Important COVID-19 Testing & Treatment Updates

 OPEN FOR CARE

**Due to high volume, we are maximizing Telephone and Video Visits. In-office care is prioritized for pediatric care and COVID-related services (vaccinations, testing). Our Telehealth hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-7pm and Friday 9am-4pm.

We want to ensure safety for our staff and patients while providing maximum access to care.

Call us for an appointment!  978-744-8388.

Sections Below:

COVID-19 Tests

Test Results

Medications

Vaccinations

 COVID-19 Testing

NSCH recommends members of the community seek out a COVID-19 test if:

  • You develop any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, or
  • You are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • Testing may also be advised if you are unvaccinated and have recently traveled out of Massachusetts, and you may consider using a self-test before joining indoor gatherings with others who are not in your household.
  • Resources for testing: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing and up-to-date information if you are sick visit here

North Shore Community Health Centers offers COVID-19 vaccination and testing for patients with symptoms  by appointment.

Testing Locations in Salem: https://www.salem.com/testing

Testing Locations in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing

Free At-home Rapid COVID-19 Tests

  1. NSCH patients have received a text message from us for priority test kits. You can order up to four free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests per household. https://nachw.org/covidtests/
  2. Updated 5/17:  The Biden administration has developed a program where members of the public can order a third round of free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests per household. Visit www.covidtests.gov for more details on how to order the tests and the most up-to-date information on federal testing programs.

    How to Place an Order

    1. Go to www.covidtests.gov  (Spanish, Simplified Chinese)
    2. Click the blue button that says “order free at home tests”
    3. Fill out the information with your residential address
    4. Click the green button that says “check out now”

    What if I never placed a first order? 
    If you have not placed an initial order, you can still place all your orders at this time. Complete the ordering process above, and upon confirmation, there is a question saying “Is this the first or second order for this address? If so, you can place another order.” Click there, and follow instructions to place more orders.

I took an at-home COVID test, now what?

If you took an at-home test and are POSITIVE for COVID-19, 

You should follow current CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html)  and isolate for 5 days.  There is no need to repeat the test.

CDC guidance:

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If the results were NEGATIVE, you should follow CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html) based on your symptoms, exposure, and vaccination status.

Do I need to call my doctor?

Please call us to make an appointment if you are experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms.  You should also make an appointment (telehealth or in-office)  if you have any questions or concerns regarding symptoms, exposure, or your current test results.

Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms, treatments for COVID-19 may be prescribed by your healthcare provider during your visit.

A FREE telehealth appointment for all who live in  Massachusetts is also available to access COVID-19 treatment.  Details are here.

Oral antivirals are the recommended treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 at high risk for severe disease. These treatments are highly effective and should be started within 5 days of symptoms.

Call to schedule an appointment today! 978-744-8388

COVID-19 OMICRON SPREADS QUICKLY

COVID-19 Omicron can spread rapidly and exponentially, but our choices can help limit the spread.

Vaccines are very protective and highly effective against severe disease and death, particularly if you received a booster. Check your need for first or second booster doses of COVID-19 vaccine with this CDC link!

  • North Shore Community Health centers offers COVID-19 vaccination and boosters by appointment.  Visit our COVID-19 Vaccination Page for scheduling options and information.
  • People ages 5-17 can get the Pfizer vaccine.
  • People age 18+ can get a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
  • Influenza vaccines can be administered at the same time
  • Everyone age 16+ who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts should get a COVID-19 booster.
  • 12-17 year olds can get a Pfizer booster.
  • People 18+ can get a Pfizer or Moderna booster.
  • Everyone age 18 or older who received Pfizer or Moderna at least 5 months ago or Johnson & Johnson at least 2 months ago can get a booster.
  • CDC permits mixing and matching of COVID-19 booster doses.
  • Have more questions? https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-booster-frequently-asked-questions#eligibility-

Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can also help slow the spread of the virus. **We recommend trying not to touch your face or mask as much as possible.** 

Salem Family Health Center
Peabody Family Health Center
Gloucester Family Health Center

HELP STOP THE SPREAD

Answer Our Community Team Call

 If you’ve tested positive, the COVID Community Team will call you and your close contacts to help slow the spread and make sure you are getting the medical attention and support you need. 

Learn More

‘SMART Health Card’ Proof of Vaccination

Massachusetts residents can obtain a digital or paper record of the vaccinations by visiting www.myvaxrecords.mass.gov, a web portal that follows national standards for security and privacy and provides residents a way to electronically view and save their COVID-19 vaccine record.
By providing a cell phone number or email address, users can obtain a digital record of their vaccinations recorded in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System. Their COVID-19 vaccination record includes a unique QR code that can be saved to the user’s phone files, camera roll or the Apple Wallet. It can also be printed out for a paper record.
The MyVaxRecords portal is just one way to obtain your COVID vaccination record. Pharmacies that administered the COVID vaccine and many health care providers also make available SMART Health Cards, providing additional options.
For more information about this new resource, visit www.myvaxrecords.mass.gov. If you are a vaccine administering provider and you have questions about updating records in the MIIS, please contact Myvaxrecords@mass.gov for further assistance.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Can a person be evicted during this public health crisis? Can your utilities be cut off for  non-payment? Is COVID-19 testing and treatment covered? Get answers to some of your  pressing COVID-19 questions.

Learn More

Other Resources

PHARMACY

PHARMACY DELIVERY

CVS Pharmacy located within the Salem Family Health Center can deliver your medications to your home. Please call 978-744-0300 to schedule.

North Shore Community Health

HEALTHY PEOPLE. VIBRANT COMMUNITIES.

Patient-Centered Medical Home

North Shore Community Health is recognized as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

National Health Service Corps

NSCH is a National Health Service Corp site.

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