Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates & Vaccine Information
Our hospital is committed to providing the highest quality care and ensuring the safety of our patients, team members and the community. We are continuing to monitor the evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are taking the necessary steps to ensure we are fully prepared to care for patients, in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Below are a number of resources to help educate you and your family on COVID-19. For more information on the virus, you can also visit the Oklahoma State Department of Health website or contact their call center at 877-215-8336.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Southwestern Medical Center is not currently holding community vaccine clinics.
If you have specific questions about eligibility or would like to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, please refer to the Oklahoma State Department of Health website or call the OSDH Immunization Service Team at 405.426.8580.
Thank you for your patience and understanding – and for continuing to do your part to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and practicing proper hand hygiene.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
We know there are a lot of questions about the emerging COVID-19 vaccines. Our goal is to keep you informed as vaccines are approved and rolled out for our workforce, patients and community in the weeks ahead.
We have created a list of common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines based on current knowledge and understanding. These questions will continue to evolve with time, so we encourage you to check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.
We also invite you to listen in as LifePoint Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Rehm and Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Watson, RN, MSN answer some of the most commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination and discuss its safety and effectiveness.
COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Should Know
Visitor Restrictions
Patients are allowed to have WELL visitors, with the exception of COVID-19 patients. Visitors are no longer required to meet minimum age requirements. All visitors, adult and pediatric (under the age of 18), are required to wear a mask for the duration of their visit. Nursing units have the ability to customize patient visitation based on a patient's condition and individual needs.
Upon entering the facility, visitors will be attesting they are not experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms with no known cause and have not been exposed to anyone with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 test without wearing PPE for the past 14 days. Visitors are required to wear a mask for the duration of their visit.
Universal Masking
At Southwestern Medical Center, protecting the health and safety of our team members and the patients we serve is our number one priority. We are encouraged by the progress we are making across the country and here in our state toward reducing the prevalence of COVID-19. However, we are not out of the woods yet. Now is simply not the time to let our guard down.
That’s why even though Oklahoma has lifted several restrictions, we are still requiring masks to be worn inside our facility by patients, providers, employees and visitors for the foreseeable future. We believe this is in the best interests of our team and the valued patients we serve. We will continue to evaluate our policies moving forward based on the evolving situation in our community and will communicate any updates as we have them.
To learn more about the many ways we are working to ensure your safety while you are in our care, click here.
Screening Process
Upon entering the facility, visitors will be attesting they are not experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms with no known cause and have not been exposed to anyone with a lab-confirmed COVID-19 test without wearing PPE for the past 14 days. Visitors are required to wear a mask for the duration of their visit.
Safety Measures
We want our patients and visitors to feel as comfortable as possible during their visit with us and confident in the care they receive. See what we're doing to make that happen every day.
COVID-19 Online Risk Assessment
To help support the health of our community, we are providing access to an online COVID-19 risk assessment developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This tool does NOT provide a diagnosis, and it should NOT be used as a substitute for an assessment made by a healthcare provider.
Testing
Visiting a provider does not necessarily mean you need testing or that you will receive testing. Your provider will work with the local health department to follow all appropriate guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health to determine if testing is recommended based on your symptoms. Click here for more information from the CDC on testing for COVID-19.
Quick Links
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov
- Oklahoma State Health Department – www.ok.gov/health
- American Hospital Association – www.aha.org
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – www.cms.gov
- City of Lawton Preparedness & Proclamation – www.lawtonok.gov/news/covid-19-information-preparedness
Additional Resources
Cloth Face Covering Instructions | versión en español
Symptoms of COVID-19 | versión en español
What to Do if You’re Experiencing Respiratory Illness Symptoms | versión en español
Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 | versión en español
Hand Washing Reminders | versión en español
Proper Hand Washing & Hand Sanitizer Use
Stop the Spread of Germs | versión en español
10 Ways to Manage COVID-19 Symptoms at Home | versión en español