On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. Additionally, on March 13th, 2020, the United States government declared that the outbreak a national emergency. We at Children First are monitoring the situation closely and are dedicated to providing you with the best information possible. The following are responses to commonly asked questions regarding the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

Currently, our office carries the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Please read below for more information regarding the vaccine and possibly scheduling a vaccination appointment. 

​

Q) Should I wear a face mask during the COVID-19 outbreak?

A) We highly recommend that everyone wear a face mask if they have to go into a public setting. In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, to our patients and staff, we also require that all visitors wear a facemask when visiting our office. 

​

Q) What are the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection? 
A) The symptoms are variable from patient to patient. However, the generally reported symptoms are fever (greater than 100.4 °F or 38°C), cough, and shortness of breath. Severe infections can result in extreme respiratory distress. 

​

Q) Can children contract COVID-19?
A) Yes. Although children are not at higher risk, they can still be infected with COVID-19. 

​

Q) What should I do if I believe my child or anyone in my home has been exposed or has symptoms of COVID-19? 
A) Please call our office. We will advise you on the next actions you should take. Please do not walk into our office without prior notification. 

​

Q) Should I be worried if my child has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 or someone who has traveled from a high-risk area?

A)  If your child has been in contact with anyone who is suffering from respiratory issues and a high fever please give us a call. We encourage you to contact us whether your child is showing symptoms or not.   

​

Q) Is Children First changing any of their policies due to the COVID-19 outbreak? 
A) To maintain the health and safety of our patients, staff, and community we have made several changes to our office policies. We are no longer accepting walk-in sick visits. If your child is sick, please call ahead. We will only allow one healthy adult to accompany a child to any visit to our office. Additionally, we have restricted sick patient visits to the afternoon hours and well-child visits to the morning hours. If you are looking for a more detailed description of our policy changes please click here or call our office. 

​

Q) Can my child be tested for COVID-19 at Children First? 
A) Yes. Our office is able to test for COVID-19. Please call us if you are concerned about a possible infection or need to schedule a test. Also, please do not walk into our office without prior notice if you are concerned about a possible COVID-19 infection. 

​

Q) Is Children First offering telemedicine options at this time?

A) Yes. Children First has telemedicine options available during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please call ahead to discuss if your child's case is for a telemedicine appointment. Click here for a telemedicine registration form. 

​

Q) What should I do if my child or anyone living with my child has tested positive for COVID-19?

A) Please call our office. We will advise you on the next actions you should take. Please do not walk into our office without prior notification. 

​

Q) Is there is a U.S Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine for COVID-19? 
A) Yes. At this time there are three vaccines for COVID-19 that have been approved for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. Vaccines developed by  Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are currently being distributed. However, at this time the Moderna vaccine is indicated for the ages of 18 and older. The Pfizer is only indicated for the ages of 12 and older. Johnson & Johnson is indicated for the ages of 18 and older.  If you would like more information regarding the vaccines please click here. If you have any questions about the vaccination policy in Virginia please click here for information from the Virginia Department of Health. You can also contact the Virginia Department of Health via telephone by calling 877-ASK-VDH3 (877-275-8343).

 

Q) Do our offices carry the COVID-19 vaccine?

A) Yes. Our office has the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer is only indicated for the ages of 12 and older.  We do not charge any fee for the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine requires two injections that are spaced 21 days apart. For more information on this vaccine please click here.  If you are interested in setting up an appointment to get the vaccine please call our offices to schedule an appointment.   

​

Q) Are there are FDA-approved treatments for a COVID-19 infection?

A) Yes. There are treatments for COVID-19 infection. However, the only approved treatments are for those who are hospitalized due to the infection. If you would like to know more regarding treatments please click here for information from the Harvard Medical School.    

​

Q) How can my family and I protect ourselves from  COVID-19? 
A) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Please wash your hands for 20 seconds. If water and soap are not available please use hand sanitizer.  

​

Practice "Social Distancing":  Stay at home as much as possible, avoid public places, and limit your close contact with others.  If you have to be around other people please wear a mask to reduce your risk of contracting and spreading a possible infection. 

​

If your child is sick keep them at home and limit their exposure to other people. 

​

Practice sneezing and coughing into your elbow and arm. 

​

Avoid touching your face. Teach your child to do the same. 

​

Try to limit your amount of traveling to other areas. Especially avoid traveling to high-risk areas. Click here for more information about travel recommendations from the Center for Disease Control.

​

Q) Should I wear a face mask during the COVID-19 outbreak?

A) We highly recommend that everyone wear a face mask if they have to go into a public setting. We also advise everyone to wear a face mask if they are visiting our offices.  

​

Q) Who is most at risk for developing severe adverse outcomes from a COVID-19 infection?
A) The elderly and patients with underlying chronic conditions are more likely to develop severe outcomes. The conditions include diabetes, lung diseases, and immunosuppressed conditions.  

​

Q) What should I do if I have more questions? 
A) Please call our office (703-441-8998) or click on the links listed below. 

• Healthy Children Magazine

• Virginia Department of Health

• Centers For Disease Control

​

​

We thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time. Please, call us if you have any questions regarding our policy changes.

​

Last updated 09/20/2021