The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has developed the COVID-19 Member Resource Center to support professionals in the musculoskeletal community who are facing the unprecedented impact of COVID-19. Content has been developed or curated by AAOS and other credible sources to provide timely information related to clinical guidance, practice management, changes in policy and regulation, as well as ongoing AAOS advocacy efforts.
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
From the AAOS
After careful consideration of the available evidence, the AAOS gives its full support for the widespread adoption of the COVID-19 vaccination. The AAOS has determined that public health benefits outweigh the risks because vaccination is unlikely to cause shoulder issues.
More information about this decision can be found in the January 6 press release, as well as the recent AAOS Position Statement titled "Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Glenohumeral Arthritis Are Unlikely to be Caused by Vaccine Administration."
In addition, the AAOS has developed for members a Frequently Asked Questions document that provides more information on the evidence that supports this decision, including information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and the AAOS Annual Meeting in August 2021 and how to answer patient questions about the vaccine.
The AAOS Patient Safety Committee has developed a statement recommending that patients avoid musculoskeletal corticosteroid injections for two weeks before and one week after COVID vaccine administration.
From the AMA
The American Medical Association (AMA) has created a COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Center to curate clinical vaccine guidance to help combat vaccine misinformation, as well as COVID-19 vaccine FAQs. Both the Physician FAQ and the Patient FAQ can be printed and shared.
In addition, the AAOS supports the AMA's #Mask Up campaign and encourages you to use #MaskUp resources in your social media and patient communications.
Voice of the Orthopaedic Surgeon
AAOS conducted a multi-pronged research study to better understand how COVID-19 has impacted orthopaedic surgeons. This data will help the Academy meet the current and future needs of its members.