Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
COVID-19 vaccinations are a topic on everyone's mind.
Learn more about what we're doing to keep you and your family healthy.
COVID-19 vaccine information
Above all, LCMC Health remains committed to the health and safety of our employees, patients, and community. Our goal is that all LCMC Health employees and patients interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will have the opportunity. Immunization with a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a critical component of our country’s strategy to reduce COVID-19-related illnesses, hospitalizations, deaths and to help restore life and business activities paused in 2020. As of January 4, 2021, the Louisiana Department of Health has authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be available to the Phase 1-B, Tier One group which includes people 70 and older. We will be communicating vaccine updates directly to those eligible through the LCMC Health Patient Portal, so we encourage you to sign up for an account today or update your current one if it has been inactive.

RN Denise Friloux administers the COVID-19 vaccine into the arm of Dr. Jennifer Avegno at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

COVID-19 vaccines are placed in a basket before use at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

RN Denise Friloux puts on gloves before giving a COVID-19 vaccine shot at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. John F. Heaton holds a press conference before COVID-19 vaccines are administered to staff at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

RN Denise Friloux smiles as healthcare worker Kim Alveris laps after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

RN Denise Friloux puts on cloves before getting as COVID-19 vaccine to Harold Smith, a LCMC Diet Clerk, at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. Jennifer Avegno takes off her jacket before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. Jennifer Avegno rolls up her sleeve before RN Denise Friloux administers the COVID-19 vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. John F. Heaton, President of LCMC Health, holds up his COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card as he receives the vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Diet clerk Harold Smith lifts up his sleeve to reveal the bandaid after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. John F. Heaton holds a press conference before COVID-19 vaccines are administered to staff at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

RN Denise Friloux gives a COVID-19 vaccination at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

RN Denise Friloux puts on a bandaid after Dr. Jennifer Avegno receives the COVID-19 vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

RN Denise Friloux administers the COVID-19 vaccine into the arm of Dr. Joseph Kanter at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

A COVID-19 vaccination needle is disposed at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. Jennifer Avegno holds her COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card after she receives her vaccination at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Healthcare worker Kim Alveris sits by the window after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

Dr. Jennifer Avegno talks about her experience receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during an interview at University Medical Center in New Orleans, La., Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.
Photos by Sophia Germer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate
COVID-19 vaccination safety and benefits
We understand some may be concerned about getting vaccinated. We assure you; your safety is our top priority.
While wearing masks and social distancing reduces your chance of exposure to the virus or spreading it to others, these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating a process in your immune system known as an antibody response that may help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do get COVID-19. Additionally, getting vaccinated will also protect people around you, especially those at an increased risk.
Clinical trials are conducted in accordance with the standards set in place by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, vaccines that are distributed to LCMC Health will have met the safety and effectiveness standards set forth by the FDA and been approved for emergency use authorization.
This page will be updated with new information about the vaccine as it becomes available.
Vaccine Development and Approval FAQs
What is the vaccine approval process?- The U.S. FDA is responsible for regulating vaccines in the United States.
- Clinical development is a three-phase process. During Phase I, small groups of people receive the trial vaccine. In Phase II, the clinical study is expanded and vaccine is given to people who have characteristics (such as age and physical health) similar to those for whom the new vaccine is intended. In Phase III, the vaccine is given to thousands of people and tested for efficacy and safety. Many vaccines undergo Phase IV formal, ongoing studies after the vaccine is approved and licensed.
- After approving a vaccine, FDA continues to oversee its production to ensure continuing safety. Monitoring of the vaccine and of production activities, including periodic facility inspections, must continue as long as the manufacturer holds a license for the vaccine product.
- For more information on the approval process: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/basics/test-approve.html
Distribution of the Vaccine:
When can I get vaccinated?Vaccine Safety and Side Effects:
How do the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines work?Vaccine effectiveness is different. It measures how well a vaccine performs when it is used in routine circumstances in the community.
Vaccines in vulnerable populations:
Can my child get vaccinated for COVID-19?Have additional questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? Call our free Nurse Hotline.
The LCMC Health Nurse Hotline is a free telephonic nurse service to meet the needs of our community. We know that you may have concerns or questions regarding your health or seeking care during this challenging time.
Unsure where to go or what to do? Our experienced nurses are here to guide you with:
- COVID-19 screening and test results
- Return-to-work screenings
- Address any concerns or questions related to your health
- Assistance with finding care within our health system
- Connecting you with a primary care provider or specialist
Pregnancy and COVID-19
We know it can be worrisome for expectant moms during this outbreak, but we want you to know we're here for you. We know you have questions regarding your prenatal and delivery care. We understand you’re concerned, and we’re here to put your mind at ease. If you have any questions regarding your upcoming scheduled visit or hospital delivery, we encourage you to reach out to your provider.
Many of you have experienced a disruption in your health and wellness recently. As we continue to see a significant number of COVID-19 cases across our community and in our hospital and clinics, we want you to know our providers at LCMC Health are here to get your health back on track. With in-clinic and virtual care appointments available, we’re ready to lead the way to a healthier future for you and your family.
To ease any concerns you may have regarding your safety, we’re taking extra measures to keep our adult and pediatric clinics safe.
- Masks are provided at each appointment and must be worn throughout the visit.
- Each employee and patient that enters our clinics receives a temperature check.
- We have active visitor restrictions across our clinics to limit the number of individuals in each location.
- Prior to your appointment, our staff will reach out to do a prescreening symptom check.
- All office furniture and medical equipment is sanitized and cleaned before and after each patient.
- All waiting rooms are monitored to ensure social distancing is being observed.
- We’re reducing wait times and spacing out appointments by asking all patients to wait in their car.
Rest assured, when you visit any of our facilities, your health and safety is a top priority. Our providers are available to answer any questions or discuss any concerns you may have about receiving care. We’re ready to hear from you, call our free Nurse Hotline today.
Urgent Care Virtual Visits
Now available! Urgent care virtual visits.




Adult Virtual Care visits available, call your doctor's office to schedule.

Virtual Care for Kids
If you are concerned that your child may have COVID-19 symptoms: