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 11th 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.