COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent complications of COVID-19 infection such as hospitalization, MIS-C, long-COVID and death. While most children who become infected with COVID-19 recover, and many of those infections are mild, not all are so lucky. And we are still learning about the long-term consequences of COVID-19 infections.

COVID-19 vaccines are exceedingly safe. Like every other vaccine, they do not provide 100% immunity, and with increasingly contagious variants we do see more breakthrough infections. Despite this, they remain highly effective at preventing complications. Our support of COVID vaccination is not just empty words; every single one of us with children, as well as every pediatrician we know, have vaccinated their infants, children and teens as soon as they were eligible.

Call now to make an appointment for your child to be vaccinated.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Arriving in the Fall of 2024

We recommend that everyone 6 months and older start or stay up to date with the latest version of the COVID-19 vaccine. We will be carrying the Moderna vaccine for all ages beginning in the fall of 2024.

Novavax vaccine is another option for those 12 years and older, and can be found at pharmacies.

LEARN MORE

Children 6 months - 4 years

Children 6 months - 4 years old should have one dose of the 2023-2024.

COVID vaccine, depending on prior vaccination status. Those who have previously not received any COVID-19 vaccines need 2 doses of Moderna or 3 doses of Pfizer vaccines.

Children 5 - 11 years

Children 5 - 11 years old should have one dose of the 2023-2024 COVID vaccine, at least 8 weeks after the last dose.

Adolescents 12 years & older

Everyone 12 and older should have one dose of the 2023-2024 COVID vaccine, at least 8 weeks after the last dose.

One new change this year is that the Novavax vaccine is approved for this age group.

Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine in Our Office

Vaccines are one way to prevent COVID-19, but there are other things you can do too. Layering protections is an important strategy in lowering risk and minimizing COVID-19 exposures and infections.

Improving air quality is vital, as the SARS-CoV-2 virus is airborne, meaning it can remain floating in the air for hours. Opening windows, running fans, and HEPA filters (or homemade Corsi-Rosenthal boxes) can reducing transmission of the virus.
Ventilation and filtration in schools has been shown to reduce COVID-19 transmission and absenteeism. Talk to your child’s school!
Masks remain a very effective layer of protection in enclosed or crowded spaces, especially when COVID-19 cases are high.
Getting ready for a big trip, competition, performance, or school event and don’t want to miss it? Take extra precautions, and mask in the two weeks leading up to the event!
Children and teens who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection may be able to receive antiviral medications. Paxlovid is recommended for those 12 years or older with certain medical condition that places them at risk for developing severe disease. Call us to determine if your child is eligible. Paxlovid should be started within the first 5 days of becoming sick.

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

My child tested positive for COVID-19. How long do we have to wait for them to get their COVID-19 vaccine/booster?

They can get their COVID-19 vaccine after isolation is over, as long as their symptoms are resolved. The CDC states you may want to wait 3 months to get a better immune response to the vaccine, but you need to consider your and your family's risk factors and the amount of COVID-19 in the community.

Where can I find more information about the COVID vaccine?

Questions and Answers about COVID-19 Vaccines from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Vaccine Education Center.

COVID-19 Resources are available in multiple languages from Boost Oregon.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has a number of articles and FAQs on their Healthy Children website.

How COVID Vaccines Work, a video for children from Cincinnati Children's Hospital.

How COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Work, from the Vaccine Makers Project, shows how your body uses the mRNA vaccine with beautifully done graphics. They have many other videos covering everything from COVID-19 viral vector vaccines to how antibodies work.

A pediatric cardiologist talks about Myocarditis and COVID-19.

The material provided here is for informative purposes only. If you need specific medical advice, please call our office for an appointment or ask to speak with one of our advice nurses at 503-255-3544.

Get a COVID-19 Test

We offer molecular COVID tests with results in as little as 15 minutes. These are more sensitive than at-home tests, and do not require swabbing to the very back of the nose. Many pharmacies and urgent care centers offer COVID testing. Since the Public Health Emergency declaration ended on May 11, 2023, home COVID tests may not be covered by insurance, and in-office testing may be subject to co-insurance fees similar to other lab tests. Visit COVID.gov to get free home COVID tests and to check extended expiration dates. Home antigen tests are not as sensitive and it is best to repeat them every other day for a total of three tests.

If Your Child has COVID-19

A COVID-19 infection is treated much the same way you would treat other viral illnesses; rest, hydration, ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain or fever and nasal saline for congestion. There are a number of precautions you can take to try and keep it from spreading to others in the home.

Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room for these emergency symptoms, as they can be signs of a severe infection or complications:

Trouble breathing
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
New confusion
Inability to wake or stay awake
Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, depending on skin tone

Call our office if you have any concerns about your child. Let us know by phone or portal of positive COVID-19 tests so we can update your medical history.

Learn how to recognize post-COVID symptoms and conditions children and teens may experience, as well as long-haul COVID.

COVID-19 & Sports/Exercise

Because even asymptomatic COVID-19 infections can cause heart inflammation that can be worsened with exercise, call us if your child has a positive COVID test so we can help advise when and how they can return to physical activity. Depending on symptoms we can tell you if a telehealth or in-person visit is recommended. Even after they are cleared to exercise, they should stop immediately and notify us for these symptoms:

Chest pain
Increased shortness of breath
Sudden heart palpitations
Feeling faint or passing out

Medications for COVID-19

Children and teens who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection may be able to receive antiviral medications. Paxlovid is recommended for those 12 years or older with certain medical conditions that places them at risk for developing severe disease. Call us to determine if your child is eligible. Paxlovid should be started within the first 5 days of becoming sick.

COVID-19 FAQs

What is multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)?

MIS-C is an extremely rare, but serious condition in children that is associated with COVID-19 infection. MIS-C is characterized by inflammation in multiple organ systems (brain, heart, lung, kidney, skin or intestines), and can cause blood clots. Children with MIS-C are very ill and require hospital care, along with follow-up care after they leave the hospital. Fortunately, most children with MIS-C have recovered.

Call right away if your child has ongoing fever AND any of these symptoms:

Why can't my child exercise if they have a positive test but have no symptoms?

COVID-19 infection has been shown to cause heart inflammation in young people, even with mild or asymptomatic infections. Both myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and epicarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart) have been seen. These conditions could worsen and become dangerous with exercise. Steps need to be taken to either clear a student athlete or determine if they need an ECG or a cardiology consultation to make sure they can return to sports safely.

I just had a baby. How can I keep them safe from COVID-19?

There are many steps you can take to keep your baby safe. One of the most important ones is to make sure you and everyone living with you or taking care of your baby is vaccinated against COVID-19. Limit visitors to your house, and have anyone who is sick wait to meet your baby. Babies love being outside so go for walks as much as you would like, but don't take your baby to large gatherings or crowded places.

I have COVID-19. How do I keep from giving it to my baby? Can I breastfeed?

In the hospital and at home, wear a mask when you are near or holding your baby. Ventilation (air purifiers, open windows) helps to decrease the risk of spreading COVID by lowering the number of viral particles in the air. Breastfeeding is encouraged, as you can give your baby antibodies your body has made, but it is important to wash your hands and wear a mask. You can find more information from the AAP and the CDC.

Is my child at high risk for a severe COVID-19 infection?

We are continually learning more about COVID-19 and how it affects people differently, and children may well have different risk factors than adults. The CDC has a list of conditions that are thought to put people at high risk for severe COVID-19. People with these risk factors may be able to receive antiviral medications. You can find more information on the OHA Treatment Page. Call us right away if you think your child is at high risk, as these medications need to be started as soon as possible.