COVID-19 Updates
Our office will continue to see sick patients through a Scheduled Video or Office Visit. We ask that you take a home COVID test the day of your visit, and call or send a Portal message if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. Thank you for your patience during this complicated time.
Masks are optional in our office to optimize the safety of our patients and staff.
COVID-19 UPDATED Booster
On September 1, 2022, the CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older.
Updated COVID-19 boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading.
In the coming weeks, CDC also expects to recommend updated COVID-19 boosters for other pediatric groups, per the discussion and evaluation of the data by ACIP on Sept. 1, 2022. When data are available and FDA authorizes these other types of COVID-19 boosters, CDC will quickly move to help make them available in the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization of updated COVID-19 boosters, and CDC’s recommendation for use, are critical next steps forward in our country’s vaccination program—a program that has helped provide increased protection against COVID-19 disease and death.
Our Check-In Policy Has Been Updated
Please check in 15 minutes prior to your appointment at the front desk.
We continue to ask that our patients wear a mask at all times.
Thank you for your patience during these trying and complicated times.
F.A.Q. about Covid-19
Where can I receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
At your local pharmacy or health department.
Where can I get tested for Covid-19 in the Grand Rapids area?
Rapid home COVID-19 tests are accurate in detecting COVID-19, including Omicron variants. If you need additional testing, including PCR technology, please call our office.
What is Covid-19?
COVID-19 is a disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Because it is a new virus, scientists are learning more each day. Although most people who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause severe illness and even death. Some groups, including older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk of severe illness.
What are the symptoms of Covid-19?
Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
How long after a Covid-19 infection do I have to wait until can I be around others?
If you test positive or think you have COVID-19:
- Stay home for 5 days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
*Please note, loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation.
When Is it Safe to Be Around Someone Who Has Recovered From COVID-19?
It's safe for those who have had COVID-19 to be around others when they can meet all three criteria above:
It’s been at least 5 days since their symptoms started.
They haven’t had a fever (without taking any fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours.
Their symptoms (like a cough and shortness of breath) have improved.
COVID-19 Medication Information
Please find the Paxlovid (COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment) Medication Fact Sheet below.
Please find the Lagevrio (COVID-19 Antiviral Treatment) Medication Fact Sheet below.