Clinic News
Current Clinic Response To COVID-19
As a clinic, we are doing everything we can to protect the safety and health of our patient families, providers, and staff. Thank you for your kindness and your continued patience and understanding as we move through this pandemic together.
COVID-19 Vaccination: We are registered with the State of Minnesota to be a COVID-19 vaccine administration site. We will be offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to our patients and to a limited number of the general public starting April 14, 2021. Please remember that our vaccine supply is very limited, and we encourage you to continue pursuing other vaccination options if you aren't able to schedule with us.
What to expect at your child’s visit: We adhere to the most current national and state infection control standards, including separation of well children from ill (see above), physical distancing in our waiting rooms, and requiring patients over 2 years old, parents, and clinic staff to wear face coverings. Only one parent or guardian may accompany the patient, no siblings please, unless the sibling has an appointment as well. We rigorously clean high touch areas—all scales and equipment as well as each exam room are comprehensively sanitized between each use and cleaning schedules are verified by clinic supervisors throughout each day. Because we have removed books and toys from our waiting rooms, it is helpful to bring items to occupy your child while waiting for your appointment. We will ask screening questions and may take your temperature upon arrival. Please note that you may be asked to reschedule if you, your child, or a family member has had any ill symptoms over the past 72 hours.
Masking During Sports: We follow the guidelines set forth by local pulmonologists, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. All athletes should wear a cloth mask while participating in practices and competing, even if wearing a face shield. This protects the patient, those around them —especially those with underlying conditions— and also protects the sports season. We suggest doing a dry run at home and masking during a cardio event to get a feel for what it’s like. For more information, including exemption sports: https://tinyurl.com/y49dw9lo
Telehealth: Many appointments (medication follow ups, skin concerns, certain illness visits) can be done via telehealth. This minimizes exposure risk for your child and our staff. Our schedulers can guide you on whether this is an option for your child’s appointment.
COVID-19 Testing: If your child has ill symptoms or a potential exposure to COVID-19, he or she can be tested at our clinic, after speaking with a Registered Nurse or a telehealth visit with a Provider. Our PCR tests are run at Mayo Clinic and our typical turn-around time is 2-7 days. If your child was tested in clinic and is awaiting results, please see the handout below.
COVID-19 Vaccination: We are registered with the State of Minnesota to be a COVID-19 vaccine administration site. We will be offering the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to our patients and to a limited number of the general public starting April 14, 2021. Please remember that our vaccine supply is very limited, and we encourage you to continue pursuing other vaccination options if you aren't able to schedule with us.
- Click here to request a vaccination appointment. You must request a separate appointment for each patient.
- This round, we are launching 2 vaccine events: one in Maple Grove on Thursday, May 20th from 4 PM - 7PM, and the other in Minnetonka on Saturday, May 22nd from 1 PM - 7 PM. If future events are planned, we will post that information here.
- Bring the following to your appointment: an Epi-Pen (if patient has history of anaphylaxis), photo ID, insurance information, and COVID-19 vaccination card (if second dose).
- Review the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers (fda.gov)
- Arrive on time.
- DO NOT CALL our clinic to attempt to schedule. You must fill out the appointment request form above.
- We do not accept walk-ins. You must have an appointment.
- On May 12th, all Minnesotans 12 years and older became eligible to receive the vaccine.
- For general vaccine questions, call the MDH COVID-19 vaccine hotline at (651) 297-1304 or 1 (800) 657-3504. This is available 9 AM - 4 PM Monday - Friday.
- If you live in Carver county, you may also call the COVID-19 call center at (952) 361-1559.
- Review common questions after getting vaccinated, where to find a vaccine for children under 18, and other general vaccine information by the Minnesota of Department of Health.
- Additional resources:
- https://mnvaccinehunters.com: information on how to start searching for a COVID-19 vaccine as well as information on many retail pharmacies and health systems
- https://www.vaccinespotter.org/MN: updated information on where vaccines are in stock for select pharmacies
- Any person age 18 and older should register on the Vaccine Connector through the Minnesota Department of Health. It’s a tool that helps Minnesotans find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. mn.gov/vaccineconnector.
- Options for scheduling include county events, other health systems, and retail pharmacies, as well as mass vaccination events organized through the vaccine connector.
What to expect at your child’s visit: We adhere to the most current national and state infection control standards, including separation of well children from ill (see above), physical distancing in our waiting rooms, and requiring patients over 2 years old, parents, and clinic staff to wear face coverings. Only one parent or guardian may accompany the patient, no siblings please, unless the sibling has an appointment as well. We rigorously clean high touch areas—all scales and equipment as well as each exam room are comprehensively sanitized between each use and cleaning schedules are verified by clinic supervisors throughout each day. Because we have removed books and toys from our waiting rooms, it is helpful to bring items to occupy your child while waiting for your appointment. We will ask screening questions and may take your temperature upon arrival. Please note that you may be asked to reschedule if you, your child, or a family member has had any ill symptoms over the past 72 hours.
Masking During Sports: We follow the guidelines set forth by local pulmonologists, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. All athletes should wear a cloth mask while participating in practices and competing, even if wearing a face shield. This protects the patient, those around them —especially those with underlying conditions— and also protects the sports season. We suggest doing a dry run at home and masking during a cardio event to get a feel for what it’s like. For more information, including exemption sports: https://tinyurl.com/y49dw9lo
Telehealth: Many appointments (medication follow ups, skin concerns, certain illness visits) can be done via telehealth. This minimizes exposure risk for your child and our staff. Our schedulers can guide you on whether this is an option for your child’s appointment.
COVID-19 Testing: If your child has ill symptoms or a potential exposure to COVID-19, he or she can be tested at our clinic, after speaking with a Registered Nurse or a telehealth visit with a Provider. Our PCR tests are run at Mayo Clinic and our typical turn-around time is 2-7 days. If your child was tested in clinic and is awaiting results, please see the handout below.
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Is it safe to bring in my child for immunizations?
Yes. It’s still recommended that every child continues to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for immunizations, even if the process looks a little different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re experiencing unprecedented times, and it’s very important for children to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Kelly Lemieux, Pediatrician. “Not only do we want to keep your child healthy, but it’s a critical step against preventable diseases.”
Educate Your Children – this is very important!
COVID-19 Test: BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2-BD
COVID-19 Test: Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2
Resources
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/exguide.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/
https://www.healthychildren.org
https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/talking-to-children-about-coronavirus/
Yes. It’s still recommended that every child continues to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for immunizations, even if the process looks a little different because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re experiencing unprecedented times, and it’s very important for children to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Dr. Kelly Lemieux, Pediatrician. “Not only do we want to keep your child healthy, but it’s a critical step against preventable diseases.”
Educate Your Children – this is very important!
- Social distancing – limit public interactions, work/school from home, limit gatherings to less than 10 people, visit with friends and loved ones electronically. If you must go out in public keep 6’ of distance between yourself and others.
- Masking
- Good hand washing – at least 20 seconds, between fingers, on fingertips, tops of hands, and palms
- Cough/Sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands
- Remain home when ill until 10 days since the onset symptoms appeared, until fever-free for at least 72 hours without medication, and until upper respiratory symptoms improved
- Those who are at risk should stay home – older adults & people with serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease
COVID-19 Test: BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of SARS-CoV-2-BD
COVID-19 Test: Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2
Resources
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools/exguide.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/
https://www.healthychildren.org
https://sparkandstitchinstitute.com/talking-to-children-about-coronavirus/