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    An announcement from Apicha CHC:

     

    OPERATIONAL UPDATES FOR APICHA CHC'S PATIENTS

    As the status of the COVID-19 pandemic constantly evolves, we are thinking of you and hope that you, your family,  and your friends are staying safe and healthy. With the situation constantly changing, we are actively balancing your needs with the health and safety of our staff and communities.

    To schedule a visit (in person or video), please call us at 212-334-6029 or send us a message through the patient portal. Our Patient Associates will be happy to assist you.

    Request an Appointment

    Updates as of August 15, 2021:

    • The CDC has announced new recommendations regarding a 3rd shot of COVID-19 vaccines for moderate to severely immune-compromised individuals. For more information regarding Apicha's vaccine service, scroll down. 
    • Counties with substantial or high community transmission rates should have individuals wear masks in public indoor spaces, including those fully vaccinated. New York City is considered to have substantial community transmission of COVID-19 according to the CDC.
    • The CDC also recommends individuals including those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear masks in public indoor spaces if they have close contact with unvaccinated individuals, including those less than 12 years old, regardless of community transmission. 
    • The CDC has also updated guidelines regarding COVID-19 testing. Individuals, including those fully vaccinated against COVID-19, should get COVID-19 testing 3-5 days after exposure to people confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19. If positive, individuals should isolate at home for 10 days. 

    Apicha's COVID-19 Vaccine Availability

    As mentioned above, Apicha CHC is now offering a 3rd booster shot to individuals who qualify. Currently, the CDC recommends individuals who are moderate to severely immune-compromised get the 3rd shot.

    Moderate to severely immune-compromised individuals comprise about 3% of the adult population and are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness. The CDC now recommends an additional dose of the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) at least 28 days after the initial 2 doses for these individuals. 

    Moderate to severe immune compromise means:  

    • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood 
    • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system 
    • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system  
    • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome) 
    • Advanced or untreated HIV infection 
    • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response 

    The CDC also recommends that the additional dose should be from the same manufacturer as the initial 2 doses (i.e. get the Pfizer additional dose if you have received the initial 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine).

    To schedule your 3rd vaccine dose with Apicha CHC:

    If you meet the criteria above, and you completed the Moderna vaccine series at least 28 days ago, call Apicha at 212-334-6029 to schedule your third Moderna dose. 

    • After you are scheduled for the vaccine, you will be asked to self-attest on the New York State COVID Vaccine Form https://forms.ny.gov/s3/vaccine. Proof of self-attestation will be required at the time of the vaccine appointment. You will not be asked for any additional information about your qualifying medical condition.
    • In the coming weeks, it is expected that the US FDA and CDC will recommend a 3rd dose or booster dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to increase protection against the virus, especially against the variants. 

    Apicha will have Moderna booster shots available to all our eligible patients.

    Am I Eligible for a Booster Shot?
    • If you received two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, you will be eligible for a booster. However, at Apicha we will only be able to give the booster vaccine to patients who received the Moderna vaccine.
    • A booster dose for those who have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is not yet recommended, as studies are still being conducted. 
    When Should I Get the Booster?
    • Apicha will follow the recommendations of the FDA and CDC once their formal guidelines are released. 
    How Can I Schedule a Booster Appointment?
    • Once the booster dose is approved or authorized, Moderna-vaccinated patients will be able to schedule an appointment by calling 212-334-6029 .
    • The NYC Department of Health has issued a notice to all health providers stating that a letter from a medical provider is NOT needed to demonstrate eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination. You can download and present this certification as proof of your eligibility.
    • We will call patients individually when we have available doses. Please do not call us or send us portal messages requesting appointments. If you are eligible and have not yet received a call from us, you can search for availability through the NYC Vaccine Finder.
     

    UPDATES FOR ALL NEW YORKERS

    If you are not a patient but may be experiencing symptoms, call the NYC Coronavirus hotline at 888.364.3065 or the New Jersey Coronavirus hotline at 800.222.1222. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SEVERE SYMPTOMS, CALL 911.

    As the Coronavirus outbreak evolves, Apicha CHC has remained in close contact with the NYS Department of Health, and other state and local health agencies to get the most up-to-date information. Our priority is to ensure that our staff and patients are aware of this information as we receive it.

    Apicha HP Telehealth (3)

    Apicha HP Telehealth (1)

    Apicha HP Telehealth

     

    What is COVID-19?

    The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory (chest/lung) disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first found in China and which has now been found in many places around the world including in the United States. The disease has been named “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (also called “COVID-19”).

    Community transmission means that COVID-19 is circulating in NYC and that we should act as if we are all exposed. If you are sick, you must stay home. All New Yorkers must monitor their health carefully at this time. Only seek health care if you are very sick. We need to make sure people with severe illness will be able to stay in a hospital or intensive care unit if they need to. Even if you are not sick, stay home as much as you can: work from home, study from home and avoid all unnecessary interactions and events.

    Symptoms

    The 2019 novel coronavirus may cause mild (light) to severe (serious) respiratory symptoms like:

    • Cough
    • Fever
    • Trouble breathing/ Shortness of breath
    • Sore Throat 

    These symptoms may show in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after being in contact with the virus. The majority of people who contract the virus will not experience severe symptoms, however, people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems may be at an increased risk. This underscores the importance of wearing a mask if you are experiencing symptoms as not to spread the virus to others who may be a greater risk. If you are a patient who has symptoms call our main phone line at 212-334-6029 and we will assess how we can best help you – DO NOT WALK IN TO THE HEALTH CENTER.

    If you are not a patient but may be experiencing symptoms, call the NYC Coronavirus hotline at 888.364.3065 or the New Jersey Coronavirus hotline at 800.222.1222. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SEVERE SYMPTOMS, CALL 911. For more information, please refer to the New York State Department of Health or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

    How does COVID-19 spread?

    The virus spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

    It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Since this virus is very new, health officials continue to watch how this virus spreads. Read more about methods of disease transmission here.

    Who is the most at-risk?

    People who are at most risk for severe illness are people who are over 50 years old or who have other health conditions, including chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a weakened immune system. People with regular close contact with someone who has or could have COVID-19 are also at higher risk. This includes people who live in the same home, caretakers who work in the home or sexual partners.

    Coronavirus Prevention

    While there is currently no vaccine, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other chest/lung viruses.

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick if you are able to do so.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
    • If you are healthy or not experiencing symptoms, you do not need to wear a mask.
      • If you are coughing, sneezing, or experiencing symptoms, you should wear a mask.
      • If you are caring for someone with the illness, you should wear a mask.
      • · If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
      • Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
    • If you need to seek medical care for a respiratory illness, please call ahead to your health care provider and put on a face mask upon arriving at the facility.

    Who should get tested for COVID-19?

    Testing should only be used for people who need to be hospitalized for severe illness like pneumonia. This protects health care workers and may affect treatment options. At this point, if you have symptoms, assume that you have COVID-19. A positive test will not change what a doctor tells you to do to get better. The best course of action is to stay at home. 

    If you are only mildly ill, you can save the life of another New Yorker by staying home to ensure health care resources go to those who need them the most. Take care of others by staying home.

    What should I do if I get sick with COVID-19 symptoms?

    Assume you have COVID-19! If you have mild to moderate symptoms, stay home. You should not seek medical care or try to get tested. By staying home, you reduce the possibility of transmission to others, including health care workers who are needed to care for the more seriously ill.
    • If you are over 50 years old or have chronic conditions, consult your doctor. They may want to monitor you more closely.
    • If your symptoms do not go away or get worse after three to four days, consult with your doctor.
    • Stay home for at least seven days after your symptoms started. Make sure that you have been fever-free for three days without the use of fever-reducing drugs, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. Also, make sure that your cough and sore throat are better before you go back to your routine. If you never had a fever, stay at home for at least three days after your symptoms start improving.
    • If you go out to see your doctor, wear a face mask if available.If possible, take a private car, sit in the back seat and roll down the window.
    • If you have more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and very high fever, go to an emergency department. Call 911 if you need help right away.

    What should I do if I’m sick at home?

    If you are sick at home, do the following:

    • Do not leave your home except to get medical care or to address other essential needs, such as getting groceries.
    • Do not go to school or to work.
    • Do not take public transportation. Do not use ride shares or taxis.
    • Separate yourself from others in your home, as much as possible. Stay in a different room. Use a separate bathroom if available. If you share a bathroom, disinfect frequently touched surfaces after each use.
    • Wear a face mask if available when you need to be in areas with others.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when sneezing or coughing. Do not use your hands to cover your sneeze or cough. Immediately throw out tissues and wash your hands afterward.
    • Clean surfaces that are frequently touched, such as counters, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures and phones. Clean them after each use or at least once every day. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe.
    • Do not share personal household items, such as glasses, cups, eating utensils and towels.
    • Do not have visitors come to your home.

    What to do if you are/were sick with COVID-19

    If you had or may have had COVID-19, stay home for seven days after your symptoms started, and for three days after your fever has stopped without the use of fever-reducing drugs, such as Tylenol and ibuprofen, and your cough or sore throat symptoms have improved. If you never had a fever, stay at home for at least three days since your symptoms started improving.

    What is telehealth?

    As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, Apicha CHC has made numerous operational adjustments to better serve the community, while also protecting the health of its clients, staff, and patients.

    One of those changes includes our implementation of telehealth. To learn more about telemedicine, read the instructions for logging in with your cell phone here and logging in with your pc here.

    What is telehealth? 

    Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is a set of means or methods for enhancing health care, public health, and health education delivery and support using telecommunications technologies. Essentially, telehealth is a virtual way of providing care to clients and staff. It can include diagnosis and management, education, and other related fields of health care.

    Telehealth isn't one singular method of providing virtual care. There are numerous forms of telehealth that can be provided by a medical professional. Keep in mind, that not every medical provider offers telehealth. But, as medical technology and health care advance, options to providing care continue to grow. A few examples include live video and remote patient monitoring.

    What are the benefits of telehealth?

    There are many benefits of telehealth, one of the main reasons being that it can better connect patients to their providers. This can improve both the care provided and overall health of patients. By providing a new form of access and service, this benefits communities as a whole.

    • Better health
    • No transportation time or costs
    • Less time in the waiting room
    • Less chance of catching a new illness
    • Better access to specialists

    How to practice social distancing

    Practicing social distancing is crucial in reducing new infections. Here is how you can do so:

    • Stay home as much as possible.
    • Create more physical space between yourself and others.
    • Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, whenever possible.
    • Do not gather in large crowds.
    • Work from home, if possible.
    • Avoid all nonessential travel.
    • Avoid all nonessential social interactions

    What can I do to help other New Yorkers?

    • If you feel sick, stay home.
    • If you are not feeling sick, stay home as much as possible and practice social (physical) distancing.
    • Do not seek a COVID-19 test unless you are sick and do not feel better after three to four days. If you have mild or moderate symptoms, do not seek health care. This will let New Yorkers who are more sick access the care that they need.
    • Do not hoard face masks. Our health care providers need face masks to stay healthy and to care for the most critically ill.

    Coronavirus Treatment

    There is no specific treatment for the Coronavirus other than supportive care (fluids, medicine to reduce fever, and, in severe cases, oxygen). In most cases, people with COVID-19 will recover on their own but will need to be isolated at home to avoid passing the virus to others.

    Apicha Community Health Center is in regular contact with NYS Department of Health and other state, local, and federal health agencies to get the most up-to-date information as the situation evolves. Please check this page for updates.

    For more information & support

    • For real-time updates, text “COVID” to 692-692. Messages and data rates may apply.
    • Visit nyc.gov/coronavirus for additional resources and information.
    • If you need a provider, NYC Health and Hospitals provides care to all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, insurance status or ability to pay. Call 844-NYC-4NYC (844-692-4692) or 311.
    • If you are feeling anxious, stressed or overwhelmed, connect with trained counselors at NYC Well, the City’s confidential helpline. Call 888-NYC-WELL (888-692-9355), text "WELL" to 65173. Or chat online at nyc.gov/nycwell.

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