covid-19 testing, vaccinations and more

---

We offer on-site lab tests to detect when a patient is infected with SARS-CoV-2.  The rapid antigen test is a viral test that can yield results in as little as 15 minutes.  The PCR test is a molecular test that is highly sensitive and therefore provides more accuracy when diagnosing COVID-19.  Results are typically received same day. There are a variety of factors that a provider will consider when deciding which test to order.

We are now offering the  Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 Vaccine in our clinic for the 5-11 years age group as well as the 12 years and older age group.  These vaccinations are given by appointment only and can be administered during an already scheduled appointment.   The vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart.  There is a 15 minute waiting period after the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure there are no adverse reactions.  The vaccine is safe to be administered along with other childhood immunizations so can be given during a well child check up.  Your provider can discuss any concerns you may have about the vaccine.

Thank you for choosing to vaccinate your child(ren) against the coronavirus! By choosing to do so, you believe and understand that:

Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.

Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.

Vaccinating children ages 5 years and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

Before bringing your child(ren) to the vaccine appointment, please fill out the following pre-visit checklist and consent.

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and COMIRNATY (COVID-19 VACCINE, mRNA) may prevent the individual vaccinated from getting COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved, for individuals sixteen years of age and older, COMIRNATY (COVID19 VACCINE, mRNA) to prevent COVID-19. Additionally, the FDA has authorized the emergency use of the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in individuals five (5) through fifteen (15) years of age under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Both the FDA-approved COMIRNATY (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) and the FDAauthorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine have the exact same formulation, although the dosage for individuals 5-11 years of age is smaller. Both are administered as a 2-dose series, 21 days apart, into the muscle. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and COMIRNATY (COVID-19 VACCINE, mRNA) may not protect everyone. Side effects that have been reported with both include injection site pain, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever, injection site swelling, injection site redness, nausea, feeling unwell, and swollen lymph nodes. There is a remote chance that either the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or COMIRNATY (COVID-19 VACCINE, mRNA) could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or COMIRNATY (COVID-19 VACCINE, mRNA). For this reason, a vaccination provider will ask the person receiving the vaccine to stay at the place where they received their vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and throat, a fast heartbeat, and/or a severe rash all over the body.  

 V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to give personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. This information helps CDC monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in near real time. Depending on your answers to the v-safe questions, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information. V-safe will also remind you to get additional COVID-19 vaccine doses if you need one. 

We've identified some key resources from reputable organizations to provide information about the virus, the vaccine, the treatment and the preventative measures you and your family can take to stop the spread. We encourage you to read up and ask any questions to your healthcare provider.  Schedule a telemedicine if you'd like to have your concerns addressed before making decisions around the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Getting-Your-Child-Ready-for-the-COVID-19-Vaccine.aspx

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/covid-19/COVID-19-resources-for-kids.html