COVID-19 Information

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to give us new questions. 

Maybe some of yours are answered here!

Updated 6/20/2022

COVID-19 Vaccines for children 6 months to 4 years:

The CDC has recommended COVID-19 vaccination for young children.  For this age group, we will be offering the Moderna Vaccine.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 6 months – 4 years has arrived.  We will be offering this vaccine in our office on certain days of the week. Because of the dosing schedule, we will only be offering the Moderna vaccine at this time.

Our pediatricians are recommending this vaccine for our patients, but we do recognize that different situations for different families may affect the individual timing or urgency to receive it.

If you are interested in making an appointment for your child to receive the vaccine, please call us at 901.683.9371.  If possible, these calls are best made in the late morning or afternoon as many other calls come in about ill children early in the morning.

Can my child receive the COVID-19 vaccine during a checkup visit?

Yes, but it may be complicated.  Since we only open new vials of vaccine on certain days, the checkup will need to be scheduled on the same day that the appropriate COVID-19 vaccine is scheduled.  Make sure that you mention this desire to the phone operator when you make your appointment to see if it is a possibility.

Masking guidelines are changing

Check the CDC guidance for your county below:

Quick Answers:

How long does my child need to isolate if they have COVID?

Five days from the obvious onset of symptoms if they are old enough to mask for days 6-10.  If they are unable to mask, for 10 days.  They should not be retested at the end of this time.

My child was exposed to COVID, do they have to quarantine and how long?

If your child is fully vaccinated (and boosted if eligible), they do not have to quarantine but should mask for 10 days when around others.  They should test if they develop symptoms.

If your child is not vaccinated, they should quarantine for 5 days and mask from day 6-10.  They should also test if they develop symptoms.

Where can my child be tested?

We can assess and test kids at Laurelwood.  If your child is ill or has been exposed and is showing symptoms, please call for an appointment.

Also tests are available at any of a variety of sites in the county.  Shelby County maintains a list of current sites

COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters for Ages 5-11

The FDA has approved the COVID-19 booster for ages 5-11 and the CDC will be advising that children in this age group receive a booster 5 months after completing the series.  If you would like to schedule a booster for your child, please give us a call.

COVID vaccines for children ages 5-11 are now available at Laurelwood.  If you would like to arrange an appointment for the vaccine, please call the office at 901.683.9371.  Beacuse the COVID-19 vaccine comes with 10 doses in a vial which must be used on the same day, we will be offering this vaccine only on selected days.  Unfortunately, that means that it is unlikely that we will be able to administer this vaccine on the same day as your child’s 5 year vaccines.  If you have more specific scheduling questions, please call the office.  Thank you!

Latest CDC guidlines on Quarantine and Isolation

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

If you:

Have been boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

If you:

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Are unvaccinated

  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

Source:  https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html

The COVID-19 vaccine is becoming available for more and more children. Should my child be vaccinated?

The short answer is, Yes.

All of the pediatricians at Laurelwood are strongly recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for all of our patients who are elegible. Although this illness has been mild for most of the pediatric patients who have been infected, we have seen several children who had more severe, or more prolonged cases of COVID-19.

In addition to the benefit of protecting your child from potential complications of COVID-19, fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed do not need to quarantine. We anticipate that vaccinated children will be able to participate in school for the 21-22 school year much more consistently.

With the new quarantine guidelines, full vaccination continues to provide reducation in quarantine times should exposure occur.

If you have questions about vaccinating your child, please speak to your pediatrician!

Your child is our mission.

24/7 service. Same Day Appointments are Available.

901.683.9371

901.761.1979

5050 Sanderlin

Memphis, TN 38117

laurelwoodpediatrics@gmail.com