Information for Axis patients about COVID-19
(Updated March 29th, 2024)
COVID-19 RESOURCES
COVID-19 TESTING
Axis is no longer offering free COVID-19 testing to the public.
As of March 8, 2024 federally funded COVID-19 testing programs have been suspended.
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY for Axis patients. Axis offers Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccination according to the CDC’s guidelines for patients and non-patients. Please call Axis at 925-462-1755 to schedule your appointment.
EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATIONS (EUA)
Click the links below to view the most up to date EUAs for the vaccines currently being administered at Axis.
Pfizer EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients 6 months through 4 years of age
Pfizer EUA Fact sheet for Recipients 5 through 11 years of age
Pfizer EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients 12 years of age and older
VACCINE FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about the vaccine:
What vaccines are currently available?
Axis is administering the mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine. The technology for mRNA vaccine (messenger RNA) has existed for many years and been used in different medical treatments.
Does the vaccine work?
Yes, they work. They are more than twice as effective as seasonal flu shots (~40% effective). The Pfizer vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing COVID disease.
Are the vaccines safe?
Side effects are similar to what you’d expect for a flu shot: aching in the shoulder, fatigue, and rarely, whole body aches and low grade fever. There are no significant safety concerns with the available vaccines. Some side effects are more common after the second dose and include pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Cases of an anaphylaxis response are rare, and all patients are monitored for at least 15 minutes following the injection for any side effects.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given like a flu shot, primarily in the shoulder (deltoid) or any large muscle group.
The Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine for ages 6 mo – 4 yrs is given in 3 doses + boosters.
Tge Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine for ages 5-11 years is given in two doses + boosters.
If someone has had COVID-19, should they receive a vaccine?
Based on available guidance from the CDC people with prior infection should not be excluded from getting a vaccine. Testing for past infection by detecting antibodies before getting vaccinated is not recommended.
If someone gets vaccinated, will they test positive on any of the tests?
The diagnostic tests (i.e., nucleic-acid based tests such as PCR and antigen-based tests) detect different parts of the virus than what is in the vaccine. It is very unlikely the vaccine will cause a false positive on a COVID nasal swab tests.
Do the vaccines prevent the spread of infection?
It’s not clear. The first vaccine studies were not designed to look at their prevention efficacy but rather how well they prevent an individual from becoming infected and getting sick. The trial data show a reduction in getting the virus among recipients, but it’s not 100%. There are recipients who became infected and had less severe symptoms, but the fact they became infected means they can transmit to others.
Where can I get more information about the vaccines?
Here is a link to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website about the vaccines
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
Guidance for people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness
Some people are at higher risk of experiencing severe illness from COVID-19. This includes people who are:
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- Over 60 years of age
- Have underlying health conditions including heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- Have weakened immune systems
- It is not yet known how COVID-19 affects pregnant women, but as an extra precaution they should follow the steps below
People at higher risk should stay away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concerts, sporting events, large meetings, and crowded social gatherings.
Keep Calm & Wash Your Hands
Axis is committed to the health and safety of our patients and employees. We are trained in CDC protocols for COVID-19 and are prepared to safely treat patients. Please know your care and safety are our top priorities.
Isolation and Quarantine
Quarantine means staying home after an exposure but before symptoms start. Quarantine is no longer recommended as a strategy for controlling COVID-19.
Isolation means staying home and away from others in your household if you have symptoms or you test positive.
Source: Covid.19.ca.gov
What is Coronavirus/COVID-19?
The novel coronavirus causes a disease known as COVID-19, which has widespread community transmission in many parts of the United States. The most up-to-date information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html).
Symptoms
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms that can include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Most infected people will recover on their own.
These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:
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- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
If you have mild symptoms and no underlying medical conditions, it is ok to treat yourself at home as you would with a normal cold, getting lots of rest and fluids, and staying home until your symptoms are gone. If you have an underlying medical condition, more than mild symptoms, or other concerns about COVID-19 please call us at 925-462-1755. Although our phone wait times might be longer than usual due to high call volume, our advice nurse will assess you as soon as possible and provide recommendations for care. We ask that you call us first rather than showing up at the clinic without advance notice. That way we can prepare for your arrival and ensure the safety of other patients and staff.
If you or someone you care for has severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing, call 911.
Please visit the CDC’s FAQ webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html for additional COVID-19 information and the California Coronavirus Response webpage at https://covid19.ca.gov/.