COVID-19 Information

MASK OR NO MASK?

Masks are optional in most* areas of the building.

*Masks are required in the Infusion area and for staff, patients, and visitors who are coughing or exhibiting respiratory symptoms.

Jump to Covid Testing Info

                                              COVID-19 VACCINE & BOOSTER

While MCH is no longer offering COVID-19 vaccine nor booster injections, you can find COVID‑19 vaccine locations near you at:

Check your local pharmacy’s website to see if vaccine appointments or walk-ins are available. See a list of retail pharmacies providing vaccinations.

Some local Houston pharmacies include:

 You may want to consider government based COVID-19 Information. Clicking either link:  Texas Health and Human Services or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offer information on vaccines and treatments.

Find additional information in the section below: “Commonly asked Questions”   click on the + (plus sign) to reveal the responses.

Commonly Asked Questions about COVID-19 (click on the + to display answers)

How can individuals obtain the COVID-19 (Booster and/or Initial/Primary) vaccine?

People can find vaccine sites as well as investigate COVID-19 Vaccine Information by clicking on this link:  Texas Health and Human Services which offers the latest information on vaccines and treatments in development and the distribution across Texas.

Another vaccine resource for appointments or walk-ins may be this City of Houston’s Health Department’s link: COVID-19 vaccine clinics/.

Hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Please click on the Fact Sheet to read the Texas Medical Association’s COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet

The CDC recommends getting an authorized COVID-19 vaccine.  The CDC does not recommend one authorized vaccine manufacturer over another.

You could also read this article, published by CNN, by clicking on the link: https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/02/health/covid-vaccine-hesitancy-questions-answered-wellness-trnd/index.html

Continue to check our web site’s “Home” page for updates.

Who is eligible to get the vaccine / booster?

DSHS announced all Texans age 5 and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 Vaccines

For moderately or severe immunocompromised patients, you must have received three primary doses before receiving the new booster vaccine. 

All other patients must have received two primary doses before receiving the booster.

What are the different vaccines / boosters and who can take them?

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna

Side effects:

Pfizer-BioNTech

  • The most common side effects were pain at the injection site, followed by tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever, according to the FDA.
  • In the United Kingdom, two health care workers reported severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) after being vaccinated; two health care workers in Alaska reported a serious allergic reaction after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • In the U.S. trial, four people who received the vaccine developed Bell’s palsy, which causes temporary paralysis in facial muscles

Moderna

  • The most common side effects were pain at the injection site, followed by tiredness, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and chills, an FDA analysis found.
  • Three trial participants who received the vaccine developed Bell’s palsy.

Significance: The side effects are similar for each vaccine. William Moss, a physician and executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, points out that the number of Bell’s palsy cases in both trials is “very small and likely just represents chance,” but says “going forward we’ll just need to monitor more carefully and just make sure we’re looking for Bell’s palsy and make sure that it’s not related to the vaccine.”

When it comes to the anaphylactic reactions exhibited in Great Britain, one of the participants had a history of allergic reactions. U.S. federal officials have warned health care providers not to give the vaccine to anyone with a known history of a severe allergic reaction to any part of the vaccine, a standard caution for all vaccines. As with the Bell’s palsy cases, officials are expected to watch for such reactions.

How many shots?

INITIAL (Primary)

Pfizer-BioNTech

  • Two shots of the vaccine, given 21 days apart, are required for it to be fully effective.

Moderna

  • Two shots are required, 28 days apart.

BOOSTER

For moderately or severe immunocompromised patients, you must have received three primary doses before receiving the new booster vaccine. 

All other patients must have received two primary doses before receiving the booster.

Is in-vehicle testing available?

Swab testing for MCH patients may be performed through your vehicle’s window – only after scheduling an appointment with your physician.

For additional testing information, please scroll down this page to: TESTING RELATED TO COVID-19 .

How do I get results of my COVID-19 test?

Your doctor’s office will call you with all COVID-19 results.

What do I do if my COVID-19 test is positive?

Follow your physician’s instructions for treatment!

Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider.

  • Keep track of your symptoms.
  • If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.

See the CDC site: Stay home except to get medical care

How can I track my symptoms?

Texas Medical Association offers the following:

TMA Guides and FAQs

Symptom Tracker

Do I need separate orders and appointments for all of my family members?

Yes, each individual requesting a test needs his or her own doctor’s order and appointment.

I have been exposed to the COVID-19 coronavirus but don't have any symptoms. Should I schedule an appointment?

It is best to call and consult with your doctor.

What do I do if I need to reschedule my test?

Please call your doctor’s office if you need to reschedule.

Where can I find more information on the novel COVID-19 coronavirus?

Where can a non-MCH patient obtain testing?

Testing for non-MCH patients can be located by clicking on this resource:
Test Locations

Visit HoustonHealth.org or call 832-393-4220 to find other nearby testing or vaccination site.

ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES NOW IN PLACE

Your safety is our number one priority.

If you are having respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) or have been exposed to a COVID-positive individual, call your physician’s office prior to your appointment.

If your physician believes it is appropriate, your health needs may be addressed via a telemedicine / video visit.

SAFETY MEASURES IN OUR GENERAL CLINIC

    MASKS

    Masks are optional in most* areas of the building.

    *Masks are required in the Infusion area and for staff, patients, and visitors who are coughing or exhibiting respiratory symptoms.

    Thank you for your cooperation.

    SOCIAL DISTANCING

    In our entrance, elevators, and waiting rooms.

    DISINFECTING

    All patient exam rooms are disinfected between each patient visit. All rooms, equipment, and surface areas that are being touched (counter-tops, doorknobs, exam chairs, computers, etc.) are disinfected frequently throughout each day.

    AIR FILTERING

    A combination of MERV 13 air filters and UV lighting is used to remove 1.0 – 3.0 micron size particles from the Clinic’s air (Viral droplet nuclei is accepted to be in the range of 1.0 – 5.0 microns).

    UV LIGHT SANITIZING

    The air conditioning system in our building was designed with UV lighting as a method to fight germs, mold and viruses. These UV lights are installed on every floor of the building and are on 24/7.  Additionally UV light sanitizing portable equipment is used throughout the Clinic.

    MCH SATELLITE CLINIC

      SATELLITE CLINIC / IN CAR TESTING FOR SYMPTOMATIC OR EXPOSED PATIENTS

      For the protection of you, other patients, and our employees, Medical Clinic of Houston has set-up a Satellite Clinic for our patients who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to a COVID-positive individual. Patients scheduled to be seen in the Satellite Office or receive “in car” tests will be seen without compromising the safety of other patients and main Clinic employees. The Satellite Clinic has a completely separate entrance to the building, a separate waiting area, a separate set of exam rooms and the air is converted to negative pressure – which means the air is not re-circulated throughout the clinic.

      INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESS TO THE SATELLITE CLINIC

      If you are scheduled to be seen in the Satellite Clinic, you access the Satellite Clinic directly from the 4th floor of our parking garage. The Satellite Clinic has a completely separate entrance and waiting area. Open parking is available adjacent to the Satellite Clinic (garage level 4) so you will be able to access the Satellite Clinic without the need to use an elevator, enter the Clinic’s main lobby, or use valet parking.

      THE SATELLITE CLINIC IS NOT A WALK-IN CLINIC

      Please do not report to the Satellite Clinic unless you are directed to do so by your physician’s office.

    ADDITIONAL SAFETY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED IN OUR SATELLITE CLINIC

      STAFF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

      The physicians and satellite clinical personnel (RN /LVN /MA) will be wearing full PPE to include gowns, gloves, and face/eye shields with masks.

      DISINFECTING

      In addition to the daily disinfecting of all patient exam rooms, manual disinfecting occurs between each patient visit.  A portable UV Light is used in each room for 30 minutes as an additional precaution.

      NON-RECYCLED AIR - UTILIZING NEGATIVE AIR PRESSURE

      In order to reduce the risk for transmission of airborne infectious diseases, the Satellite Clinic has been re-engineered to mechanically provide a negative pressure environment, which is commonly used for infection control to ensure infectious germs are not spread through an air conditioning system. Negative pressure causes more air to be removed from the room than that which is allowed into the room.

      As clean air flows into the Satellite Clinic, existing air is exhausted, thru a hepa filter, to the outside, preventing re-circulation of this air into any part of the Clinic building. This non-re-circulation of air is to further protect patients, physicians, and Clinic staff.

      TESTING RELATED TO COVID-19

      Please discuss these tests with your physician prior to having them performed.

      *Should an individual have insurance coverage, fees related to these tests will vary based on the insurance company’s contractual agreement with MCH.

      COVID-19 TESTS & FEES

      All tests must be scheduled directly through your physician’s office.  Testing may be performed while remaining in your vehicle (parked on the garage 4th floor) or in the Satellite Clinic, as determined by your physician.

      The MCH laboratory offers different standalone molecular tests to determine if someone is actively infected with COVID-19.  Click on this FDA link and / or the CDC link for test descriptions.

      • Isothermal Molecular: (CPT code: 87635): Self pay* price is $102.62.
      • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):  (CPT code: U0003 / 87635) is sent to LabCorp.  LabCorp bills patients directly.
      • MCH visit and specimen collection (CPT 99211): Self pay* price is $40.60  (This Self pay* price is in addition to either of the above COVID-19 test fees).

      In some circumstances your physician may order additional tests beyond the basic COVID-19 test to identify infections with similar symptoms:

      • Strep A Screen (CPT code 87651): Self-pay* price is $109.94
      • Cepheid” SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV includes SARS coronavirus 2, Influenza virus A, Influenza virus B, and Respiratory syncytial virus. The Proprietary Laboratory Analyses (PLA) Code is 0241U. Self-pay* price is $285.26

      SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Antibody Testing

      While the antibody (serology) test is not for use in the diagnosis of acute COVID-19 disease, it may be useful for determination of a recent infection. A negative result does not exclude infection with COVID-19.

      The MCH Laboratory performs in-house testing for total COVID-19 antibodies.

      *Should an individual have insurance coverage, fees related to these tests will vary based on the insurance company’s contractual agreement with MCH.