ALL PATIENTS:
GMA COVID Update
4/25/22
We are seeing a slight uptick in COVID cases locally, driven primarily by the increase in the BA.2 subvariant. As restrictions are lifted and we are appropriately resuming many normal activities, it is important to continue to protect ourselves. The vaccine is our first line of defense! If you have not received your 3rd vaccine, we strongly recommend getting this booster to prevent severe disease. The 3rd shot is authorized for anyone over age 12 once it has been at least 5 months since the 2nd shot (3 months for immunocompromised people). Recently, the CDC authorized an additional booster (4th shot) for people over 50. Data primarily out of Israel indicates that the 4th shot does provide additional protection against severe disease, particularly in those over 60 and those with medical conditions that increase their risk of complications. Based on that data we do encourage patients in these categories to go ahead and get a 4th shot if it has been over 4 months since your 3rd shot. Even those who have had COVID should get vaccinated and boosted to maximize immunity. Getting a booster shot now will not preclude getting another booster shot in the fall or winter when we anticipate the next surge. It will also not prevent you from getting an updated version of the vaccine if one becomes available in the future. Visit https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines for locations to receive the vaccine.
Our second line of defense, oral antivirals Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, are now more readily available for higher risk patients (those over 65, those with chronic medical conditions, or unvaccinated people). These prescriptions need to be given within 5 days of the onset of symptoms so we encourage early testing if you develop symptoms. At home rapid tests are available in the pharmacies or online at https://www.covid.gov/tests.
We are pleased with the progress since the beginning of the year as cases and hospitalizations have decreased significantly. However, as the virus continues to circulate in our community, we strongly encourage everyone to utilize the available tools to prevent severe COVID infection. This will allow us to continue moving forward and enjoy the spring and summer.
We have some exciting news at Guilford Medical Associates! We recently went live with a new, updated Electronic Health Record system. The new system will help your doctor & the staff continue to provide excellent care while employing the latest technology. As we continue to become more familiar and adjust our workflows to best leverage this new technology, please be patient. It may take an extra minute or two to fill in some additional information at first but it will be much more efficient than the old system.
To sign up on the new patient portal, please click on the following link and enroll now: https://health.healow.com/GuilfordMedicalAssoc
Thank you for entrusting your medical care to the doctors and staff at Guilford Medical Associates, PA.
Closings or Delays:
Changes to regularly scheduled hours due to severe weather conditions will be posted here and also on the WFMY News2 website under closings & delays.
The office will be closed on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Office Hours:
Office hours are 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday.
After hours care is available Weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 7:30am through 6:00pm
For a non-emergency appointment please contact our office at 336 621-8911 or through the patient portal.