Coronavirus Update and Testing

Last week the CDC has released new recommendations regarding covid vaccine boosters.

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:

• 65 years and older

• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings

• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions

• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

Moderna or Pfizer vaccines can be used for boosting in all of the above categories. Regardless of what the first shot series consisted of.

Our office is currently offering Moderna vaccines for all categories. Please contact our office to arrange for a booster shot or book online.

Testing for the coronavirus COVID 19 is not available at Bowie Internal Medicine at this time.. Please call our office ahead of time if you have recently traveled to a high-risk area (China, Iran, South Korea, Italy) have a fever or upper respiratory symptoms or have been directly exposed to someone who has tested positive the Coronavirus as a tele-visit may be an option for you. Patients who meet the above criteria need to self-quarantine for at least 2 weeks. Please do not come into the office without contacting our office first. 

See links below:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html  

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html  

https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/Pages/Novel-coronavirus.aspx

If you are severely ill (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in chest, underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease) should go to the hospital emergency department for evaluation in collaboration with the health department. Please call ahead prior to the facility or to EMS so that personnel may take necessary precautions.

Learn more about the COVID 19 vaccine status in Prince George County and Anne Arundel County

Maryland residents can text “MdReady” to 898211 to be sent an alert each time the state starts vaccinating a new group.