Latest Updates On Covid Testing
The spread of the highly contagious omicron variant has caused a surge in demand for COVID-19 testing. Unfortunately, there may be longer than usual wait times for testing at our facilities even if you have an appointment. Please dont go to urgent care or the emergency department for COVID-19 testing only members who need immediate care should go to those locations.
Were doing everything we can to meet this high and growing demand. If you need a COVID-19 test, please schedule a test on kp.org, or use an FDA-approved at-home test. You can also go to nonKaiser Permanente testing locations in the community.
As part of our commitment to protect our patients and staff, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have implemented the following in our facilities:
Anyone entering our facilities must wear a mask over their nose and mouth, regardless of vaccination status.
Visitor restrictions are in effect for all our inpatient and outpatient facilities.
No visitors are currently permitted in our hospitals, surgery and emergency departments. Additionally, per a health order from the state of California, hospital or skilled nursing facility visitors must provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test at taken within 72 hours at point of entry. This is not applicable to those visiting lab, pharmacy, or radiology, or those visiting patients in critical condition or near death. Limited exceptions for essential support persons.
Is The Vaccine Safe
Pfizer found no safety issues with the vaccine for children in the clinical trials it conducted. The FDA also did its own study of more than 3,000 children and concluded the shots were safe. Children do experience mild side effects such as pain at the injection site, fever and achiness, but those symptoms typically last just a few days. The FDA data showed the vaccines was 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 in this group.
The dose approved for this age group is about one third as large as the dose used for teens and adults. Younger children get two injections 21 days apart.
A very small number of children have developed inflammation of the heart muscle, or myocarditis, after vaccination. Experts say this side effect is less common in young children than older children because it typically occurs after puberty.
Dr. Stephanie Leonard, an immunologist at Rady Childrens Hospital San Diego, said its also safe to vaccinate children in this age group for COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. She said if a child has had side effects to the flu shot in the past, such as a fever or bad muscle aches, parents might consider spacing out the shots.
But if you do that you may get the same side effects both times, she said. So, you want to weigh your pros and cons. Its a personal decision, but you can get them at the same time. Theres no safety issue.
What Does The Latest Approval Mean
In late October, the U.S Food and Drug Administration gave emergency use authorization for providers to give the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5-11. A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel then recommended use of the vaccine in this age group, and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky later approved the agencys recommendations,
Emergency use authorization allows for certain substances to be used in public health emergencies because scientists have deemed it safe, even if they havent gone through the full FDA approval process. Full FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children isnt expected until next year.
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Very Limited To Start
We expect the initial allocations to be very limited, and we are working to ensure an equitable distribution based on those health care workers in areas with highest risk for exposure. When we receive our vaccine allocations for health care workers, we are prepared to move quickly to vaccinate groups at greatest risk, as required by public health agencies, and based on our infectious disease leaders review of clinical evidence.
CDC and state guidelines have identified health care workers determined to be at greatest risk, along with residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, as groups to receive the first vaccinations. The initial vaccine distribution, which is expected this week, will be under the authority of county public health officials, who will allocate doses to Kaiser Permanente and other approved health care providers.
As supplies become more plentiful, we will vaccinate more health care workers, prioritized by their roles, patient-facing and employee-facing activities, and risk of exposure.
Michelle Gaskill-Hames, Senior Vice President, Health Plan and Hospital Operations, Kaiser Permanente Northern California
What Is Antibody Testing For A Past Covid
Antibodies are proteins that help fight off infections. An antibody blood test looks for antibodies in a persons blood. Kaiser Permanente is participating in research to help us learn more about COVID-19 antibodies.
Were not recommending antibody testing outside of research studies at this time. Antibody testing has limited clinical value and should not be used to diagnose active infection, determine immunity to COVID-19, make decisions about returning to work, or assess the need for vaccination in an unvaccinated person.
The CDC doesnt recommend getting an antibody test to determine if you need a COVID-19 vaccine or to check your immunity after being vaccinated.
Yes, but please keep in mind that we arent recommending antibody testing outside of research studies at this time because it has limited clinical value. However, Kaiser Permanente will provide antibody testing upon request for members who:
- Have no current COVID-19 symptoms and
- Had symptoms but dont anymore. It needs to have been more than 14 days since the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or a positive PCR test and
- Have not had an antibody test in the last 30 days .
- Are a pediatric patient being evaluated for Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children.
If you have symptoms now, you shouldn’t get the antibody test. You should .
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Should I Get A Flu Shot
Even healthy people can get and spread the flu. The flu can cause serious health problems, especially for those who already have a chronic illness or are too young to be vaccinated. If you catch and spread the flu to someone, it can cause a potentially life-threatening health problem, especially in those at high risk for complications. Recent studies show that flu vaccines significantly reduces the risk of flu when most circulating flu viruses are like the vaccine viruses.
Can The Flu Shot Make You Sick
You cant get the flu from the flu shot! The vaccines are made from inactivated virus, live virus, or a single protein from the flu virus. Your body will have a natural immune response to the vaccine that may include symptoms like fever, aches, and chills. This just means that your body is creating antibodies to the virus.
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Northern California Vaccine Delivery
Roseville, CA- After 9 long months of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are encouraged by the approval of vaccines which will serve as vital tools for controlling and eventually ending this public health crisis that has caused so much loss, pain, and disruption around the world. Our goal is to vaccinate people as quickly as possible, following the criteria set forth by national and state public health officials, and as supplies allow.
We anticipate the delivery of the first doses of vaccine to our Kaiser Permanente Northern California medical centers beginning on Wednesday and Thursday, . We have preparations in place to begin vaccinating our frontline health care workers once the vaccine is available.
Services Available For Members:
- iFOBT kit or colonoscopy* scheduling
- Center for Health Living class registration
- kp.org registration
*Most features are available only to members receiving care at Kaiser Permanente medical facilities.
Kaiser Permanente health plans around the country: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., in Northern and Southern California and Hawaii Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Georgia, Inc., Nine Piedmont Center, 3495 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30305, 404-364-7000 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc., in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., 2101 E. Jefferson St., Rockville, MD 20852 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of the Northwest, 500 NE Multnomah St., Suite 100, Portland, OR 97232 Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington or Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options, Inc., 1300 SW 27th St., Renton, WA 98057
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Can I Get Any Other Vaccines When I Get My Flu Shot
Yes, our pharmacists can administer many vaccinations such as Shingles, Pneumonia, Hepatitis, HPV, Meningitis, Tetanus, MMR, and more. If youre not sure what you need, ask our pharmacist for a free immunization screening. Available vaccinations vary by location and are subject to state law restrictions.
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Other People Who Are Age 18 Years And Older
People who are ages 18 years and older may get a booster shot based on their individual risks and benefits. This recommendation may change in the future as more data become available.
All people ages 18 years and older who received a J& J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago should get a booster shot, for a total of two shots. A single dose of the J& J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has lower vaccine effectiveness compared to two doses.
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Bring your CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record card to your booster shot appointment so your provider can fill in the information about your booster dose.If you did not receive a card at your first appointment, contact the vaccination site where you got your first shot or your state health department to find out how you can get a card.
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You may experience side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. These are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19.
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Use v-safe to tell CDC about any side effects.If you enter yourbooster shot in your
v-safe account, the system will send you daily health check-ins.
Yes. COVID-19 booster shots are the same formulation as the current COVID-19 vaccines. However, in the case of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine booster shot, it is half the dose of the vaccine people get for their primary series.
Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection against the virus and the ability to prevent infection with the Delta variant may decrease over time.
How Much Is A Flu Shot
Flu immunizations are free with most insurance. There is no co-payment unless required by your insurance plan.
*Free flu shots with most insurance. No co-payment unless required by your plan.
**10% off a grocery purchase up to $200 with any immunization. Restrictions apply. Visit pharmacy for details.
+Offer not valid for beneficiaries of state and federal healthcare programs, residents of AR, OR, IA, IL, IN, NJ, or NY, or if otherwise prohibited by law. Additional restrictions apply. Visit pharmacy for details.
- Quick Links
Recommended Reading: High Dose Flu Vaccine Recommendations
What If My Employees Cant Attend The Clinic
Employees who are also Kaiser Permanente members can get the flu vaccine at several locations:
- Any Kaiser Permanente medical facility. Flu shots are available during medical appointments and on a walk-in basis during regular facility hours.
- Bartell Drugs. If you live in the Puget Sound area, you can get the shot at a walk-in CareClinic inside 15 Bartell Drugs locations. CareClinic locations are staffed with Kaiser Permanente physician assistants and nurse practitioners and are open daily, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Some pharmacies, retail stores, and other community locations. Pharmacies that contract with Kaiser Permanente may offer flu shots at no charge to Kaiser Permanente members members should ask the pharmacy if theyll need to pay. Some retail stores and community locations also offer the flu shot, but it may not be covered by your plan.
Before getting the flu shot at a non-Kaiser Permanente facility, members should call Member Services at 1-888-901-4636. We can help them find the most convenient location and check whether the cost will be covered by their plan.
Are You Planning International Travel
To prepare for your trip, you will have a personal telephone consult with a nurse, specifically trained in travel medicine, to assess your travel health needs. Your nurse will gather information, ask you questions, and make recommendations for your travel needs. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in the decision-making. After the telephone consult, you may receive recommended immunizations and/ or have oral medications. You can typically come in the next day to receive your immunizations and pick up oral medication from our pharmacies. We serve adults over the age of 18.
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Cancer Program Earns Full Accreditation
The Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons has granted three-year accreditation with commendation to the cancer programs at both our Sacramento and Roseville Medical Centers. Each has been designated a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program. The Commission on Cancer is dedicated to improving the survival and quality of life for cancer patients through standard-setting, prevention, research, education, and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care. We are proud that our cancer program meets or exceeds 12 Eligibility Requirements and 25 Standards for new programs, and maintains a level of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Find A Flu Shot Clinic Near You In Northern California
Flu season is almost upon us, but the best way to protect yourself is already here. Throughout Northern California, Kaiser Permanente is offering no-cost flu shots to members at their facilities.
When it comes to making time for a flu shot, you have quick, convenient options to choose from. Many Kaiser Permanente locations offer walk-in vaccinations so theres no appointment necessary. Just pop by before or after work, or on your lunch hour. Some flu shot clinics will even be open evenings and weekends.
Coming in soon? You can also get your shot at your next doctor appointment.
To get information on the flu shot clinic nearest you, visit kp.org/mydoctor/flu, or call our recorded flu hotline anytime day or night at 1-800-573-5811.
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Where Can We Get The Vaccine
Parents should check with their childrens health provider about when vaccine appointments will become available. They can also check the state’s MyTurn.ca.gov to make appointments at other locations.
If parents are in Yolo County, they can find County clinic locations at www.yolocounty.org/getvaccinated.
CVS: Appointments can be scheduled via the CVS scheduling website and begin Nov. 7.
Rite-Aid: Parents can use Rite Aids scheduling website to book an appointment for their child appointments begin the week of Nov. 8.
Kaiser Permanente: Parents can schedule appointments now via Kaisers scheduling website.
UC Davis Medical Center: To set up an appointment, parents can go to MyTurn.ca.gov or use the MyUCDavisHealth website or app. Appointments start the week of Nov. 8.
Walgreens: Parents can schedule appointments now through Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-Walgreens. The vaccine will start being administered Nov. 6.
Correction: A previous version of this story misspelled the name of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. It has been corrected.
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Covid Vaccines Are Rolling Out For Younger Kids In Northern California Here’s What To Know
Finn Washburn, 9, receives an injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in San Jose, Calif., on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, as his sister, Piper Washburn, 6, waits her turn.
AP Photo/Noah Berger
Federal health officials have approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine a change many California parents have been eagerly awaiting.
Dr. Beatrice Tetteh has been immunizing children ages 12 and up at her Sacramento pediatric office since the vaccine was approved for that age group in the spring. She said parents have been asking about scheduling appointments for younger children for weeks, and shes had to tell them to wait until approval came through and doses arrived.
Shes also been talking with parents who are concerned about adverse effects.
I don’t see any specific concerns regarding safety other than, OK, their arms going to be a little sore, she said.
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Is The Flu Shot A Vaccine
Yes, flu vaccinations, also known as flu shots, cause antibodies to develop in the body that provide protection against infection from the influenza viruses that are used to make the vaccine. Most seasonal flu vaccines protect against four different flu viruses: an influenza A virus, an influenza A virus, and two influenza B viruses.
Which Flu Shot Is Right For Me
For ages 6 months and older: Inactivated Flu Vaccine Quadrivalent is a standard dose flu shot that protects against four strains of the flu virus. State age restrictions apply.For ages 18 years and older: Flublok® is a QIV formulation that protects against four strains of the flu virus and has triple the amount of each flu strain when compared to standard QIV. Plus, it can be used for persons with known egg allergies and has been shown to be scientifically superior to the standard flu vaccine for patients 50-64 years.For ages 65 years and older: Fluzone® High Dose Quadrivalent is the only licensed high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine and creates a stronger immune response after vaccination.
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