COVID-19 UPDATE (ARCHIVE)

Amherst Pediatrics
November 4, 2021

Children 5-11 Can Now Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 

Following a meeting and a unanimous (14-0) vote from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the CDC has recommended Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, delivered in two doses spaced three weeks apart. 

In clinical trials in children ages 5-11, the vaccine was 90% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and there were no serious vaccine-related safety concerns. The vaccine offers strong protection against COVID-19 to young children amid the ongoing pandemic.

Pfizer’s vaccine is the only COVID-19 vaccine that is FDA authorized for use in children. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are currently authorized for adults 18 and older. 

Getting your child's COVID-19 vaccine at Amherst Pediatrics

Amherst Pediatrics is providing the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to our eligible patients aged 5-11 years of age through specially scheduled COVID-19 vaccine clinics. COVID-19 vaccine clinic appointments can only be scheduled through your MyChart patient portal.

We can only offer appointment slots for the number of vaccines shipped to us. If you do you not see any available appointments, please keep watching for more openings. These will continue to open as additional vaccine is shipped to us.

We are not able to give COVID-19 vaccine at the flu clinics as the COVID-19 vaccine administration requires additional time which we cannot accommodate during the flu clinics. For this reason, while patients may receive a flu vaccine at the COVID-19 clinic, they cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine during a flu clinic appointment.

The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

If your child has an appointment already scheduled with a provider and we have COVID-19 vaccine available, we will offer it to your child, even if they will be receiving other vaccines. 

For patients turning 12 years of age before a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends giving the dose appropriate to the age of the individual at the time the vaccine is due. ie., if they receive the pediatric dose as a first dose but then turn 12 years old, they should receive the 12 and older dose when it is next due.

We do NOT have COVID-19 vaccine for patients ages 12 years and older. You will need to go into the community for that vaccine.

We are not able to maintain a cancellation list. Please keep checking the portal for more openings.

We cannot schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments over the phone. You must utilize this portal for scheduling.

Thank you all for your patience! 


Experts recommend the vaccine for kids after carefully considering the benefits and potential risks. 

Over the course of two weeks of meetings, independent experts on the FDA and CDC’s advisory panels (VRBPAC and ACIP respectively) discussed the need for vaccines for the 5-11 age group, as well as the potential risks. 

Vaccinating children ages 5 to 11 can: 

  • Reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, health complications, hospitalization, and death for children. While COVID-19 is less likely to cause severe illness in children than in adults, many children HAVE gotten very sick after being infected. Over 8,300 children ages 5 to 11 have been hospitalized with COVID-19 and 172 have died (data as of November 3, 2021). Children are also at risk of long-term health conditions and complications due to COVID-19 infection, including the very serious Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs. Over 5,200 cases of MIS-C have been reported so far with most cases occurring in children between 5 and 13 years old.
  • Reduce the spread of COVID-19Children CAN be infected and spread COVID-19 to others, including people they come in contact with in their school, their community, and their household. As we all know too well, there have been outbreaks in schools and summer camps that have led to severe cases as well as closures. 
  • Help kids and families get back to life. Vaccinating kids can help keep in-person learning on track and make school and extracurricular activity environments (like sports and summer camps) safer. If you get your child vaccinated as soon as possible, they might even be protected against COVID before the end of the year. (Remember, people are not considered “fully vaccinated” until 2 weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.)
  • Make sure those who need it most have access. Children with certain medical conditions or who live in environments with higher exposure to COVID-19 are at higher risk of COVID-19. Severe COVID-19 illness is also occurring at higher rates in Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, and Hispanic children than in non-Hispanic White children because of systemic racial inequities. Making the vaccine widely available for children in this age group helps to ensure that those who need it most do not face additional hurdles in getting vaccinated. 

How do we know the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for kids? 

  • This recommendation is based on careful review of clinical trials data, in which over 3,000 children ages 5-11 got two doses of the vaccine. There were no serious safety concerns related to the vaccines in the trials.
  • Mild to moderate, temporary reactions to the COVID vaccine were similar to those in people 12 years and older, and included pain and/or redness where the shot was given, fever, tiredness (fatigue), headache, chills, and muscle pain. Many of these short-term reactions were reported LESS often in the 5-11 age group compared to individuals 12 and over. 
  • There were no cases of myocarditis or pericarditis in the clinical trials. Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle and the area around the heart muscle) have been seen in a very small number of mRNA COVID vaccine recipients, with the highest rates in young males 16 to 29 years old after their second dose. Experts discussed this potential side effect and they take the concern very seriously. It is possible that the clinical trials were not big enough to see cases of myocarditis or pericarditis after vaccination because of how rare it is. If your child has chest pain, shortness of breath, or feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering, or pounding heart, especially if it’s within a week of COVID vaccination, seek medical care. It’s important to remember that COVID-19 infection increases the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis by 37x
  • The myocarditis and pericarditis cases related to vaccination have been largely treatable — many people recover with rest, and those who do need medical assistance typically respond well to treatment. 
  • Over 248 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the U.S. and over 7 million children between 12 and 15 years old are fully vaccinated. We have more data showing the safety of these vaccines than we will EVER have for most other medicines, vitamins or nutritional supplements. 
  • The lower dose of COVID vaccine that is recommended for children 5-11 (⅓ of the dose recommended for people 12 and older) was chosen to give younger kids the same strong protection at the lowest dose to be as safe as possible. 
  • The safety of this vaccine in children - and people of all ages - will be closely monitored through the U.S. vaccine safety monitoring systems, including v-safe, VAERS, VSD, CISA and more.

Make sure to register your child for v-safe, CDC’s smartphone-based tool that checks in on you after COVID-vaccination, after your child’s first COVID vaccine dose.

Please do your part and get vaccinated!

We urge you to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. This remains the single most critical element for ending the pandemic. It can only be achieved if the vast majority of us gets the vaccine. We know that many people have reservations about the vaccines, because they are perceived to have been developed and rolled out so fast. In fact, safety has not been sacrificed during this process. The historic speed with which the vaccines have beeen readied is due to the unprecedented efforts of scientists and the huge amount of resources poured into the effort. It is a process that will likely be replicated in the future, and in which we can all be proud. The vaccine is extremely effective and SAFE!

Please read this piece written for The Atlantic by pediatrician, author, and journalist Perri Klass for an excellent perspective on the importance of having your child vaccianted:

COVID-19 testing

Asymptomatic testing remains available at UMass for anyone 4 years of age and older. For information and scheduling follow this link:

>> Asymptomatic Testing at UMass

Symptomatic testing is available offsite or, in some cases, in our office at Amherst Pediatrics. COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose (in addition to at least one other symptom)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Our capacity to test patients at Amherst Pediatrics is very limited, and will be determined by our clincal team. If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call us at (413) 253-3773 and speak to a member of our clincial team for guidance.

September 1, 2021

As you are likely hearing on the news and through your social media networks, COVID-19 (and the delta-variant in particular) is back on the rise. This uptick in infections was predictable, but more concerning in light of the much increased transmissibility of the delta variant. It is estimated that each infected person can spread the virus to 5 unvaccinated individuals. It is also becoming apparent that this variant seems much more capable of infecting, and making ill, younger indivudals and children. All of this points to the undeniable importance of getting vaccinated.

The science is clear and irrefutable:

- The vaccines work, and are extemely safe

- Masks can protect against spreading and getting the virus

- The large number of still unvaccinated individuals is the reason this pandemic is still uncontrolled

Please do your part and get vaccinated!

We must continue to:

Wear a mask

The current MA COVID-19 guidelines state that fully vaccinated indiviudals should wear masks when indoors (unless they are at home) if they (or someone in their houselhold) has a weakened immune systems, are at increased risk for severe disease due to age or underlyng medical condition, or are an unvaccinated adult. Mask-wearing is also still necessary for those not fully vaccinated. Even if you are vaccinated, wearing a mask adds additional safety, and many feel more comfortable continuing to wear them for now. There is currently an indoor mask mandate in effect in Amherst and other neighboring towns. Masks continue to be required for the following individuals or locations, regardless of vaccination status:

  • On public and private transportation
  • Inside K-12 public schools, collaboratives, special education schools
  • Healthcare facilites (like Amherst Pediatrics!)
  • Congregate care facilities
  • Emergency shelter facilities
  • Correctional facilities
  • Health care and day services/facilites run by the Commonweath
  • Home health care workers

Please click here to read more about mask and COVID-19 precautions ► COVID-19 Mask Requirements

Get vaccinated!

We urge you to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. This remains the single most critical element for ending the pandemic. It can only be achieved if the vast majority of us gets the vaccine. We know that many people have reservations about the vaccines, because they are perceived to have been developed and rolled out so fast. In fact, safety has not been sacrificed during this process. The historic speed with which the vaccines have beeen readied is due to the unprecedented efforts of scientists and the huge amount of resources poured into the effort. It is a process that will likely be replicated in the future, and in which we can all be proud. The vaccine is extremely effective and SAFE!

Please read this piece written for The Atlantic by pediatrician, author, and journalist Perri Klass for an excellent perspective on the importance of having your child vaccianted:

COVID-19 Vaccines

Amherst Pediatrics is not currently administering COVID-19 vaccine to children of any age.
We will make sure to let you know if this changes. In the meantime, COVID-19 vaccine is readily available in the community. Please see below for information about scheduleing an appointment.

There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in people 18 years of age and older. One vaccine (the one made by Pfizer) has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA and is now recommended by the CDC for use in people age 12 and older. Trials are underway in younger children, but as of yet there is no information regarding the timeline for availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 12.

Massachusetts is currently in Phase 4 of the vaccine rollout. People age 12 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can now get vaccinated against COVID-19. People ages 12-17 can only recieve the Pfizer vaccine. People age 18 and older can receive any COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. You don't need an ID or insurance to get it.

People who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at one of several mass vaccination locations around the state, including many locally. To pre-register for a vaccine appointment, use the link below.

COVID-19 testing

Asymptomatic testing remains available at UMass for anyone 4 years of age and older. For information and scheduling follow this link:

>> Asymptomatic Testing at UMass

Symptomatic testing is available offsite or, in some cases, in our office at Amherst Pediatrics. COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose (in addition to at least one other symptom)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Our capacity to test patients at Amherst Pediatrics is very limited, and will be determined by our clincal team. If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call us at (413) 253-3773 and speak to a member of our clincial team for guidance.

► Click here to view our COVID-19 UPDATE archive

Amherst Pediatrics

Amherst Pediatrics

May 29, 2021

Summer is near, and we can finally see the tables turning on this long, difficult ordeal. Vaccine availability is picking up, and our numbers continue to decline, but there is still so much we need to and can do, collectively, to get through this.

We must continue to:

Wear a mask (?)

The MA COVID-19 restrictions, in place for so long, have finally been lifted. That means you are no longer required to wear a mask if you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks out from your last vaccine dose). That said, mask-wearing is still necessary for those not fully vaccinated. Even if you are vaccinated, wearing a mask adds additional safety, and many feel more comfortable continuing to wear them for now. Some businesses and establishments may still require mask wearing for the safety of their staff and the public. Also, masks continue to be required for the following individuals or locations, regardless of vaccination status:

  • On public and private transportation
  • Inside K-12 public schools, collaboratives, special education schools
  • Healthcare facilites (like Amherst Pediatrics!)
  • Congregate care facilities
  • Emergency shelter facilities
  • Correctional facilities
  • Health care and day services/facilites run by the Commonweath
  • Home health care workers

Please click here to read more about mask and COVID-19 precautions ► COVID-19 Mask Requirements

Get vaccinated!

We urge you to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. This remains the single most critical element for ending the pandemic. It can only be achieved if the vast majority of us gets the vaccine. We know that many people have reservations about the vaccines, because they are perceived to have been developed and rolled out so fast. In fact, safety has not been sacrificed during this process. The historic speed with which the vaccines have beeen readied is due to the unprecedented efforts of scientists and the huge amount of resources poured into the effort. It is a process that will likely be replicated in the future, and in which we can all be proud. The vaccine is extremely effective and SAFE!

Please read this piece written for The Atlantic by pediatrician, author, and journalist Perri Klass for an excellent perspective on the importance of having your child vaccianted:

COVID-19 Vaccines

Amherst Pediatrics is not currently admiistering COVID-19 vaccine to children of any age. We will make sure to let you know if this changes. In the meantime, COVID-19 vaccine is readily available in the community. Please see below for information about scheduleing an appointment.

There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in people 18 years of age and older. One vaccine (the one made by Pfizer) has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the FDA and is now recommended by the CDC for use in people age 12 and older. Trials are underway in younger children, but as of yet there is no information regarding the timeline for availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 12.

Massachusetts is currently in Phase 4 of the vaccine rollout. People age 12 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can now get vaccinated against COVID-19. People ages 12-17 can only recieve the Pfizer vaccine. People age 18 and older can receive any COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe and effective. You don't need an ID or insurance to get it.

People who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at one of several mass vaccination locations around the state. To pre-register for a vaccine appointment, use the link below.

Appointments can also be scheduled at the Amherst Bangs Community Center by clicking here.

Alternatively, you can search for appointments at pharmacies and other community locations through vaxfinder.mass.gov

COVID-19 testing

Asymptomatic testing remains available at the UMass Mullins Center for anyone 10 years of age and older. For information and scheduling follow this link:

>> Asymptomatic Testing at the UMass Mullins Center 

Symptomatic testing is available offsite or, in some cases, in our outdoor facility at Amherst Pediatrics. COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever and/or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose (in addition to at least one other symptom)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Our capacity to test patients at Amherst Pediatrics is very limited, and will be determined by our clincal team. If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, please call us at (413) 253-3773 and speak to a member of our clincial team for guidance.

January 1, 2021

We at Amherst Pediatrics would like to wish you all the the best in the coming new year. We have been through quite a lot this past year, and we look hopefully foreward to what we believe will be a much better year ahead. That said, the next couple of months will be difficult as the pandemic continues to rage out of control, with the winter months looking to be possibly the worst we have seen so far. The good news, and it is very good news indeed, is that two very effective and safe vaccines are being rolled out as we speak. Providers and staff at Amherst Pediatrics have been among the first in the region to receive the vaccine, making our office that much safer and more secure for our patients. Soon, the vaccine will be available to the general public as well. We will be sure to keep you informed as soon as we have more information about that phase of the rollout.

We urge you to continue to take all of the pandemic safety precautions very seriously.

Wear a mask

The single most important and effective strategy to prevent spread of this virus is to wear an appropriate face covering. Please follow this link for complete information about what that means: CDC Guide to Mask Wearing

Socially distance

Maintain at least a 6-foot distance between you and others who are not in your household - both indoors and outdoors.

Stay home

Please refrain from going into indoor spaces outside of your home. That includes restaurants, shops, gyms, salons, grocery stores, and other people's homes. If you can, try to order items by delivery or curbside pick-up.

Get vaccinated

When it becomes available, we urge you to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will be a crucial element to ending this pandemic. It can only be achieved if the vast majority of us get the vaccine. We know that many people have reservations about this vacceine, because it is perceived to have been developed and rolled out so fast. In fact, safety has not been sacrificed during this process. The historic speed with which the vaccine has beeen readied is due to the unprecedented efforts of scientists and the huge amount of resources poured into this effort. It is a process that will likely be replicated in the future, and in which we can all be proud. The vaccine is extremely effective and SAFE!

COVID-19 Testing

As more and more people again seek and require testing, our regional testing capacity has become increasingly strained.

At the moment, Amherst Pediatrics recommends the following options for COVID-19 testing:

Symptomatic testing

Anyone with possible symptoms of COVID-19 will need to be tested either offsite (see below) or in our outdoor facility at Amherst Pediatrics. Our capacity to test symptomatic patients at Amherst Pediatrics is very limited, and will be determined by our clincal team. COVID-19 symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat

Contact Us

Our Address
31 Hall Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Tel: (413) 253-3773
Fax: (413) 256-0215
Email: [email protected]

Patient Care Hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM: In-office and MyChart Telehealth visits
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: MyChart Telehealth visits only

Sat
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: MyChart Telehealth visits only

* Please note: It is our policy that we do not approve referral requests for visits to outside urgent care centers during times that our office is open.

Holidays
We are open for urgent visits only on most Holidays. However, our office is closed on the following holidays:

- New Year's Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- July 4th
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day

For urgent concerns, you can always reach an on-call provider, even when our office is closed.