COVID-19 Testing, Safety & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine
Updated: November 29, 2021
Who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at this time?
Avenue 360 is now offering the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5-17, and we continue to provide Moderna, Pzifer, or Johnson and Johnson for our adult patients. Request an appointment online or by calling (713) 426-0027. To learn more about the COVID vaccine, please see these CDC guidelines.
Why should I get the COVID vaccine?
Getting vaccinated protects you, your family, and helps us all get our lives back to normal. The vaccine approved for use in the United States has been proven safe and effective.
Is the vaccine safe and effective?
The COVID-19 vaccines being administered have been evaluated in clinical trials, which included thousands of patients. The vaccines authorized by the FDA after they were found to be safe are highly effective once you receive your two doses. After you are vaccinated, you should continue wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing hands regularly until the rest of the community is vaccinated.
Why was the vaccine approved so quickly?
The COVID vaccine was developed and FDA-approved quickly compared to prior vaccine approval processes because the need was urgent. 150 vaccine options were investigated. So far two have been found safe and effective and authorized for use in the United States. The United States has been in a public health emergency since March 2020. Years of research on related viruses and new vaccine technology lay the groundwork so that with increased funding and resources, the process could occur swiftly and safely.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, you need to schedule an appointment for the COVID vaccine. Request an appointment online or call (713) 426-0027.
What is the cost of the COVID vaccine?
The vaccine is free of charge. Most insurance covers the shots.
Can children get vaccinated?
Avenue 360 is now offering the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5-17. Request an appointment online or call (713) 426-0027.
What are the side effects?
Just like any other vaccine, you may experience some side effects which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects, often felt after the second dose, may include, pain and swelling in your arm, fever, chills, tiredness, or a headache. If you are experiencing any discomfort or would like more information, please speak to your Avenue 360 provider.
Can people with allergies receive the vaccine?
The CDC recommends that people with a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications get vaccinated. People with a history of allergies to oral medications or a family history of allergic reactions may also get vaccinated.
If in the past you have had an allergic reaction to a vaccine for another disease, please ask your Avenue 360 provider if you should get the vaccine.
What does a severe allergic reaction look like?
Signs of a severe allergic can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your face and throat
- A fast heartbeat
- A bad rash all over your body
- Dizziness and weakness
These may not be all the side effects of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur.
Will I need proof of the vaccination?
You will receive a vaccination card after your first dose. You can use this card to recall important health information, including the type of COVID vaccine received and the dates of the first and second doses.
If I tested positive for COVID-19, do I still need to get the vaccine?
Yes, the CDC recommends you receive the vaccine. You may opt to wait 90 days before getting vaccinated because people who have had COVID infection are less likely to get re-infected in the 90 days after infection.
If I’m pregnant, should I get vaccinated?
Federal health officials recommend the following: “People who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated.” If you are pregnant, we encourage you to discuss the vaccination with your health care provider.
COVID-19 Testing
COVID testing continues to be available to established patients by appointment only. We are unable to see walk-ins at this time. Please call (713) 426-0027 to schedule an appointment.
Our patients’ health and safety is our number one priority.
Here are some of the many safety measures Avenue 360 is taking to keep our patients and staff safe and to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Temperature Checks
Outside our clinics, an Avenue 360 provider asks several screening questions and takes the temperature of people entering the building, including patients and staff. If an individual has a fever, the person is asked to return to their car and wait for our medical team there.
Masks
All patients must wear a mask inside our clinics and within 6 feet of others. For those who need a mask, we can provide one. All clinical staff are also required to wear a mask.
Physical Distance
We have removed chairs from our waiting rooms to ensure there is at least six feet of distance between patients. There are multiple hand sanitizing stations throughout waiting and exam rooms.
Visitors
We are asking patients to come to their appointment alone, limiting the number of visitors in the waiting room. For those who need assistance, one visitor can accompany the patient.
Separating COVID Patients
Any patient experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is to call ahead (713-426-0027) and notify our medical team. Upon arrival, the patient is to remain in their car and call our triage desk. Our COVID team will come out to your car in full Personal Protective Equipment. Please call (713) 426-0027 to make a testing appointment.
Virtual Visit
Our medical team of doctors and nurses can see patients virtually by phone or computer from the comfort of their home. To make an appointment, please go here.
Fact-Based Information
We provide credible information on the virus and are here to answer your questions at (713) 426-0027.
