Northstar Concierge Med

Direct Primary Care Member Vaccination & Safety Policy

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Our Commitment to a Safe Practice

At Northstar Concierge Med, the health and safety of every member of our practice community is a priority. As a Direct Primary Care practice, we believe strongly in prevention, evidence-based medicine, shared responsibility, and protecting patients who may be especially vulnerable to serious illness.

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Vaccination is an important part of preventive healthcare and helps reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases within our practice and the broader community.

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Vaccination Expectations for Members

Northstar Concierge Med expects members to follow the vaccination schedule and recommendations appropriate for their age and medical circumstances, as recommended by their healthcare provider and consistent with current evidence-based medical guidance. Our clinicians will discuss recommended vaccines with members, answer questions, review individual risks and benefits, and help members make informed healthcare decisions.

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Because our practice serves patients of different ages and medical circumstances—including individuals who may be particularly vulnerable to infection—Northstar Concierge Med may establish specific vaccination requirements when we determine they are reasonably necessary for the safety of our practice community.

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Routine Childhood Vaccination Requirements

Northstar Concierge Med requires pediatric members to remain up to date on routine childhood vaccinations appropriate for their age, consistent with current evidence-based immunization recommendations.

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This requirement reflects our commitment to protecting infants, children, families, and other vulnerable members of our practice from serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss questions or concerns regarding childhood vaccines directly with their Northstar Concierge Med healthcare provider. Our goal is to provide clear, evidence-based information and help families understand the benefits, risks, and purpose of recommended immunizations.

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When a child is behind on routine vaccinations, our clinicians may work with the family to establish an appropriate catch-up vaccination plan.

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Seasonal Vaccines

Seasonal vaccines, including the annual influenza (flu) vaccine and other vaccines recommended on a seasonal or periodic basis, are strongly encouraged but are not required for membership at Northstar Concierge Med.

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Our healthcare providers will discuss seasonal vaccine recommendations with members and families based on current medical guidance, individual health needs, risk factors, and shared clinical decision-making.

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Choosing not to receive a seasonal vaccine will not, by itself, affect a patient’s eligibility for membership at Northstar Concierge Med.

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Medical Considerations

We recognize that vaccination is not medically appropriate for every individual or in every circumstance.

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Our clinicians will consider legitimate medical contraindications, precautions, previous adverse reactions, individual health circumstances, and other appropriate clinical considerations when determining whether a particular vaccine is appropriate for a member.

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Members with a medical reason for not receiving a recommended or required vaccine will be evaluated individually.

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Protecting Our Members and Families

Members who are experiencing symptoms of a potentially contagious illness, have recently been exposed to certain communicable diseases, or present an increased transmission risk may be asked to follow additional safety precautions.

 

Depending on the circumstances, these precautions may include masking, waiting outside or in a designated area, using telehealth when clinically appropriate, scheduling at a specific time, or following other infection-control measures established by Northstar Concierge Med.

These measures are intended to protect our patients, their families, our staff, and especially members who may be particularly vulnerable to infection or serious complications.

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Respectful Communication

We understand that members may have questions or concerns about vaccines. Northstar Concierge Med strives to provide a respectful environment where those concerns can be discussed openly with a healthcare professional.

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We encourage members to discuss questions with their physician. Our clinicians will provide recommendations based on current medical evidence, professional clinical judgment, and each patient’s individual circumstances.

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Membership and Safety Requirements

Membership at Northstar Concierge Med requires members to comply with reasonable health and safety policies established by the practice.

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When a member chooses not to comply with a vaccination or infection-control requirement that Northstar Concierge Med determines is necessary to protect other patients or staff, the practice may determine whether continued membership is appropriate.

 

Any decision regarding limitation or termination of membership will be made individually and in accordance with the membership agreement, the patient’s clinical circumstances, continuity-of-care considerations, and applicable Minnesota and federal law.

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When appropriate, Northstar Concierge Med will provide reasonable notice and information necessary to assist with continuity of care.

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Privacy

Vaccination records and other health information obtained by Northstar Concierge Med will be maintained as part of the member’s confidential medical information and handled in accordance with applicable privacy requirements and our practice’s privacy policies.

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Our Shared Responsibility

Northstar Concierge Med is a healthcare community built on trust between our members and their healthcare team.

We ask every member and family to help us maintain an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive of everyone who receives care at our practice.

Questions about this policy or recommended vaccinations are always welcome and may be discussed directly with your Northstar Concierge Med healthcare provider.