Due to the presence of COVID within our community, PACHS is taking the appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all patients and staff.
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Arm yourself against COVID-19. Get vaccinated now at Palo Alto County Health System.
Clinic Appointment
Public Health
PACHS Masking Guidelines
- Our current covid transmission rate is Low to Moderate. No mask requirement. This is subject to change based on the transmission rate in our county.
- Please wear a mask if you currently have any respiratory illnesses or are here for an ill visit. Thank you.
Updated News Regarding COVID Vaccines
September 7, 2022
From the desk of Public Health,
Updated news regarding vaccines for COVID:
First, just a reminder that COVID is still here, and is likely here to stay. If you have been exposed, monitor yourself for symptoms. COVID symptoms can come on anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days after exposure. If you suspect you have COVID or you have tested positive for COVID, you will need to quarantine at home for 5 days, with the first day of symptoms being day 0. On day 6, if you are feeling well enough and have not had a fever in the last 24 hours, you can return to work or school but will need to wear a mask until day 10. In most cases, you are no longer contagious after day 5, but in those who are still having symptoms, there is a chance you could still spread the illness.
Second, as of 9/2/22, FDA is now recommending a one-time booster shot for all those who are eligible, to provide the best protection against SARS-CoV-2 virus, one of the originals strains of COVID and omicron, one of the most commonly seen strains. This booster is called bivalent and is now available through our Public Health office and will soon be available at all Family Practice Clinic locations. Those who are eligible are anyone who is 12 and older for Pfizer and those who are 18 and older for Moderna. You also must be at least 2 months out from your last booster shot or COVID illness.
We will have this COVID bivalent vaccine available at all public flu clinics throughout the county this year so you can receive protection against both COVID and Influenza. In addition to the community flu clinics, you can contact public health at 712.852.5419 or Family Practice clinic to schedule a time to receive the COVID booster.
Stay healthy, Palo Alto County!
Sarah Strohman
Director, Palo Alto County Public Health
Covid-19 Antibody Testing
The laboratory at PACHS will be performing COVID-19 antibody testing. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that has caused what we know as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The antibody test is for prior infection and cannot detect current infection, please do not come for testing if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms. The test we are providing can indicate prior infection with the COVID-19 virus but does not ensure immunity against the virus. This test will be available through Direct Access Testing ONLY:
- No physician order is needed.
- Results will not be provided to your physician. You are responsible for giving them the results.
- The test will not be billed to insurance. Cash, check, credit card or HSA payments are accepted before collection.
- This is a non-fasting blood draw, so patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent.
- Clinics will be set up by appointment only by calling 712-852-5500.
- Cost: $60
- Results will be mailed after completion and an interpretation of the results will be included.
Please fill out and bring the order form the day of your appointment.
Resources
Vaccine Information
Community Resources
Baby Resources
We are getting calls about not being able to find baby formula. To keep everyone safe from homemade formula recipes that may not be safe, please contact community health at 712.852.5419 and they will be able to help direct you. Another great resource is Upper Des Moines Opportunities at www.udmo.com.
CDC – COVID-19 Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Stork’s Closet is located at Palo Alto County Health System.
