St. Luke's-Duluth Seeks New Participants For National COVID Study

The Northland has been at the forefront of the research that went into the response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. St. Luke's has been an active participant in the national study that developed testing, vaccines, and other medical protocols along the way. Now, they're looking to "re-boot" the research with new participants.

St. Luke's is actively seeking interested people to join in on the national study for COVID-19 - called RECOVER. The research is being done in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Along with St. Luke's in Duluth, five other research sites across the country are involved, too. Together, the data being provided will allow the CDC to determine how COVID-19 moved through populations of people; that information will allow the CDC to plot strategies and protocols as we move forward.

Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

According to details released by St. Luke's, they're actively looking for healthcare workers, first responders, and anyone "whose job involves interacting with others". St. Luke's officials are sharing that "[m]ost anyone who works outside of the house for at least 20 hours a week is eligible. Patients do not have to be a St. Luke's patient and there is no vaccine requirement. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated participants are welcome".

As part of the reboot for the next phase of the RECOVER study, there is even an incentive for people who have been participating. While they can't re-register again, they can earn some cash for referrals. Current participants who refer someone who remains enrolled in the RECOVER study for at least three months will get a $25 bonus.

The RECOVER study being performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the largest and the longest running study on COVID-19. St. Luke's in Duluth has been involved since the beginning.

For complete details, visit the RECOVER study site on St. Luke's website.

Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

What Do I Do If I Lose My COVID-19 Vaccination Card?

When you get your COVID-19 vaccine, you're handed a card that details the date, manufacturer variety, and location of your dose. If you're getting one of the two-dose vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna), you'll need that card to coordinate your second and final dose. But even with the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and even after getting the second shot, you'll need to keep that card in a safe place.

While nationwide vaccine mandates aren't a thing at the present time, there are a variety of times you might need that card even after completing the vaccine process. Many schools (primary, secondary, and higher education) are requiring the COVID-19 vaccine similar to other vaccinations. Additionally, some entertainment venues and mass transportation are requiring either proof of a negative COVID test or the vaccine card.

So what happens if you lose it? Relax. There are ways of obtaining a replacement - and they differ slightly whether you've lost it before getting both doses or after.

Things To Do Before + After Getting The COVID Vaccine

A variety of things to do to get ready for the COVID-19 vaccine as well as some considerations to take afterwards.

Answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions

Vaccinations for COVID-19 began being administered in the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2020. The quick rollout came a little more than a year after the virus was first identified in November 2019. The impressive speed with which vaccines were developed has also left a lot of people with a lot of questions. The questions range from the practical—how will I get vaccinated?—to the scientific—how do these vaccines even work?

Keep reading to discover answers to 25 common COVID-19 vaccine questions.