COVID RESOURCES AND FAQS

If you have been exposed to a known case of COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we recommend that you quarantine and arrange for COVID-19 testing ASAP. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, low blood-oxygen levels, extreme fatigue call 911 or go to your nearest hospital

Online COVID-19 Resources:

• Frequently Asked Patient Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine
• State of California COVID Info
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• County of Alameda Department of Public Health
• County of Monterey Department of Public Health
• County of San Benito Department of Public Health
• County of San Mateo Department of Public Health
• County of Santa Clara Department of Public Health
• County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Health
• Information on vaccine clinics in Santa Clara County

COVID FAQs

1. Can my MD write me a letter to help me get my vaccine sooner?

   Information is limited as to how medical documentation can be utilized to increase your priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, if we have a documented history of your respiratory disease, our physicians will be happy to provide a letter for you. Plesase also refer to your county's web site to determine when your Tier will be eligible to receive the vaccine, or contact your primary care provider for additional information.

2. Will AAANC be administering COVID-19 vaccines?

   We do not plan to administer COVID-19 vaccines to our patients as the hospitals have well organized systems in place to provide this service. Please refer to your county's web site (see links above) to determine which risk Tier qualifies you for vaccine and the locations of vaccine clinics.

3. Is AAANC administering COVID tests to patients?

   We are not testing for COVID-19 in our offices, but instead referring patients to testing sites. If you suspect you have been infected with COVID-19 and you are experiencing moderate to severe symptoms, we urge you to seek medical advice through urgent care or ER. For information on testing sites available by appointment, refer to website for your county health department (see links above).

4. I have allergies and I am concerned about having an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. What should I do?

   Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) have occurred with COVID vaccines BUT are extremely rare (17 cases in approximately 1.9 million vaccinated in the U.S.-as of 1/11/21). Most of these cases were in people who had a previous anaphylactic episode to another vaccine or to a component in COVID vaccine. If you have a history of an immediate (<4 hours after exposure) or severe allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polysorbate or polyoxyl 35 castor oil (e.g. paclitaxel) containing injectable or vaccine {Modified from Banerji A et al. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice (2021)}, then you should consult with your physician here at Allergy and Asthma Associates prior to receiving your vaccine. Otherwise, the CDC recommends that those with a history of an immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a vaccine or injectable therapy and persons with a history of anaphylaxis due to any cause to wait 30 minutes at the vaccine clinic for observation. These clinics are equipped with appropriate medications to treat anaphylaxis.