Click here for information on COVID-19 and COVID-19 Vaccines.

COVID-19 Update

ABOUT COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

While anyone can potentially contract coronavirus, people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems and older individuals are at greater risk from potentially serious health complications. Chronic conditions may include lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, and more. Be sure to stay informed with the latest updates from the CDC.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT
Changebridge Medical Associates, A member of Consensus Health

Available Now:
Moderna Vaccine for those 18 years and older. It’s 2 doses, 28 days apart
Moderna Patient Fact Sheet

Coming soon:
Moderna vaccine for those 12 years and older. It’s 2 doses, 28 days apart.
Moderna FAQs for Parents and Guardians

Available Now:
J&J (Janssen) Vaccine for those 18 years and older. It’s a single dose. See below for additional information about rare side effects of this vaccine in women ages 18-50.
J & J Patient Fact Sheet

CALL US AT 973-575-5540 TO SCHEDULE YOUR VACCINE APPOINTMENT

For information on what to expect after a Covid vaccine, please refer to the CDCs overview found here.

Already received the COVID-19 Vaccine?
If you are a Changebridge patient, please click here and send us the date(s) and type of vaccine so we can update your medical record and remove your name from our vaccine outreach list. This will help us focus our efforts on those who still want the vaccine but haven’t received it.

How to Report Vaccine Side Effects:
Consider signing up for v-safe and reporting any symptoms after immunization. V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that checks in on you after your COVID-19 vaccination. Your participation helps keep COVID-19 vaccines safe — for you and for everyone. This information will not go to your PCP but to the CDC. The website to register is: https://vsafe.cdc.gov/en/

J&J (Janssen) Vaccine:
Following a recent pause to investigate rare reports of blood clots, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC recommend vaccination with the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine resume among people 18 years and older. However, women younger than 50 years old especially should be aware of the rare but increased risk of thrombosis (blood clots) with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).

Does This News About the J&J Vaccine Apply to the Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines?
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines (mRNA vaccines) are completely different in how they are made and how they work from the J&J vaccine and have not been found to cause blood clots.

MORE ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE

There are several manufacturers developing COVID-19 vaccines. As of this writing, Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen have received emergency approval from the FDA for their vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine requires special refrigeration and must be stored at sub-arctic temperatures. The Moderna vaccine may be stored at regular freezer temperatures and Janssen can be stored at refrigerator temperatures The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are given in two doses. The Pfizer vaccine is given 21 days apart, Moderna vaccine is given 28 days apart, and the Janssen vaccine is given once.

Americans will be vaccinated in a phased schedule based on risk, with a timeline that likely extends into the late spring of 2021.

Currently all people living, working, or studying in New Jersey are able to receive an age-appropriate vaccine.

The vaccine will help us to reach herd immunity when enough people are vaccinated. Until that time, our best defense is to continue to wear masks, maintain your social distance, and do not gather in large groups. Even when you do get the vaccine, it is important to take these precautions to protect those around you.

What are my options for getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

There will be several different COVID-19 vaccines released in 2021 and they will be allocated to hospitals, health centers, pharmacies, vaccine clinics, and primary care practices.

Changebridge has been approved as a vaccination site. As your primary care provider, our goal is to help you get protected against COVID-19 as soon as possible. As an established Changebridge patient, you will have the benefit of convenient registration and scheduling and knowing that an experienced team is giving you your vaccine. As always, we are taking great care, with protocols that are safe, even for our highest-risk patients.

Changebridge is currently offering 2 vaccines.

When will the coronavirus vaccine be available to Changebridge patients?

Changebridge is able to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible patients who live, work, or study in New Jersey and meet the age requirement.

Potential side effects of the coronavirus vaccine
At Changebridge Medical Associates, safety is our number one concern. We are continuously evaluating the FDA data so we can be confident that we are administering a safe vaccine.

Allergic reactions have been reported in a small number of people who have received the vaccine. We have worked with our allergist, pharmacist, nurses, and providers to have necessary medicine and protocols in place should an emergency arise.

To help ensure our patients are safe, we will ask you to park in the parking lot for 15 minutes after receiving your vaccination. Patients with a significant allergy history are going to receive their vaccinations inside and will be asked to wait for 30 minutes.

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, you should consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Importantly, every person is different. You may consider the vaccine for an elderly parent, for example, even if you feel it is not right for you.

  • Are you age 18 or older?
  • Do you have one or more underlying medical conditions?
  • Do you come in contact regularly with someone who is over 65 and/or who has underlying medical conditions?
  • Are you a frontline or essential worker?
  • Do you regularly encounter people or groups who are outside of your family unit?
  • Do you travel out of state or out of the country? 

For the most up to date vaccine information, please visit the CDC’s website.

Please visit the CDC’s website for a comprehensive list of patient vaccination FAQs.

When should you get tested?

Ask yourself these questions to see if you should get tested for COVID-19. If you answer “yes” to either question, please request a telemedicine appointment to discuss this with your provider.

  • Do you have any of these symptoms of COVID-19?
    Fever, cough, chills, unexplained muscle pain, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of taste/smell
  • Have you had close contact (within 6 feet) with someone with confirmed COVID-19 for a total time of 15 minutes or more?

The CDC offers this interactive self-checker tool, which can help you decide whether or not you need to be tested.

Useful Links?

COVID-19 Signs and Symptoms

  • About COVID-19
  • How COVID-19 spreads
  • COVID-19 signs and symptoms
  • Treatment for COVID-19
  • Up-to-the-minute information on COVID-19
  • How do you know if you have COVID-19?

Testing

  • When should you get tested?
  • COVID-19 PCR and rapid testing
  • COVID-19 antibody testing

The COVID-19 Vaccine

  • What are my options for getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine
  • Potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine
  • [Checklist] Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Patient Vaccination FAQs

  • Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine

Staying Healthy

  • What can you do to stay healthy?
  • What should you do if you get sick?
  • Related health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mental health

  • Managing stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

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