had her medical license, but she said the rest of her staff members were turned away.

If you look at the required documents for the state-run vaccine site, a medical license is not on that list.

Slifer explains, “I’d like to see the state figure it out and allow us to get our vaccination so that we can continue to serve the patient.”

We reached out to the state after-hours on Thursday to find out if health care workers must show a medical license in order to get the vaccine.

The state tells Action News Jax, “They do not need a license.  Per the Governor’s order, healthcare workers with direct patient contact. They need to provide a work identification or some sort of proof of current employment as a frontline healthcare worker.”

We are working to find out why this group of health care workers were turned away. As soon as we get a response we will update this story.

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Cox Media Group