Greater Covina Medical Group strongly recommends you get a booster

• Vaccine effectiveness decreases over time.

• A third mRNA vaccine (booster) is needed against the Omicron variant to significantly improve the vaccine's effectiveness.

• The Omicron BA.2 sub-variant is increasing in prevalence across the world. Vaccines/boosters effectively increase immunity against the BA.2 sub-variant.

• UK data shows individuals ages 70 and older are experiencing higher rates of infection with the BA.2 sub-variant.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for older adults and immunocompromised individuals.

New evidence has shown that a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine improves your protection against COVID-19.

Are you eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine booster?

According to the CDC, people 12 years and older who received COVID-19 vaccines are eligible for a booster shot.

• For Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, you may get a booster shot at least 5 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series.

• For the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you may get a booster shot at least 2 months after your initial vaccination.

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

What about mix-and-match boosters?

• According to the updated CDC recommendation, "Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose." This means that people can opt to receive the same vaccine type as they originally received for their booster, or one from another manufacturer
• Mix-and-match boosters may be particularly relevant to Johnson & Johnson recipients, as researchers presented preliminary results from a government study that showed people who received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and later received a mRNA booster (Pfizer or Moderna) saw their antibody levels rise much higher than those who received a Johnson & Johnson booster

Scheduling information

• You can schedule your booster through the California MyTurn portal https://myturn.ca.gov/ or get it at a local pharmacy. You do not need a doctor's note to get your booster shot.

Where can I get the COVID-19 pill?

The COVID-19 medication requires a doctor's prescription. If you're a high-risk patient with a positive COVID-19 test, call your doctor immediately. Your doctor will need to check the Department of Human and Health Services' COVID-19 therapeutics locator for availability.

Where can I get a free COVID-19 test and N-95 mask?

Free COVID-19 testing: You can find a free COVID-19 testing center by:

• Texting your zip code to 438829
• Visiting https://covid19.lacounty.gov/testing

You also can order free at-home tests at the following: https://special.usps.com/testkit and https://special.usps.com/testkit

Free N-95 masks: Many retail pharmacies now offer free N95 masks to help combat the spread of COVID-19. These masks are considered more effective than cloth masks in protecting you and your loved ones from being infected by COVID-19 or other airborne contagious viruses.

COVID-19 variants

Viruses are constantly changing and can result in a variant strain. Variants such as delta and omicron are strains of the COVID-19 virus. The delta variant is more transmissible than the original (alpha) virus and has contributed to an increase in cases. The omicron variant appears to be more contagious than the delta and alpha variants. Experts are concerned about another surge due to omicron as the variant may evade the protection from vaccines and prior infections. However, vaccines are expected to prevent severe infections (hospitalizations and death), which underscores the need for everyone to be vaccinated, and early studies have shown boosters protect against the omicron variant.

For more information on COVID-19 variants, visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/coronavirus/docs/about/FAQ-Variants.pdf

Do your part to slow the spread

1. Get vaccinated (including booster shot). The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and getting seriously ill from the virus and its variants, is to be fully vaccinated.
2. Wear an N95, KN95 or KF94 face mask. CDC recommends that people wear these types of masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.
3. Practice social distancing. Stay 6 feet apart from others you don’t live with, even while wearing a mask.
4. Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.
5. Wash your hands often. Use soap and scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.

Click here and here for more information

What to do if you have symptoms

1. If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 - fever, cough, sore throat, increased phlegm - call your primary care physician (PCP) or an urgent care center.
2. Do not immediately come to your PCP's office if your symptoms are mild. Instead, call the office and begin a self-quarantine.
3. Only visit the ER if you experience severe respiratory conditions and have trouble breathing. It is important that we keep the ER available for emergencies. Otherwise, expect to be given instructions on self-care under home isolation.
4. Older adults and people with serious underlying conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild as they seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
5. If you are experiencing some emergency warning signs such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, trouble breathing, new confusion, or bluish lips or face, seek immediate medical attention or call 911.

Symptoms of coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

What to do if you are sick with COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html