More Information About COVID-19

Here are some links we think you will find helpful:

Managing Covid-19 at home

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/10Things.pdf
 

Breastfeeding and Caring for Newborns

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html

FDA Guidance on Repeat Testing

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/home-covid-19-antigen-tests-take-steps-reduce-your-risk-false-negative-fda-safety-communication  

Testing types    

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/which-test-is-best-for-covid-19-2020081020734

When to test

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Ftesting%2Findex.html#when-to-get-tested

Mask guidance    

More mask information...

Travel guidance

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

Activity guidance

Navigating kid-related activities by Covid19 risk tolerance level

Vaccine FAQ's    

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/your-vaccination.html

More vaccine information...
 

Treatments and Medications

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/treatments-for-severe-illness.html

Vaccine Information

Covid-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and the cost is covered by insurance or through federal vaccine programs. People who are fully vaccinated can safely resume many activities.

Types of available vaccines:

  Pfizer-BioNTech^ Moderna
Minimum Age 6 months of age 6 months of age
Series 3 doses given over 4 months for patients 6 months to 4 years of age. 2 doses given over 2 months for patients 5 thru 18 years of age. 2 doses given 4 - 8 weeks apart
Booster* >2 months after second dose in series for persons above 5 years of age. Bivalent mRNA for booster dose. >2 months after 2nd dose in series for qualified persons above 6 years of age. Bivalent mRNA for booster dose.
When fully vaccinated 2 weeks after booster dose OR completed primary series within past 5 months 2 weeks after booster dose OR completed primary series within past 6 months
Partially vaccinated Has received only one or two doses of primary series  or completed the primary series of Pfizer vaccine over 5 months ago and is not boosted Has received only one dose or completed the primary series of Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and is not boosted
 

^ Children 6 mo to 4 years of age receiving the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will require 3 doses to complete the primary series. The third dose should be given 8 weeks after 2nd dose. 
*Any of the three COVID-19 vaccines can be used for the booster dose.

* People under 5 are not eligible for a booster dose and therefore may become partially vaccinated and yet remain ineligible for a booster.

*People with weakened immune systems, including people who take immunosuppressive medications, may not be protected even if fully vaccinated

CDC Reference: Interim Covid-19 Immunization Schedule


Mask Information

We recommend the use of a well-fitted mask for individuals 2 years of age and older, especially when in public indoor settings, regardless of vaccination status. Masks work by containing some of your airborne germs and protecting you from breathing in some of the germs from people around you. This is important because Covid19 can be spread through airborne particles.

There are different types of masks – the type you choose may depend on factors such as cost and availability. The fit of the mask is important. No matter what type you choose the mask should:

  • Cover your mouth and nose
  • Fit snuggly without gaps around the sides of the face and nose

Avoid masks that:

  • Have a valve or vent or other openings
  • Are a single layer fabric or thin fabric that doesn’t block light
  • Are wet or dirty

Mask myth busters:

Ways to make mask-wearing easier

  • Consider the use of a mask bracket or KF94 mask to help the mask stay off your face
  • Start getting used to the mask slowly by holding it in your hand, touching it to the face, or wearing it around one ear. Gradually work your way up to wearing the mask at home for short periods of time and during favorite activities.  Also, consider putting the mask on favorite toys, reading books about mask-wearing, positive reinforcement (favorite treats) for mask use, and modeling mask-wearing. 
  • Consider hypnotherapy or counseling to help with mask anxiety

A school-aged child qualifies for a mask exemption ONLY if they are unable to remove a cloth face mask independently. Adaptions to the learning environment should be explored for children in need of communication assistive devices and those with other disabilities that make them unable to tolerate wearing a mask. 

To improve mask fit:

  • Adjust ear straps
  • Use the nose wire to tighten the fit.
  • Tie a knot in the straps close to the filter material to snug it around the face
  • Use a Badger Seal or Fix the Mask 

Teaching points

  • Masks are germ catchers – wash your hands before and after you handle your mask
  • Use the ear straps to put a mask on and take it off
  • Cloth masks should be washed daily in soap and water. 
  • Wearing a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask will provide extra protection

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