COVID-19 Testing

For patients exhibiting any one or more of the COVID-19 symptoms (Fever, Cough, Tiredness, Diarrhea, Shortness of Breath, Loss of Taste, Headaches etc), we will perform a Rapid PCR test soon after you check in. Positive results will be known in 5 minutes and a negative result will take 12 minutes. Providers will advise treatment based on the results.

WE PERFORM COVID TESTS ONLY FOR OUR PATIENTS

COVID-19 Vaccine Exemption Requests

Most area schools are asking for proof of vaccination among students. Some parents are requesting our office for a COVID Vaccine Exemption Letter. Please note that we will follow the CDC guidelines for these requests which is as follows.

CDC considers a history of the following to be a contraindication to vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines:

  • Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose or known (diagnosed) allergy to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine

 Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is an ingredient in both mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, and polysorbate 80 is an ingredient in Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. PEG and polysorbate are structurally related, and cross-reactive hypersensitivity between these compounds may occur. People with a contraindication to one of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should not receive doses of either of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). However, people with a contraindication to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may be able to receive Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, and vice versa, provided certain measures are taken (see “precautions” below). Known polysorbate allergy is no longer a contraindication to mRNA vaccination; however, known polysorbate allergy is a contraindication to Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and thus, a precaution to mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.

Healthcare professionals should attempt to determine whether reactions reported following vaccination are consistent with immediate allergic reactions versus other types of reactions commonly observed following vaccination, such as a vasovagal reaction or post-vaccination side effects . This will help determine which patients have a contraindication to vaccination, including to the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

To summarize, only if a patient has a history of an anaphylactic reaction to COVID vaccines, we would be able to provide a Vaccine Exemption request. Even for this situation, we will schedule a thorough evaluation and review past medical history before we can come issue the letter.

NO OTHER EXEMPTION REQUESTS WILL BE ENTERTAINED.

COVID-19 Safety measures at the Office

We at HPPG understand the serious nature of the COVID-19 outbreak and are taking stringent measures for the safety of our staff and our patients. We are taking the following measures

  1. All our staff have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
  2.  All Exam rooms are extra sanitized and cleaned after every visit.
  3.  Our youngest patients (0-6 month old) will be waiting in the Well baby room.
  4.  After Hour calls – Due to the overwhelming calls that we tend to get during this period, please call us only if it is an urgent matter. If it can wait, please call us during office hours. All calls during after hours will be treated using telehealth option. This option will enable us to prescribe medicines during these calls.
  5. If you think your kid is exposed to COVID-19, please call us and we will guide you to take the necessary steps.
  6.  If you are unable to make it to an appointment, please call us in advance as we can offer that time slot to a patient in need.

With Best Regards,

Huntington Plaza Pediatrics Team