COVID-19 RESOURCES

Information for Axis patients about the novel coronavirus/COVID-19

(Updated February 19, 2021)

• • Vaccinations

  • Vaccine FAQ

  • Vaccine Video

  • Covid-19 Testing & Tips

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Axis is very pleased to now offer COVID-19 vaccinations for patients who are: age 65 or older, those who work in childcare, food, or agriculture industries, as supplies are available.  If you are in one of these groups call us at 925-462-1755 to schedule an appointment to receive your Covid-19 vaccine based on expected vaccine availability. Axis will continue to expand vaccinations according to Alameda Public Health Department guidelines and based on vaccine availability. Axis will also send out text messages to let patients know which groups are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine.

Vaccine sign up forms (available in multiple languages)

Vaccine FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about the vaccine:

What vaccines are currently available?

There are currently two kinds of vaccines available and the one Axis is administering is Moderna.

This vaccine is mRNA-based and was approved for use on 12/18/20.  The technology for mRNA vaccine (messenger RNA) has been used for many years and for other vaccines.

Does the vaccine work?

Yes, they work. They are more than twice as effective as seasonal flu shots (~40% effective).  The Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective at preventing new infections.   

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 Moderna vaccine.  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 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 Moderna vaccine is given in two doses, 28 days (one month) apart, with immunity by day 35.  

If someone has had COVID-19, should they receive a vaccine?

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has declined to comment on this topic due to lack of data. Very likely, the vaccination infrastructure will not be able to exclude these individuals. Based on available data, we do not believe someone who has had COVID-19 and gets the vaccine is any more likely to have an adverse reaction. And 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. We think the risk of a false positive from testing will be low to zero.

Do the vaccines prevent the spread of infection?

It’s not clear. The 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 CDC, the drug makers and other experts recommend continued masking and social distancing among recipients. 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/different-vaccines.html

Source: Alameda County Health Consortium/Community Health Center Network 

About Vaccines for Covid-19

Please watch these videos about the 3 different types of vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. The second video is presented by Dr. Dawnell Moody, Axis Chief Medical Officer, for information about how the vaccine works and facts vs. myths about the vaccine.

COVID-19 Testing

Axis is now offering COVID-19 testing for Axis patients and non-patients who are essential workers. Testing is available to you even if you do not have symptoms, and is available for all ages. We encourage you to get testing if you work outside your home, which will help you stay healthy and safe. Please call 925-462-1755 to schedule your appointment.

Testing is also available without a referral at the Alameda County Fairgrounds for anyone age 10 and up. For more information visit https://www.valleycare.com/covid-19-regional-testing-site.aspx

For information on other testing sites in Alameda County visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/testing.page

Axis medical staff are available to evaluate patients by phone to determine the need for COVID-19 testing. If you are an Axis patient and plan to be tested somewhere other than at Axis, please call Axis for a phone appointment with your provider before going for a test so that we can provide helpful information and ensure that your results are recorded in your medical record.

Telephone visits

Axis will arrange for medical or behavioral health visits by telephone for patients experiencing symptoms.  Please call the call center for further information.

Tips

• • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZw4Ga3jg3E). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick (except to get medical care).  Keep sick children home from school or daycare.
  • Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.  If you use a tissue, wash your hands afterward.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (like doorknobs and light switches).  Regular household cleaners are effective.
  • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.

If you or a family member has traveled recently to an area of risk for the virus (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html) or if you think you may have been exposed to the virus and have symptoms of respiratory illness, you should call the Axis call center at 925-462-1755.  It’s important to call us ahead of time rather than coming directly into one of our facilities.  Calling ahead helps us direct you to the most appropriate care, and take precautions to protect other patients and staff.

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:

• • 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.

There is no evidence that children are more susceptible to COVID-19.  In fact, most confirmed cases have occurred in adults.  Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult their doctors about whether their children should stay home.  Anyone who has questions about whether their condition puts them at risk for COVID-19 should call the Axis call center at 925-462-1755.

Prescriptions

Please remember to continue refilling any prescriptions you have.  Refills can be requested by calling us at 925-462-1755 or through the MyChart Patient Portal.

Masks

Alameda County Public Health Department has ordered that members of the public should cover the mouth and nose to prevent inadvertently spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 when they need to interact with others outside the home and especially in settings where many people are present such as waiting in lines and shopping. For more information visit: http://www.acphd.org/media/569455/health-officer-order-20-08-face-coverings-2020.04.17.pdf

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.

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:

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/.