Disease Activity in the CMG Community

Provider Update – Pediatrics

Provider Update – Adult Medicine

Disease Activity in the CMG Community

The pattern of disease transmission in the CMG community has remained relatively unchanged over the last 6 weeks. We continue to see significant RSV activity but relatively little Covid or Flu. There was a slight uptick in Flu A positivity this week; we will have to see whether this was an aberration or the beginning of a trend. Strep also remains prevalent in the community, as has been the case for months.

Provider Update – Pediatrics

CMG Pediatrics said goodbye to Dr. Rupert Vallarta earlier this fall. We wish him all the best and hope he will rejoin us at CMG should he move back to the DC area in the future.

We are thrilled to have welcomed two new pediatricians to CMG in the last two months – Dr. Kika Blunschi and Dr. Angela Wang. Dr. Blunschi grew up in Bethesda and recently completed the Primary Care Track of the Children’s National Medical Center residency program, one of the finest in the country. Dr. Wang comes to CMG from Philadelphia, where she completed her residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children and spent the early part of her career as an attending pediatrician. Dr. Wang is also a Certified Lactation Consultant.

With Drs. Blunschi and Wang on board, CMG Pediatrics plans to reopen to new patients in January.

Provider Update – Adult Medicine

By the end of December, CMG Adult Medicine will have said goodbye to both Nurse Practitioner Garth Grey and Nurse Practitioner Christine Brandt. We will miss both and thank both for their time at CMG.

We are thrilled to welcome Charrika Kelly, PA in January. Charrika has a special interest in chronic disease management and patient education. Charrika will join Dr. Kavya Nallamothu and Nurse Practitioner Katie Renken on staff at CMG Adult Medicine.

We are in active discussions with several physicians interested in joining CMG Adult Medicine, and hope to have an announcement about one or more new doctors in the near future. We plan to add 2-4 physicians to our Adult Medicine practice in 2024. If you are an Internist or Family Medicine physician and would like to be considered for a position at CMG, or know someone who is, please contact Jennifer Ferguson at jennifer@capitolmedicalgroup.com.

CMG Adult Medicine will remain closed to new patients until one or two additional physicians are in place.

Moderna Vaccine For Young Children Now Fully In Stock

Viral Activity in the CMG Community

RSV Shots Available for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

CMG Saturday Vaccine Clinics Booked; Weekday Appointments Available

Moderna Vaccine For Young Children Now Fully In Stock

CMG now has a full supply of both Moderna and Pfizer Covid vaccines for all ages. Either vaccine is fine for any patient, though for children under age 5 who have previously received at least one dose of vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sticking with the same vaccine brand initially administered if that brand is available.

Covid vaccine is available along with flu vaccine at our Saturday drive-through clinics and in the office during the week. Appointments can be made here. Covid and flu vaccines can be given together or separately – either way is fine. Please fill out one copy of this form before for each patient receiving Covid vaccine before coming to the office.

CMG recommends the updated Covid vaccine for everyone age 6 months and up. For those who have recently had Covid, we recommend waiting 3-4 months before getting the new vaccine.

Viral Activity in the CMG Community

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases increased slightly in the CMG community this week. CMG recorded 54 positive RSV tests this week, up from 36 last week and 51 the week prior. Covid and Flu activity remains low by comparison.

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

CMG currently has a good supply of the RSV antibody injection Beyfortus for children 7 months of age and younger. Children 8 months and older are not eligible for the vaccine, unless they have congenital heart disease or severe chronic lung disease. Asthma does not qualify a child 8 months or older for the injection. Please call the office if you would like to set up an appointment for Beyfortus. CMG recommends it for all eligible children.

The RSV shots can be given along with other regularly scheduled vaccines and will be available at well visits. RSV shots will not be available at our Saturday drive-up vaccine clinics, as the babies must be weighed to determine the proper dose of injection.

CMG Saturday Vaccine Clinics Booked; Weekday Appointments Available

Our Saturday vaccine clinics are ongoing through November 11^th in the P1 underground parking level of our building, but are now almost entirely booked. If you have an appointment you no longer need, please cancel so another patient can use that slot. We will continue to offer in-office vaccine appointment slots weekdays through the fall. Appointments can be made here.

At our Saturday and weekday vaccine appointments, patients may receive flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. For those receiving Covid vaccine, please fill out one copy of this form for each patient.

For the Saturday drive-up clinics: the entrance to the P1 parking level is roughly 100 yards down Chevy Chase Lake Drive off Connecticut Ave. Signs will be posted. Families will be directed where to park, have their appointments confirmed, fill out a simple form, receive their vaccines, and drive away. Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for all patients age 6 months and up.

Patients and parents/caregivers coming to the office for a scheduled appointment with a provider, such as a well visit or a non-acute sick visit, will be able to receive flu and Covid vaccines at that time if they wish. The exception is during our early morning “Before Hours” walk-in hour for sick children – we do not have enough nursing staff during Before Hours to administer vaccines.

Viral Activity in the CMG Community

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

Covid Vaccine Availability

CMG Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics Booked

Viral Activity in the CMG Community

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases decreased slightly in the CMG community this week. CMG recorded 36 positive RSV tests this week, down from 51 last week and compared to 26 and 10 the two weeks prior. Covid and Flu activity remains low by comparison.

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

CMG currently has a good supply of the RSV antibody injection Beyfortus for children 7 months of age and younger. Children 8 months and older are not eligible for the vaccine, unless they have congenital heart disease or severe chronic lung disease. Asthma does not qualify a child 8 months or older for the injection. Please call the office if you would like to set up an appointment for Beyfortus. CMG recommends it for all eligible children.

Beyfortus is an expensive injection – over $500 per dose. Insurance companies have indicated they will cover the cost, but as with any new injection there may be insurance denials initially. If this happens, the cost of the medication and its administration will become the responsibility of the patient.

Babies who are in the office for a well visit can receive the shot at that time. The RSV shots can be given along with other regularly scheduled vaccines. RSV shots will not be available at our Saturday drive-up vaccine clinics, as the babies must be weighed to determine the proper dose of injection.

Covid Vaccine Availability

CMG now has a good supply of the updated Pfizer Covid vaccine for all ages, as well as Moderna for ages 12 and up. We are again waiting for our next shipment of Moderna for ages 6 months to 11 years. We have been promised a large shipment of Moderna for young children this week, but such promises have gone unfulfilled in the past. We will continue to update you here with regard to Moderna availability.  Either vaccine is fine for any patient, though for children under age 5 who have previously received at least one dose of vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sticking with the same vaccine brand initially administered if that brand is available. When that brand is not available, the other is acceptable.

Covid vaccine is available along with flu vaccine at our Saturday drive-through clinics and in the office during the week. Covid and flu vaccines can be given together or separately – either way is fine. Please fill out one copy of this form for each patient receiving Covid vaccine.

CMG recommends the updated Covid vaccine for everyone age 6 months and up. For those who have recently had Covid, we recommend waiting 3-4 months before getting the new vaccine.

CMG Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics Booked

Our Saturday vaccine clinics are ongoing through November 11^th in the P1 underground parking level of our building, but are now fully booked. If you have an appointment that you no longer need, please cancel that slot so another patient can use it. We will continue to offer in-office vaccine appointment slots weekdays through the fall.

At our Saturday clinics, patients may receive flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. For those receiving Covid vaccine, please fill out one copy of this form for each patient.

For the Saturday drive-up clinics: the entrance to the P1 parking level is roughly 100 yards down Chevy Chase Lake Drive off Connecticut Ave. Signs will be posted. Families will be directed where to park, have their appointments confirmed, fill out a simple form, receive their vaccines at the car, and drive away. Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for all patients age 6 months and up.

Patients and parents/caregivers coming to the office for a scheduled appointment with a provider, such as a well visit or a non-acute sick visit, will be able to receive flu and Covid vaccines at that time if they wish. The exception is during our early morning “Before Hours” walk-in hour for sick children – we do not have enough nursing staff during Before Hours to administer vaccines.

RSV Activity Increasing in the CMG Community

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

Pfizer and Moderna Covid Vaccines Available at CMG

Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics at CMG Ongoing, Saturdays in Underground Parking Lot P1

Parking Issues at 8401 Connecticut

RSV Activity Increasing in the CMG Community

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) has increased in the CMG community over the last 3 weeks. CMG recorded 51 positive RSV tests this week, up from 26 last week and 10 the week prior. We expect RSV numbers will continue to climb in the coming weeks. Covid and Flu cases remain low by comparison.

Given the spread of RSV in the area, we recommend RSV injections for those eligible in the next few weeks. This means newborns/infants under age 8 months (see below) and adults age 60 and up. Children age 8 months and up and adults under age 60 are not eligible for RSV vaccine. The adult RSV vaccine for age 60+ is available at pharmacies only.

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

CMG currently has limited quantities of the RSV antibody injection Beyfortus for children under 8 months of age. We expect to receive a larger shipment mid-week, and hope to offer injections to as many of our eligible patients as possible over the next 3 weeks. Once the new shipment arrives, we will add appointment slots accordingly. Please call the office starting Thursday of this week to make an injection appointment for the coming weeks. We do not have an online scheduling modality for RSV shots.

Babies 8 months and older are not eligible for the vaccine, unless they have congenital heart disease or severe chronic lung disease. Asthma does not qualify a baby 8 months or older for the injection.

This is an expensive injection – over $500 per dose. Insurance companies have indicated they will cover the cost, but as with any new injection there may be insurance denials initially. If this happens, the cost of the medication and its administration will become the responsibility of the patient.

Babies who are in the office for a well visit can receive the shot at that time. The RSV shots can be given along with other regularly scheduled vaccines. RSV shots will not be available at our Saturday drive-up vaccine clinics, as the babies must be weighed to determine the proper dose of injection.

Pfizer and Moderna Covid Vaccines Available at CMG

CMG now has a good supply of the both the Pfizer and Moderna updated Covid vaccines. Either vaccine is fine for any patient, with one exception: for children under age 5 who have previously received at least one dose of vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sticking with the same vaccine brand initially administered if possible.

The new Covid vaccine is available along with flu vaccine at our Saturday drive-through clinics and in the office during the week. Appointments can be made for the Saturday drive-through clinics here. These appointment slots can be used for flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. Covid and flu vaccines can be given together or separately – either way is fine. Please fill out one copy of this form for each patient receiving Covid vaccine.

CMG recommends the updated Covid vaccine for everyone age 6 months and up. For those who have recently had Covid, we recommend waiting 3-4 months before getting the new vaccine.

Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics at CMG Ongoing, Saturdays in Underground Parking Lot P1

Saturday vaccine clinics will be ongoing through November 11^th in the P1 underground parking level of our building. Patients may receive flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. For those receiving Covid vaccine, please fill out one copy of this form for each patient. To book an appointment, please follow this link and input the name of the patient as listed in our medical record system – not a nickname.

Most appointments for our Saturday clinics have been booked. As of this writing there are still slots available on November 11^th. We will be adding additional weekday slots in November when we can. Flu and Covid vaccines are also available at pharmacies.

For the Saturday drive-up clinics: the entrance to the P1 level is roughly 100 yards down Chevy Chase Lake Drive off Connecticut Ave. Signs will be posted. Families will be directed where to park, have their appointments confirmed, fill out a simple form, receive their vaccines at the car, and drive away. Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for all patients age 6 months and up.

Patients and parents/caregivers coming to the office for a scheduled appointment with a provider, such as a well visit or a non-acute sick visit, will be able to receive flu and Covid vaccines at that time if they wish. The exception is during our early morning “Before Hours” walk-in hour for sick children – we do not have enough nursing staff during Before Hours to administer vaccines.

Parking Issues at 8401 Connecticut

Renovation work is ongoing in the parking lots at our building. There is still space to park, and there are parking attendants on site, but there is more traffic congestion than usual. Please leave extra time for finding a spot and making your way into the building while the renovation is ongoing. We ask patients to arrive in our office 15 minutes prior to the appointment time; this means arriving at the building 20-25 minutes before your appointment. We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this work is causing. The renovation project is scheduled to conclude by the end of the year.

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

Pfizer Covid Vaccine Available at CMG; Moderna Available in Limited Quantities

Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics at CMG Ongoing, Saturdays in Underground Parking Lot P1

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months

The RSV antibody injection for infants (Beyfortus) has arrived at CMG, but in limited quantities for the time being. We have a good supply of the dose for babies 11 lbs and over, but have run out of the dose for babies under 11 lbs. We expect more doses for the smaller babies to arrive this week or next. There is unfortunately still no online scheduling modality for RSV shots – please call the office to make an appointment.

Beyfortus is a single dose injection approved for babies under 8 months to provide protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, one of the leading causes of hospitalization in young children. We recommend the injection for all babies under 8 months.

Babies 8 months and older are not eligible for the vaccine, unless they have congenital heart disease or severe chronic lung disease. Asthma does not qualify a baby 8 months or older for the injection.

This is an expensive injection – over $500. Insurance companies have indicated they will cover the cost, but as with any new injection there may be insurance denials initially. If this happens, the cost of the medication and its administration will become the responsibility of the patient.

Babies who are in the office for a well visit can receive the shot at that time. The RSV shots can be given along with other regularly scheduled vaccines. RSV shots will not be available at our Saturday drive-up vaccine clinics, as the babies must be weighed to determine the proper dose of injection.

Pfizer Covid Vaccine Available at CMG; Moderna Available in Limited Quantities

CMG has a good supply of the updated Pfizer Covid vaccine, and a very limited supply of Moderna. We expect to receive a much larger shipment of Moderna this week or next. Either vaccine is fine for any patient, with one exception: for children under age 5 who have previously received at least one dose of vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sticking with the same vaccine brand initially administered if that vaccine brand is available. The CDC’s recommendation does state that if the original vaccine brand is unavailable for this age group, the other brand is acceptable. If your young child started with Moderna and you would rather not wait for Moderna to become readily available for the next dose, it is okay to go ahead with a Pfizer dose at this time. We do expect to have a more plentiful supply of Moderna in the coming weeks.

The new Covid vaccine is available along with flu vaccine at our Saturday drive-through clinics and in the office during the week. Appointments can be made for the Saturday drive-through clinics here. These appointments can be used for flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. Covid and flu vaccines can be given together or separately – either way is fine. Please fill out one copy of this form for each patient receiving Covid vaccine.

CMG recommends the updated Covid vaccine for everyone age 6 months and up. For those who have recently had Covid, we recommend waiting 3-4 months before getting the new vaccine.

Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics at CMG Ongoing, Saturdays in Underground Parking Lot P1

Saturday vaccine clinics will be ongoing through November 4^th in the P1 underground parking level of our building. Patients may receive flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. For those receiving Covid vaccine, please fill out one copy of this form for each patient. To book an appointment, please follow this link and input the name of the patient as listed in our medical record system – not a nickname.

Most appointments for our Saturday clinics have been booked. As of this writing there are still slots available on November 4^th. We may be adding a vaccine clinic on November 11, and will also be adding weekday slots in mid October and on. If there are no slots available when you check, please check back during the week, as we will be adding more.  Please note that each person to be vaccinated must have their own appointment; we will not be able to vaccinate those who arrive without an appointment.

For the Saturday drive-up clinics: the entrance to the P1 level is roughly 100 yards down Chevy Chase Lake Drive off Connecticut Ave. Signs will be posted. Families will be directed where to park, have their appointments confirmed, fill out a simple form, receive their vaccines at the car, and drive away. Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for all patients age 6 months and up.

Patients and parents/caregivers coming to the office for a scheduled appointment with a provider, such as a well visit or a non-acute sick visit, will be able to receive flu and Covid vaccines at that time if they wish. The exception is during our early morning “Before Hours” walk-in hour for sick children – we do not have enough nursing staff during Before Hours to administer vaccines.

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months Now Available

Pfizer Covid Vaccine Available at CMG; Still Waiting on Moderna

Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics at CMG Ongoing, Saturdays in Underground Parking Lot P1

RSV Shots for Newborns/Infants Under 8 Months Now Available

The RSV antibody injection for infants (Beyfortus) has arrived at CMG. This is a single dose injection approved for babies under 8 months to provide protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, one of the leading causes of hospitalization in young children. We recommend the injection for all babies under 8 months.

Babies 8 months of age and older are not eligible for the vaccine, unless they have congenital heart disease or severe chronic lung disease. Asthma does not qualify a baby 8 months or older for the injection.

This is an expensive injection – over $500. Insurance companies have indicated they will cover the cost, but as with any new injection there may be insurance snafus at the beginning. If this happens, the cost of the medication and its administration will become the responsibility of the patient.

We will be administering the RSV injection in the office, by appointment. We do not yet have an online scheduling modality for RSV shots – if you would like to schedule this week, please call the office. We expect online scheduling to become available next week.

Babies who are in the office for a well visit can receive the shot at that time. The RSV shots can be given along with other regularly scheduled vaccines. RSV shots will not be available at our Saturday drive-up vaccine clinics, as the babies must be weighed to determine the proper dose of injection.

Pfizer Covid Vaccine Available at CMG; Still Waiting on Moderna

CMG has received our initial shipment of the updated Pfizer Covid vaccine. We hope to receive Moderna vaccine soon, but we have not yet been given a ship date. Either vaccine is fine for any patient, with one exception: for children under age 5 who have previously received at least one dose of vaccine, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sticking with the same vaccine brand initially administered if that vaccine brand is available. The CDC’s recommendation does state that if the original vaccine brand is unavailable for this age group, the other brand is acceptable. If your young child started with Moderna and you would rather not wait for Moderna to become available for the next dose, it is okay to go ahead with a Pfizer dose at this time.

The new Covid vaccine is available along with flu vaccine at our Saturday drive-through clinics and in the office during the week. Appointments can be made for the Saturday drive-through clinics here. These appointments can be used for flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. Covid and flu vaccines can be given together or separately – either way is fine. Please fill out one copy of this form for each patient receiving Covid vaccine.

CMG recommends the updated Covid vaccine for everyone age 6 months and up. For those who have recently had Covid, we recommend waiting 3-4 months before getting the new vaccine.

Flu/Covid Vaccine Clinics at CMG Ongoing, Saturdays in Underground Parking Lot P1

Saturday vaccine clinics will be ongoing through November 4^th in the P1 underground parking level of our building. Patients may receive flu vaccine, Covid vaccine, or both. For those receiving Covid vaccine, please fill out one copy of this form for each patient.

To book an appointment, please follow this link and input the name of the patient as listed in our medical record system – not a nickname. Appointments are currently available to be booked through November 4^th. Vaccine appointments mid-week in office will also be available through the fall. Please note that each person to be vaccinated must have their own appointment; we will not be able to vaccinate those who arrive without an appointment.

For the Saturday drive-up clinics: the entrance to the P1 level is roughly 100 yards down Chevy Chase Lake Drive off Connecticut Ave. Signs will be posted. Families will be directed where to park, have their appointments confirmed, fill out a simple form, receive their vaccines at the car, and drive away. Flu and Covid vaccines are recommended for all patients age 6 months and up.

Patients and parents/caregivers coming to the office for a scheduled appointment with a provider, such as a well visit or a non-acute sick visit, will be able to receive flu and Covid vaccines at that time if they wish. The exception is during our early morning “Before Hours” walk-in hour for sick children – we do not have enough nursing staff during Before Hours to administer vaccines.