COVID-19 (coronavirus)
If nothing else, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has brought into sharp focus the value of ongoing preventive medicine, something that has been MISSION CENTRAL for pediatricians forever.
We encourage you to stay up-to-date on your child's well visits - submit an online request for a future well visit today (we usually book well visits 3 months in advance).
VACCINATION:
Of all public health interventions that have been introduced over the past century, vaccination has made the most impact in saving lives. Sadly, pandemics in the past have often affected children MORE than other age groups, and the value of vaccinations cannot be overstated. COVID vaccines are available at Annapolis Pediatrics offices - visit the "Vaccinations" tab below for information.
TESTING:
**Get tested faster & save time - register for our NEW weekly COVID clinics at our Edgewater office! (starting 9/27/21)
Visit the "testing" tab below for more testing information, including other local testing locations and information.
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Answers to Your Questions About Covid Vaccines and Kids
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Does my unvaccinated child still have to wear a mask when the rest of the family doesn't?
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May 10th, 2021 - FDA Authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for Emergency Use in Adolescents in Another Important Action in Fight Against Pandemic
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April 1st, 2021 - Governor Hogan Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration For All Marylanders 16 And Older
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COVID-19 Vaccine Update - as of 8/20/21
Last week, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that people over age 12 with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. This third dose can be given after at least 28 days since the initial 2-dose series was completed. We are pleased to announce that we are able to provide COVID-19 vaccine in our offices, and thus can ensure our patients receive appropriate vaccinations. Currently this additional dose only applies to patients who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Children over age 12 who need this additional protection include those who have:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
- Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response
Please call our office and speak to your provider if you have any questions about whether this applies to your child. It is preferred, but not required to receive the same brand of vaccine for this third booster. Speak to your provider about which vaccine is appropriate for your child.
In addition, it is now recommended that all those who completed an initial series of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) receive a booster dose 8 months following the completion of the initial series. At Annapolis Pediatrics, we expect to have an ongoing supply of vaccine, and will be ready to provide it to our patients at the appropriate time.
Returning Our Children Safely to School
READ HERE for Annapolis Pediatrics' recommendations and advice for sending our children safely to school this fall.
And a video from Dr. Edwards:
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COVID Vaccine Myths: Busted!
Dr. Edwards and Dr. Turner talk about COVID vaccine myths vs. facts in their latest Pediatrician Chat.
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COVID-19 Sports Clearance Guide
A video from our Medical Director on the importance of activity, and our COVID-19 sports clearance guide.
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KIDS, COVID & VACCINATIONS
An Interview with Dr. Edwards, Dr. Turner and Chesapeake Family Life. Recorded 6.11.21
WATCH THE INTERVIEW HERE.
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When Might Your Child Get The Covid 19 Vaccine? What Should Parents Be Doing Right Now? And How Can Pediatricians Help with Vaccinations?
Hear the latest from “On the Record”, featuring Dr. James Campbell from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development.
The second part of this interview features Annapolis Pediatrics’ own Dr. Edwards and Dr. Rice.
Listen HERE.
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Everywhere you turn, there is information about the upcoming COVID-19 vaccines. At Annapolis Pediatrics, we want to make sure that you are getting the most accurate, scientific, evidence-based answers to all of your questions.
Annapolis Pediatrics’ Dr. Margaret Turner interviewed Dr. James Campbell from the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland Center for Vaccine Development to get the details on the vaccine rollout and what we should know as parents.
Watch the full interview here:
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Were you or your children directly exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 test? Not sure if and how long you should be quarantining?
Here is the most recent Maryland Department of Health quarantine guidance for asymptomatic individuals in alignment with the CDC:
1) With Negative Diagnostic Test Results:
After Day 7 with a Negative Test: When diagnostic testing resources are sufficient and available, quarantine can end after Day 7:
a) If no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring; AND
b) if a diagnostic specimen tests negative
2) Without Test Results:*
After Day 10 Without a Test: Quarantine can end after Day 10 without testing if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.
*Please quarantine within these guidelines whether or not you are contacted by a contact tracer.
3) For fully vaccinated people who have a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19:
Get tested 3-5 days after exposure.
Wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until a negative test result is received.
*Updated 8.3.21
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Practice the 3 W’s wherever you go – Watch your distance, Wear your mask, Wash your hands.
A few things to keep in mind when making your 12+ child's vaccine appointment: Additional/Third Dose Vaccine Recommendation: The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is now recommending that people over age 12 with moderately to severely compromised immune systems receive an additional (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. This third dose can be given after at least 28 days since the initial 2-dose series was completed. We are pleased to announce that we are able to provide COVID-19 vaccine in our offices, and thus can ensure our patients receive appropriate vaccinations. Currently this additional dose only applies to patients who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Children over age 12 who need this additional protection include those who have: Please call our office and speak to your provider if you have any questions about whether this applies to your child. It is preferred, but not required to receive the same brand of vaccine for this third booster. Speak to your provider about which vaccine is appropriate for your child. In addition, it is now recommended that all those who completed an initial series of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) receive a booster dose 8 months following the completion of the initial series. We expect to have an ongoing supply of vaccine, and will be ready to provide it to our patients at the appropriate time. https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine https://www.aacounty.org/covidvax COVID-19 Vaccination Locations:
At Annapolis Pediatrics, we now have the COVID vaccine available in our Annapolis office for our patients 12 and up. Please call our office to schedule your COVID vaccine appointment, or ask for vaccine availability at your upcoming well visit.
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State of Maryland Vaccination Locations:
Anne Arundel County Department of Health Clinics:
Kent County Department of Health:
Get tested faster & save time - register for our NEW weekly COVID clinics at our Edgewater office!
Starting Monday, 9/27, we will be holding a COVID testing clinic at our Edgewater office.
HOURS:
- Monday - Wednesday - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Friday - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
INFORMATION:
- COVID testing is by appointment only, and can be self-scheduled online.
- Both rapid and PCR testing will be performed.
- Clinics are for COVID testing only. Patients will not be seen by a provider and no additional testing other than COVID testing will be performed.
- Patients will remain in their car and specimens will be self-collected by the patient (if age appropriate) or by the parent/guardian.
- If your child has symptoms, you may still come to the testing clinic if desired; however, if you would like to be seen by a provider, you will need to schedule a separate sick visit.
Annapolis Pediatrics is still offering in-office COVID testing at our other locations; however, we encourage our patients WITHOUT symptoms who just need a test in order to return to school or daycare to register for our Edgewater COVID Testing Clinic Hours. (see above)
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If your child has COVID symptoms and needs to be seen and tested, please call our office to schedule an appointment. (see more information below.)
Here are a few things to know about in-office COVID testing visits at Annapolis Pediatrics:
- COVID testing is by appointment only and all patients will be seen by a provider.
- The testing portion of the visit will take place first before seeing your nurse or provider.
- Swabs will be collected by the parent (if the patient is old enough, they may collect their own swab.)
- Rapid results will be provided at the time of the visit.
- If the rapid testing results are negative, the in-person nurse & provider visit will continue, which will include your child’s weight and vitals to be taken.
- If the rapid testing results are positive, the rest of the visit will continue virtually with the provider.
- PCR results take approximately 72 hours. We will call you with the results once they come in.
*Please Note: Coming into the office for a COVID test will be treated like a regular appointment, and will be billed to your insurance accordingly.
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If you are unable to get a COVID testing appointment at your convenience at Annapolis Pediatrics, here are several other local COVID-19 testing facilities. The sites listed below are open to the public without a Doctor’s Order.
**IF YOU GO FOR TESTING SOMEWHERE OTHER THAN ANNAPOLIS PEDIATRICS, PLEASE CALL ANNAPOLIS PEDIATRICS ONCE YOU GET YOUR RESULTS BACK, SELECT OPTION 4 TO LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR A TRIAGE NURSE TO INFORM US OF YOUR RESULTS.
Anne Arundel County Resident Testing Locations:
Maryland Department of Health at 1 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
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Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Appointments preferred! Call: 410-222-7256 to schedule!
Glen Burnie VEIP station at 721 E. Ordnance Road, Curtis Bay, MD 21226
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Wednesday and Friday: 8:00 AM -12:00 PM
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No appointment needed!
Earleigh Heights Fire Department at 161 Ritchie Hwy, Severna Park, MD 21146
- Opens Mon – Fri 9am – 4pm
- No appointment needed!
First Call Medical Center at 1071 MD-3 #101, Gambrills, MD 21054
- Opens 7 days/week at 8am – 8pm
- No appointment needed!
Queen Anne’s County Resident Testing Locations:
Queen Anne’s County Health Department at 206 N. Commerce Street, Centerville, MD 21617
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Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM (weather permitting- there may be extended/additional hours)
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More information including needed paperwork available here: https://health.maryland.gov/qahealth/
Edwards Pharmacy at 102 S. Commerce Street, Centerville, MD 21617
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Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Appointment required: go to https://www.doineedacovid19test.com/Centreville_MD_906.html to schedule!
Nutrition:
For the rest of the year, children can receive three FREE meals a day at the county links below.
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Free meals available from 42 rec centers in Baltimore
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Call 311 for locations and to schedule pickup time
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Mental Health:
Children:
Teens:
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Teens & COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities During the Outbreak
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How Teenagers Can Protect their Mental Health During Coronavirus
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Education and Entertainment:
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Stay at Home Resource List (with over 30 links!)
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Anne Arundel County Public Library – ebooks, movies, music, educational resources and more.
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Queen Anne’s County Public Library – ebooks, educational and language resources, and tons more.
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Sesame Street Health Emergencies – Talking to Kids About COVID-19, hand washing, printable activities, videos and more.
Maryland COVID-19 Data Dashboard
When Might Your Children Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Masking Up with Kids: Tips and Tricks
Improve How Your Mask Protects You
Your questions about coronavirus vaccines, answered: What you need to know.
At Annapolis Pediatrics, we have hosted a variety of virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic with our providers and other experts. Watch/listen to the specific events below:
The Good, The Bad and the Ugly. A Survival Guide for Parents of 2-5 Years (during COVID)
Supporting School and Middle School Aged Children During COVID-19
Supporting Teens Through Quarantine
Social and Emotional Development: Mental Health in a COVID World