Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 vaccines

    While the CDC makes recommendations for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first, each state has its own plan for deciding who will be vaccinated first and how they can receive vaccines.

    Please visit your local health department’s website for more information on COVID-19 vaccinations in your county:

    - Saginaw County: Saginaw County Health Department
    - Bay County: Bay County Health Department
    - Gratiot County: Mid-Michigan District Health Department
    - Huron County: Huron County Health Department
    - Isabella County: Central Michigan District Health Department
    - Midland County: Midland County Health Department
    - Sanilac County: Sanilac County Health Department
    - Tuscola County: Tuscola Health Department

    Don’t see your county listed above? View the CDC’s comprehensive directory of health departments.

    For the most up-to-date information on where you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the Michigan.gov COVID-19 vaccine site finder or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 vaccine rollout page.

    CMU Health is carrying COVID-19 vaccines and is accepting scheduled appointments and walk-ins.
    Please either call 989-746-7500 or visit www.vaccines.gov for availability as it may change from time to time.

    For information about vaccinations available to patients and Central Michigan University students in Mount Pleasant, visit CMU’s Coronavirus Information Center.

    Learn about mRNA vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines that have been authorized for use in the United States, and manufacturers conducting clinical trials on newly developed vaccines on the CDC website.

    No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. Learn more about common misconceptions about COVID-19 vaccines.

    Stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 vaccination information:

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    World Health Organization
    Michigan Department of Health and Human Safety

    For local guidance, visit your local health department's website.

    CMU Health patient information

    Is it safe for me to visit a CMU Health clinic?

    Our team is taking every reasonable precaution to protect our patients and employees. We are still able to safely see patients face-to-face in our facilities, however, if you are interested in a virtual appointment, please notify the scheduler.

    What clinical precautions are in place at CMU Health?

    • Each clinic has precautions in place, which may include limited patients in waiting rooms, employee and patient temperature screenings, and the option to wait from the comfort of your vehicle. Prior to your appointment, refer to our step-by-step instructions to learn more about the check-in process at your respective clinic.
    • Please note that temporary guest restrictions may impact who can accompany you inside to your visit. Any non-essential guests may be asked to remain in the vehicle.
    • Virtual care remains an option for some visit types, depending upon the nature of the appointment and the patient’s health complaints. However, we have taken measures to ensure in-person appointments are safe to conduct within our clinics.
    • All patients and essential guests must wear a face mask as they enter the building, and must stay on throughout the duration of the appointment. You will notice all staff and providers are also wearing personal protective equipment to keep our patients and workspaces safe. Clinic cleaning precautions have been heightened, and our staff is diligently working to keep our lobbies, check-in areas, exam rooms, and hallways clean. Our custodial team and other essential staff frequently round our facilities to wipe down door handles, chairs, countertops, and other high touchpoint areas.

    Is virtual care an appointment option?

    If you are interested in a virtual appointment, please notify the scheduler. In most cases, this is an option, assuming the medical concerns that you want addressed can be managed via a video-enabled visit and you have access to a tablet, laptop or smartphone with WiFi.

    Are CMU Health clinics still open during normal business hours?

    Yes, our clinics are operating during normal business hours.

    How might my upcoming surgical procedure be impacted by COVID-19?

    As the positive impacts of social distancing, masking and vaccination continues to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases in Michigan, CMU Health Department of Surgery, along with our hospital partners at Ascension St. Mary’s and Covenant HealthCare, are still performing both elective and urgent surgeries.

    We are closely following the most current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and are exercising extreme caution to safely care for our patients and protect our providers. Some precautionary measures we have in place include the use of personal protective equipment, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of operating and recovery rooms, and prescreening of patients scheduled for surgeries.

    Based on the results of the prescreening, hospitals may require some patients to be tested for COVID-19 prior to surgery, and some facilities may require all patients to take a test, which will be arranged by the hospital. If you have any questions, please call our Surgery office at 989-790-1001 or our Obstetrics and Gynecology office at 989-746-7789.

    How might my labor experience be different during the pandemic?

    At this time, it is likely you will only be permitted to have one support person with you throughout your labor process. Your nurse and doctors will also wear masks when interacting with you for your protection, as well as their protection.

    Should I still get an Influenza (flu) vaccine if pregnant?

    Yes. The influenza vaccine is recommended for pregnant women during flu season. In addition, it is possible to get both COVID-19 and another viral illness such as the flu, RSV, etc. Therefore, getting the influenza vaccination during this pandemic is even more important to avoid an infection with both concurrently, which would present a higher risk.

    How can I renew prescriptions or send my physician a non-urgent message from home?

    We highly encourage all current CMU Health patients to utilize MyChart. This free online service allows you to renew prescriptions, view your medical record, pay your bill, and send non-urgent messages to your physician.

    Saginaw patients: please call 989-746-7500 for your unique activation code, and visit the MyChart registration web page to activate your account today.

    General COVID-19 information

      The 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information here.

      These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

      Fever
      Cough
      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
      Chills
      Repeated shaking with chills
      Muscle plain
      Headache
      Sore throat
      New loss of taste or smell

      In rare severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.

      Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. However, everyone should take precautions.

      Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness, including admission to the ICU, mechanical ventilation (need for ventilatory support) and death as compared to non-pregnant women of the same age groups.

      Additionally, pregnant women with COVID-19 may be at an increased risk for bad pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth. It is more likely for a pregnant woman who gets COVID-19 at the time of delivery to transmit it to her baby via respiratory droplets than through the placenta before or at time of delivery. COVID-19 is a respiratory virus and does not transmit through blood or blood products, placenta, etc.

      Learn more about the impacts of COVID-19 on pregnant women.

      No. Most cases diagnosed thus far around the world have been mild or completely without symptoms and may be cared for by staying home and using comfort care like those for a cold: fluids, rest, and over-the-counter medications. Health care systems, like hospitals, are focused on caring for those who have more severe cases of the virus, such as populations with underlying health issues that put them at a greater risk.

      If you work outside the home or you or someone close to you is sick or has symptoms, you should get tested for COVID-19. There are many locations in Michigan where you can get tested at no charge.

      Visit Michigan.gov/coronavirus to find a testing site near you.

      The CDC offers tips on preventing COVID-19 infection, which include the three Ws:

      Wash or sanitize your hands frequently
      Wear a mask (or face shield) over your nose and mouth
      Watch your distance (six feet apart) and avoid close contact

      The current recommendation is for patients with mild cold and flu symptoms to remain at home and self-quarantine. Seek medical care if you are having trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, bluish lips or face, or feel that symptoms are getting worse.

      Please note: This list is not all inclusive. Please call your medical provider about any concerning symptoms. If you need emergency care, call 911 or your nearest emergency department, and notify them you think you may be infected with COVID-19 before going in.

      Information related to the virus will continue to grow. In addition to checking this page for updates, stay connected to other reliable sources. Here are some reputable websites with COVID-19 information:

      Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
      U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
      World Health Organization

      CMU will publish information and updates on its Coronavirus Information Center page for CMU students, faculty and staff. Information for CMU Medical Education Partners employees can be found on the internal Partners Coronavirus Updates page.