We are getting good at this dance, with all the pivots and shuffles every few moments…
The CDC has updated the public on new recommendation for the COVID-19 booster shot. Please read more about this CDC update here but we have given you highlights as well. BWPC is currently only able to provide the Moderna vaccine which does not yet have an official booster recommendation. However, it is assumed that the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) can be substituted for one another if you cannot easily obtain the original vaccine type.
What You Need to Know About the Boosters
- COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago:
- 65 years and older
- 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- 18+ who work in high-risk settings
- 18+ who live in high-risk settings
- High risk occupations include:
- First responders (healthcare workers, firefighters, police, congregate care staff)
- Education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers)
- Food and agriculture workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Corrections workers
- U.S. Postal Service workers
- Public transit workers
- Grocery store workers
Find a COVID-19 Vaccine
- If you would like to stick with Pfizer for your booster, please check with your local pharmacy’s website or the health department.
- For example, this is the CVS site: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
- If you would like to receive a Moderna vaccine at BWPC (again, this is not yet an official recommendation), please call us at ext 120 to be scheduled. We are currently giving vaccines three days a week at each location based on demand.
If I am sick or exposed, do I qualify for monoclonal antibodies?
SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies have been FDA EUA approved for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19
infection in individuals who are at high risk for progressing to severe disease or as a post-exposure prophylaxis for unvaccinated or immunocompromised individuals who are high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. It is not authorized for use in patients who are hospitalized with severe COVID-19. Some studies show up to a 70% reduction in progression of COVID-19 related hospitalization or death in high-risk patients.
Monoclonal antibody drugs work to provide passive immunity by giving the body antibodies (or, man-made antibodies) to protect itself. Vaccines, working in a similar way, provide active immunity with the body producing its own antibodies after an inoculation.
Please refer to this FACT SHEET on the treatment option.
Criteria include:
- age 12 or over
- symptoms less than 10 days, mild to moderate
- COVID positive result
- risk factors that include
- Age ≥ 65
- Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 (or for pediatrics BMI ≥ 85th percentile for age)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppressive disease or receiving immunosuppressive treatment
- Poorly controlled hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease or Congenital Heart Disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory diseases
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Medical-related technological dependence (i.e. tracheostomy, gastrostomy)
- Other medical condition or factor (i.e. race or ethnicity) that may place the patient at a higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19
The goal of this treatment to be eligible is to refer to an infusion center within 10 days of the start of symptoms.
*If monoclonal antibody infusion is received, it is recommended to delay any additional COVID vaccine doses for 90 days*
Patients of BWPC are required to have a tele-visit in order to be assessed and possibly referred to an infusion site. Urgent care and ER settings can also assist with referral for monoclonal antibodies. Please note that infusion centers are experiencing high volumes and can take several days to schedule appointments.
Flu Shot Clinics Will Be Announced Soon
Please stay tuned more more info on how to self schedule. During regularly scheduled appointments patients will also be offered a vaccine.
Please continue to be kind to one another so we can get through this together!
-Your BW Primary Care Family