July 2020
In this Issue . . .
Kimberly Clark Duckbill Mask Strap Issues
PPE Request Form
TCMS is Working for You
Promoting Health Through Vaccine Uptake During COVID-19 Crisis
Get Your Vaccines for Less
Dell Med Update
Kimberly Clark Duckbill Mask Strap Issues
What’s the deal with Kimberly Clark duckbill N95 mask straps? The thin blue elastic straps either break immediately or within a few uses. TCMS has discovered a way to get the most out of these masks (which are very good masks, testing at 95+ filtration). By replacing the wimpy blue elastic with straps made from Coban (self adherent wrap used for bandaging), not only will it last longer, it’s more comfortable, and it fits better.
Watch TCMS President Dr. John Abikhaled demonstrate strap replacement methods for masks.
So, if you have received these masks from TCMS or any other source, do not discard them due to strap breakage. They are high quality and easily fixed.
TCMS mask DIY repair information
Don’t forget 4/4 to make the masks last longer.
PPE Request Form
As a physician practicing in the Austin area, you are eligible to receive the PPE being stored at the TCMS “warehouse.” If you need PPE, please complete the TCMS PPE Request form. Once received, TCMS staff will contact you regarding availability* and how you can procure the supplies.
*NOTE: In an effort to distribute our supply to as many physicians as possible, you may not receive 100% of your requested quantity. There may also be items you requested that we currently do not have on hand.
TCMS is Working for You
Watch this video to see how TCMS is working to help you during the COVID-19 Crisis.
Promoting Health Through Vaccine Uptake During COVID-19 Crisis
As providers begin to welcome patients back into their practices, and as patients begin to feel more comfortable returning to the doctor’s office for well visits, there is an opportunity for providers to ensure patients have received the vaccines they need. Read more
Get Your Vaccines for Less
Atlantic Health Partners, a valued partner, and the nation’s leading vaccine purchasing program, has helped many of our members lower their immunization costs. Atlantic works with all manufacturers including Merck, Sanofi, GSK, Pfizer, Dynavax, Seqirus and AstraZeneca. We encourage your practice to contact Atlantic to see how they can strengthen your immunization efforts.
Dynavax, which makes the adult Hepatitis B vaccine Heplisav, is hosting a series of webinars to discuss adult Hepatitis B immunization. While there is no cure for Hepatitis B, it is a vaccine preventable disease. Currently only 25% of adults over the age of 19 are fully vaccinated and now is the time to reconsider vaccination options.
Dynavax is hosting a webinar to discuss hepatitis B and innovations in vaccination options. to select a convenient time for this presentation along with a live Q and A session. You can also review information about Atlantic’s vaccine program or call them at 800-741-2044 for more
information.
Dell Med Update
Members of Dell Med’s first class have earned their MDs. If you missed the virtual graduation on May 21, you can still check out the livestreamand meet the Class of 2020. See where they’re headed
In partnership with UT Austin and Dell Med, KUT has kicked off “Now What?” — a weekly discussion series focused on COVID-19. Tune in each Wednesday at noon at kut.org or onKUT’s Facebook Live