Other Resources

CDC Guidance Until Updated Veterinary Facilities Guidance

May 28, 2021

The AVMA has been working with CDC on getting the guidance for veterinary facilities updated. The following from CDC is interim direction while work on the update is continuing.

“Veterinary clinics should follow the masking guidance for the general public. While veterinarians are considered clinicians, the settings in which they work are not used to treat humans with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, and instances of animal-to-human transmission appear to be very rare. Veterinary clinics should consider local transmission and vaccination rates when creating clinic policies for PPE use and interactions with clients.”

The following guidance is among that available from the CDC:
When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People
Guidance for Unvaccinated People: How to Protect Yourself and Others
Guidance for Unvaccinated People: Wearing Masks
Science Brief: COVID-19 and Vaccinations (Background Rationale)

Veterinarians, technicians, and support staff will be eligible to receive vaccine during Phase 1C

January 7, 2021

Member Announcement

The MDVMA is monitoring the rapidly changing status of COVID-19.  We will continue to update the MDVMA Blog and Facebook page as we receive new information.  Additionally, we encourage you to visit the state website frequently at covidLINK.

Use the following websites for information specific to Maryland:

• Maryland Department of Health
• Resources for Maryland Businesses
• Maryland COVID-19 Data Dashboard
• Find a vaccination clinic near you

The AVMA is the most comprehensive resource for veterinarians. Please visit their website often as they frequently update information on:

• FAQ: COVID-19 Vaccination
• COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination
• COVID-19 origin and spread
• COVIS-19 in human
• SARS-CoV-2 and domestic animals, including pets
• Keeping veterinary teams healthy
• Use telemedicine to help care for veterinary patients
• Potential supply chain impacts
• FAQs for veterinarians and veterinary clinics
• FAQs for pet owners

Members should check the Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners website for past and future announcements.

Below are resources and suggestions to ensure that your staff and clients stay as safe as possible.

• Seriously consider limiting patient care to acutely ill animals and emergencies.
• Limit contact with clients.
  • Have clients call upon arrival then hospital staff can meet clients in the parking lot and bring animals in for care. (see how VMCVM and NC State Veterinary Hospital are doing this)
  • Have clients wait in their cars until they can be directly taken into an exam room if car-side drop-off and pick up is not possible.
  • Staff can collect fecal samples and bring food and medications to clients in their cars.
  • Take payment over the phone.
  • Implement telemedicine services for those with a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
  • Limit staff interactions with clients by assigning tasks like taking inventory, updating websites, creating client handouts, writing blogs, etc.
• Work to reschedule elective procedures, such as annual examinations, vaccinations, spays/neuters, and routine dentals.
• Be strategic in the use of personal protective equipment, including masks, gowns, and gloves.