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COVID-19 RESOURCES
Information for Axis patients about the novel coronavirus/COVID-19
(Updated June 10, 2021)
COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Axis is very pleased to now offer Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J’s COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone ages 12 or older as supplies are available. If you are age 12 or older, call us at 925-462-1755 to schedule an appointment for receiving your vaccines 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 FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about the vaccine:
What vaccines are currently available?
Axis is administering is Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson.
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are mRNA-based and was approved for use on 12/18/20. The technology for mRNA vaccine (messenger RNA) has existed for many years and been used in different medical treatments.
Johnson & Johnson was approved for use on 2/17/21. The vaccine uses an inactivated cold virus to deliver instructions to cells on how to fight the spike protein on the COVID-19 virus.
Does the vaccine work?
Yes, they work. They are more than twice as effective as seasonal flu shots (~40% effective). The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are over 90% effective at preventing COVID disease. The J&J vaccine is 77% effective at preventing severe 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 Moderna vaccine is given in two doses, 28 days (one month) apart.
The Pfizer vaccine is given in two doses, 21 days (three weeks) apart.
The J&J vaccine is given in one dose.
With all 3 COVID vaccines people are considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks after completing 2 doses of the mRNA vaccine or a single dose of Johnson & Johnson.
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. A national trial is currently underway to study whether the Moderna vaccine can prevent transmission of COVID-19 from vaccinated people.
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
You can also learn more about Covid-19 Myths vs. Facts HERE.
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.
Topics Covered: (click on links to view topic)
COVID-19 Testing
Axis is now offering COVID-19 testing to the public. Testing is available to you even if you do not have symptoms, and is available for all ages. We encourage anyone with symptoms to get tested regardless of whether you have been vaccinated. We also encourage anyone unvaccinated to get tested if they have been exposed to COVID-19, even if no symptoms are present. Please call 925-462-1755 to schedule your appointment or visit https://axishealth.org/covidtest.
For information on other testing sites in Alameda County visit https://covid-19.acgov.org/testing.page
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
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- 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:
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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.
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 recently reinstated the recommendation for all people, regardless of if they have been vaccinated, to wear masks when indoor in public settings. Anyone not yet vaccinated should continue to wear masks indoors in public and outdoors when they cannot distance themselves more than 6 feet from each other. For more information on mask requirements, please visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Face-Coverings-QA.aspx
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.
If you have lost your health insurance due to COVID-19, you can enroll in Covered California. Click HERE for more information, or call us at 925-462-1755 to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Enrollment Counselors.
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/.
Additional COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:
