COVID-19 Resources
Isolation Guidelines
The NYS department of health has provided isolation durations for parents whose children have had a known exposure, Covid symptoms, or a positive Covid test.
COVID-19 Vaccine Statement
The COVID-19 vaccine has been updated with a new formulation and will be available for children 6 months and above later this Fall. While we await distribution of the pediatric vaccine, we encourage parents and grandparents to get the updated vaccine. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe COVID-19 disease.
COVID 19 Vaccine and Pregnancy Updates
Fertility
- There is no evidence the COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility. There are no scientifically credible concerns.
- The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends vaccination for all eligible people who may consider future pregnancy.
Pregnancy
- ACOG states that vaccines should not be withheld for pregnant persons. Current data show no increased risk from the vaccines.
- Pregnant individuals are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 infection, including risk of ICU admission and death.
- There were no safety concerns found in studies in animals receiving the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine before or during pregnancy.
- Ongoing monitoring of pregnant persons has shown no increased risk from the vaccines.
- When a pregnant person gets a vaccine, it may provide protection to the baby.
- If you are pregnant and have received a COVID-19 vaccine, please consider enrolling in V-safe’s pregnancy registry. V-safe is CDC’s smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to monitor for side effects after vaccination.
Lactation
- ACOG recommends the vaccine be offered to lactating patients similar to non-lactating patients.
*References:
The ILI/COVID Working Group of Western New York was formed in response to local variation in approach to the diagnosis and treatment of Influenza-Like-Illness and COVID-19 in the region. It is a collaborative effort of hospital systems, academic departments, independent practice associations, and insurers. The logos and signatures on this document represent the organizations’ support of this statement.
Legal Notice and Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in these resources does not establish a standard of care, nor does it constitute legal or medical advice. These guidelines reflect the best available data at the time the information was prepared. The results of future studies may require revisions to the information in this guideline to reflect new data. This information is not intended to replace individual provider clinical judgment in the care of their patients. Neither this workgroup, or any contributor to this effort, makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
Local experts at Kaleida health recommend pregnant and breastfeeding women receive the COVID 19 vaccine as the risk of COVID 19 infection outweighs any theoretical risk of the vaccine. Learn more here.
What about breastfeeding?*
The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine reports that there is no reason to believe that the vaccine affects the safety of breastmilk. When we have an infection or get a vaccine, our bodies make antibodies to fight the infection. Antibodies formed from vaccines given during pregnancy do pass into the breastmilk and then to the baby to help prevent infections. Since the vaccine does not contain the virus, there is no risk of breastmilk containing the virus.
Lactating Individuals**
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends COVID-19 vaccines be offered to lactating individuals similar to non-lactating individuals when they meet criteria for receipt of the vaccine based on prioritization groups outlined by the ACIP. While lactating individuals were not included in most clinical trials, COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from lactating individuals who otherwise meet criteria for vaccination. Theoretical concerns regarding the safety of vaccinating lactating individuals do not outweigh the potential benefits of receiving the vaccine. There is no need to avoid initiation or discontinue breastfeeding in patients who receive a COVID-19 vaccine (ABM 20201).
Guidelines for Returning to Sports after COVID 19 Infection
For detailed guidance, refer to the AAP COVID-19 Sports Guidance here.
When Should You Schedule a Visit With Your Pediatrician?
The scientific and endorsed guidelines for a cardiac clearance for return to sports are for children 5 years and older who had with moderate or severe covid illness and children 12 and over who play high intensity sports, regardless of disease severity. This does not apply to school gym classes.
Symptoms matter! Evaluations are to be done no sooner than 10-14 days after the COVID positive test.
If the illness is mild; or no symptoms a telephone visit would be appropriate.
Moderate illness is more than 4 days of high fever, greater than one week of whole-body symptoms, such as chills, muscle aches or extreme lethargy. An in-office visit with your pediatrician would be appropriate.
Severe illness is an ICU hospital admission.
We recognize that there are different interpretations of the guidelines among the various school districts and school nurses which has resulted in some confusion.
Revised January 27, 2022
Resources
The member practices of Medical Health Associates recommend the following valuable information, video, and websites.