Questions and Answers on Coronavirus

Prevention

The CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for everyone age 6 months and older. The COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of death or serious illness caused by COVID-19. It lowers your risk and lowers the risk that you may spread it to people around you.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine also is important because the flu and COVID-19 may be spreading at the same time and cause similar symptoms. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine is the best way to protect against both.

The FDA has approved or authorized these COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S.:

• The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines.These vaccines protect against the original strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 and the omicron variant of the original virus strain. These are called bivalent vaccines.
• The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine protects against the original strain of the virus that causes COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccination schedule in the U.S. depends on a person's age, immune system and previous vaccinations. In general, people age 6 months through 11 years can get either the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. People age 12 and older can choose the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or Novavax COVID-19 vaccines.

You are considered up to date on COVID-19 vaccines depending on age and vaccine type:

Kids age 6 months to age 5

• Kids age 6 months up to age 4 are up to date if they had three doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and at least one dose included the omicron variant.
• At age 5, kids who got the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19vaccine are caught up if they had at least one dose that included the omicron variant.
• Kids age 6 months through age 5 who got the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are up to date after two doses, as long as at least one included the omicron variant.

People age 6 and older

• The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 and older should have one vaccine dose that includes the omicron strain. This vaccine needs to be in addition to any other COVID-19vaccines received in the past.
• People older than age 6 with typical immune systems are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines after one shot with either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines that include the original and omicron strains.
• People age 12 and older who chose the Novavax vaccine are up to date after two shots. But the CDC recommends people get one shot of either the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at least two months after the last Novavax shot.
• If you originally got the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson shot, get an updated Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19vaccine in order to get up to date with your COVID-19vaccines.

People with weakened immune systems

Your health care team may suggest added doses of COVID-19vaccine if you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system. The CDC suggests getting doses of the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines within the shortest time period for some people. This includes those with weakened immune systems, people age 65 and older, and others who need rapid protection.

Vaccination and other actions

You can take many steps to lower your risk of infection from the COVID-19 virus and lower the risk of spreading it to others. WHO and CDC recommend following these precautions:

• Get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Keep distance between yourself and others when you're in indoor public spaces. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness. Keep in mind some people may have COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if they don't have symptoms or don't know they have COVID-19.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor airflow, also called ventilation.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces if you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital.The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly, fits well and is comfortable.
• Improve the airflow indoors. Open windows. Turn on fans to direct air out of windows. If you can't open windows, consider using air filters. And turn on exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. You also might consider using a portable air cleaner.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue. Wash your hands right away.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid sharing dishes, glasses, towels, bedding and other household items if you're sick.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. For example, clean doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters regularly.
• Stay home from work, school and public areas, and stay home in isolation if you're sick, unless you're going to get medical care. Avoid public transportation, taxis and ride-hailing services if you're sick.

If you have a chronic medical condition and may have a higher risk of serious illness, check with your health care professional about other ways to protect yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information about the COVID Booster 

If you have questions about your care, please reach out to your clinician on MyChart. 

Si tiene preguntas sobre su atención, comuníquese con su médico en MyChart. 

Is DAP Health offering testing?  

Answer: Yes. DAP Health continues to offer PCR testing for patients who are symptomatic after a discussion with their Primary Care Provider, and with an appointment.

For persons who are not patients, a list of local testing sites can be found above.   

How can people get COVID-19 / Coronavirus? Is there risk for airborne transmission?

Answer: COVID-19 / Coronavirus appears to be transmitted by droplets, or small particles that travel in respiratory secretions.   There has also been some recent evidence that the virus may last in the air, or be spread by airborne transmission. However, this is negligible and does not represent a significant form of spread, nor does it change any or our current guidelines.     

It is spread:  

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).  
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes or shares saliva with another person.  

For more information about COVID-19 transmission – Click here CDC Link https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/index.html 

How can I stay updated on COVID-19 disease in Riverside County and the U.S.? 

Answer: if you are interested in daily updates, please visit the following websites: 

RUHS-PH COVID-19 page: http://rivcoph.org/coronavirus/ 

CDC COVID-19 page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ 

Current CDC travel advisories: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

You can also find out more by calling the following: 

CDC Information Line: 
800-CDC-INFO 
(800) 232-4636 
TTY 888-232-6348 

Riverside County Public Information Line: (951) 358-5134 

How can I cope with my grief around losing my loved one or friend to COVID-19? 

Answer: All hospice organizations provide grief and recovery counseling. Persons are not required to have received hospice care with the agency to receive the counseling, including support groups. 

Some serving this area include: 

VNA Hospice and Palliative Care of SoCal – 800-969-4862 

Vitas Healthcare – 909-386-6000 

Riverside Hospice Care – 877-952-4470 

Desert Care Hospice – 760-318-0668 

Ardent Hospice of the Desert – 760-904-6070 

Kindred Hospice – 760-346-2816