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2024-2025 COVID VACCINES NOW AVAILABLE
COVID-19 VaccineEast Bay Pediatrics encourages all eligible people to get the vaccine for COVID-19. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the CDC webpage.
Side effects of the COVID vaccine are similar to the side effects of other vaccines. The most common reaction is a sore arm. Some people may have headache, fever, chills, fatigue and body aches. These effects usually start within 24 hours of getting the vaccine and may last 1-5 days. Please call if you have fever for 5 days, chest pain, difficulty breathing or other significant symptoms after receiving the vaccine. Fall of 2023 marks a new phase in COVID-19 vaccination for children. East Bay Pediatrics is happy to provide the updated COVID-19 monovalent vaccine from Moderna for the 2023-24 season. The vaccine for ages 12 years and over is fully approved by the FDA and the CDC (ACIP). The vaccine for children 6 months to 11 years old is still under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Children under 5 years of age who have never received any COVID-19 vaccines should get two doses 4 weeks apart. Children of any age who have received at least one dose of any formulation of COVID-19 vaccine only need one dose of this new vaccine. Those who are immunocompromised or at high risk will need more doses for better protection. Information for patients 12 years of age and older: https://assets.modernatx.com/m/4fe30ac736607490/original/PPI-0017_Spikevax-2023-2024-Formula-Patient-Information-12y-US-English.pdf Information for patients under 12 years of age: https://assets.modernatx.com/m/c8a870daf3d6e5d/original/FPI-0719_Moderna-COVID-19-Vaccine-2023-2024-Formula-Fact-Sheet-for-Vaccine-Recipients-6m-11y-US-English.pdf Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get?If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to take whatever vaccine is available to you. All vaccines currently available protect against severe disease requiring hospitalization and ICU level care.
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Getting COVID-19 Vaccine for your childSchedule an online appointment:
Starting in September, East Bay Pediatrics patients can now schedule an appointment to get a COVID vaccine, Flu vaccine, or both. Please make an appointment by clicking on the link below. Make sure to choose the correct location to insure that staff can prepare the correct doses of vaccines. A few pointers for signing up online:
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COVID-19: Additional Information
RETURN TO SCHOOL GUIDANCE
The American Academy of Pediatrics has posted guidelines for return to school. Pediatricians encourage return to school for the mental health and well-being of children and to help minimize the gap in learning caused by distance learning. Schools have a difficult job to try to adjust to the constantly changing information about COVID-19 and the safety of re-opening schools. Each individual family may also have specific situations which increase the difficulties of returning to school such as high risk medical problem in the child or a family member, difficulty transporting students to partial days at school, concern regarding the child’s ability to wear a mask, or other concerns. If you have questions about returning to school, please contact us.
Should my child come in for a visit?
Routine Well Visits:
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages maintaining routine childhood visits to ensure that children are up to date with routine childhood immunizations and to address various childhood issues related to growth and development. East Bay Pediatrics agrees with this recommendation and strongly recommends catching up on any missed well visits at this time.
Dr. Christina Vo gave an interview to our medical group Brown & Toland. View her thoughts on Health Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic here:
Dr. Christina Vo: Navigating Your Child's Physical and Mental Health Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic | Brown & Toland
Sick Visits
If you have a concern about your child regarding an illness or injury, do not delay seeking care due to concerns about COVID-19. Delayed care could result in a more significant health problem. As described above, East Bay Pediatrics has made in-person visits safe for children. We also offer telemedicine visits when appropriate.
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages maintaining routine childhood visits to ensure that children are up to date with routine childhood immunizations and to address various childhood issues related to growth and development. East Bay Pediatrics agrees with this recommendation and strongly recommends catching up on any missed well visits at this time.
Dr. Christina Vo gave an interview to our medical group Brown & Toland. View her thoughts on Health Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic here:
Dr. Christina Vo: Navigating Your Child's Physical and Mental Health Needs During the COVID-19 Pandemic | Brown & Toland
Sick Visits
If you have a concern about your child regarding an illness or injury, do not delay seeking care due to concerns about COVID-19. Delayed care could result in a more significant health problem. As described above, East Bay Pediatrics has made in-person visits safe for children. We also offer telemedicine visits when appropriate.
COVID Test informatioN
East Bay Pediatrics primarily runs a molecular test for COVID-19. This is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) which has similar sensitivity and specifity to PCR and done in only 15 minutes.
In some cases, we will run a rapid antigen test, based on the clinical picture.
In some cases, we will run a rapid antigen test, based on the clinical picture.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Early reports indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine (any of the versions currently available) is safe for nursing mothers. There is also early evidence showing that some protective antibodies may cross from mom to baby when nursing. If you are pregnant, please contact your OB for the latest on vaccine safety.
We encourage pregnant mothers to get a COVID vaccine to protect both yourself and your baby.
We encourage pregnant mothers to get a COVID vaccine to protect both yourself and your baby.
