COVID-19 Updates
(10/16/2023)
The 3rd generation Covid-19 vaccine is now available in limited quantities for our patients ages 6 months to 11 years old. We are now using the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine since it has a longer shelf life than the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. If your child is 12 years old and older we recommend contacting your local pharmacy for the Covid-19 vaccine.
(6/29/2023)
On June 29, 2023 our office will discontinue administering Covid-19 Vaccines for all ages. If your child would like a Covid-19 Vaccine, please contact your pharmacy as some pharmacies may still have the Covid-19 vaccine in stock.
(4/18/2023)
On May 3, 2023 our office will discontinue administering Covid-19 Vaccines for ages 5 and older. If your child is 5 or older and would like a Covid-19 vaccine, please contact your pharmacy.
(2/15/2023)
On January 30, 2023 the Federal Government announced that the Covid-19 Emergency Declaration will expire on May 11, 2023. This will affect government funding for free Covid-19 testing and treatment. For those that have insurance, you may have noticed that your co-pays and deductibles have been waived by our office due to government coverage for Covid-19 evaluations. This will end as government and insurance reimbursements end. Free Covid-19 vaccines and boosters will end when the federal government supply ends (we will make this announcement in the future).
(1/6/2023)
Beginning 1/6/2023 patients 6 months to 4 years old scheduled to receive dose #3 of their Pfizer Covid-19 series will receive the Pfizer Bivalent Covid-19 shot as their 3rd dose. Children and infants will have already received 3 Pfizer Covid-19 (non-bivalent) shots can receive the Bivalent Pfizer shot at least 2 months after the 3rd shot.
(10/26/2022)
Beginning 10/28/2022 our office will be offering the Pfizer Bi-valent Covid-19 booster dose for our patients ages 5-11 years old on Fridays. This booster covers the original Covid-19 virus as well as the Omicron variant. It must be given at least 2 months after the second shot or any previous non-bivalent booster shot.
(7/11/2022)
Our office is now scheduling our patients ages 6 months to 4 years old for Pfizer Covid-19 shots (we will not be administering the Moderna vaccine). It is a 3-dose schedule for this vaccine (2nd dose at least 3 weeks after 1st dose, and 3rd dose at least 8 weeks after 2nd dose). Quantities are limited, are available only to our current active patients, and will be given on Thursdays (beginning July 14, 2022). We will continue to schedule Covid-19 vaccinations for those age 5-11 years old on Fridays. Call our office to schedule your child's Covid-19 vaccine appointment.
(6/21/2022)
Some pharmacies have begun administration of Covid-19 vaccines for ages 6m to 4y. Please check for age restrictions:
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CVS Pharmacy: minimum age 18 months
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Walgreens Pharmacy: minimum age 3 years
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Walmart Pharmacy: minimum age 3 years
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Kroger Pharmacy: minimum age 1 year
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Campbell Pharmacy: minimum age 6 months
(12/26/2021)
Updated places to get Covid PCR test (our office only has Rapid Antigen Test):
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PM Children's Urgent Care: https://pmpediatrics.com/
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Nite Hawk Pediatric Urgent Care: https://www.nitehawkpediuc.com/
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Citra/Sinai Urgent Care: https://www.sinaiurgentcare.com/
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Fast-ER Care: https://fastercaretx.com/
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Heal 360 Urgent Care: https://www.heal360.com/
(12/24/2021)
Campbell Pharmacy at Campbell Road and Preston Rd will take walk-ins for Covid vaccines from ages 5 years and up (bring appropriate ID):
https://www.campbellrx.com/
(12/22/2021)
Beginning in January 2022 we will only schedule Covid-19 vaccines on Fridays for our patients ages 5-11 years old.
(11/10/2021)
Our office will begin to administer Covid-19 shots to our patients ages 5-11 years old as we recently acquired a limited shipment of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children. Please read these points before calling our office for an appointment.
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Covid shots are by appointment only and are for our current patients only.
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We will be administering the vaccines on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
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When you call our office, you will need to schedule both 1st and 2nd doses (21 days apart)
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Please do not give fever reducer before the shot. You can give acetaminophen or ibuprofen afterwards if your child has fever or aches.
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Please contact us at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel your child's appointment so we can schedule another child. The vaccines are time-sensitive so they must be given within hours of activation.
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We will be following strict CDC Protocol, therefore, be prepared to wait with your child for 15 minutes after the vaccine in case of immediate side-effects. You may wait in your car in the parking lot, in the main Physician's Pavilion Lobby or outside on the hospital campus.
If you are unable to schedule your child's Covid-19 vaccine with our office, here are links to other locations that are administering to children ages 5-11:
CVS Pharmacy
Walgreens Pharmacy
Walmart Pharmacy
Campbell Pharmacy
Sams Club Pharmacy
Kroger Pharmacy
Tom Thumb Pharmacy
(10/27/2021)
Yesterday the FDA approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years. The vaccine is a 2-dose vaccine given 3 weeks apart. This does NOT mean that the vaccine is available now. The vaccine still needs the approval of the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) as well as the CDC Director. We will post on this website when the vaccine is available. Please note that we plan to give this vaccine to our current patients only and only to this age group for now (ages 12 years and older should contact CVS or Walgreens for the Covid-19 vaccine).
Q. Can you get a Covid shot with the flu shot?
A. Yes, there is no interaction between the Covid-19 shot and the flu shot and can be given together. We do recommend waiting at least 2 weeks between Covid-19 shot and Flumist as there are no good studies with Flumist.
Q. What are the side-effects of the shot?
A. Side-effects are similar to adults: soreness, low grade fever, malaise, and headache. Our office recommends that your child have a light schedule for the first 24 hours after the vaccine.
Q. I heard that the vaccine is 1/3 the dose of the adult Pfizer vaccine. Can the nurse or pharmacist just draw up 1/3 of the adult dose to give to kids 5-11?
A. No. This children's vaccine is packaged by Pfizer using a different concentration specifically for ages 5-11y. Adult (age 12y and older) vaccine is NOT approved for children under 12 years even if given a lower volume.
Q. My son is turning 12 in 2 weeks. If the first dose he receives is the children's dose, does the second dose (in 3 weeks) have to be the adult dose?
A. At this time the FDA has not made a recommendation on this. We will have to wait for their announcement on this.
(9/10/2021)
Frequently asked questions for Dr. Lin about Covid-19:
Q. What is Dr. Lin's recommendation about Covid-19 vaccine?
A. When the vaccine first came out in December 2020, I was hesitant
on recommending it for everyone, but now that it has been out for
9 months, I strongly recommend it for all patients who are 12yrs
and older. Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 years and older; Moderna
vaccine for ages 18 years and older.
Q. I am worried about the long term side effects of Covid-19 shot. I
heard that it might cause sterility. Is this true?
A. I have talked to several obstetricians and fertility specialists who
all say the shot does not cause sterility. In fact the Covid-19 shot
is approved for those that are breastfeeding and pregnant.
Here are 2 links to legitimate websites about this:
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/planning-for-pregnancy.html
ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine):
https://www.asrm.org/news-and-publications/news-and-research/press-releases-and-bulletins/asrm-smfm-acog-issue-joint-statement-medical-experts-continue-to-assert-that-covid-vaccines-do-not-impact-fertility/
Q. Have you seen any bad cases of Covid-19 in your office?
A. Most children will have mild symptoms (fever, headache,
and congestion) for a few days, although we have had one
child hospitalized with Covid pneumonia. Several of our patients'
parents have been hospitalized, 2 parents (unvaccinated) have died,
and several of our patients' grandparents have died from Covid-19.
Q. Does your office administer the Covid-19 vaccine?
A. Our office currently does not administer the Covid-19 vaccine.
We recommend CVS or Walgreens for Covid-19 vaccine.
Q. If my child is exposed to Covid-19, how long should he/she
quarantine/stay home from school?
A. If your child is unvaccinated, then he/she must quarantine for
7-14 days. Some schools will accept 7 days if the child has no
symptoms AND tests negative on day 5-7. Some schools want
10 days and others require 14 days.
If your child is vaccinated, then he/she does not need to
quarantine as long he/she has no symptoms, wears his/her
mask in public for at least 14 days after exposure, and tests
negative on day 3-5.
For more info, see:
https://www.chalkbeat.org/2021/8/17/22629537/schools-quarantine-cdc-guidance
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html
Q. Is it really necessary to get a Covid shot? I'm healthy and I eat
healthy foods and exercise and wash my hands and wear a mask
in public.
A. This new delta variant is much more contagious and aggressive
than the original Covid strain. Hospitalists here at Methodist
Richardson Medical Center say that 95% of inpatient cases are in the
unvaccinated population and most are ages 30-50 years old. The
Internist next door stated that he has had 15 of his patients die
in this last 4 weeks from Covid-19. Receiving a Covid shot is like
auto insurance: no one really wants to get it but if you get in a car
accident, you'll be glad you got it or you'll regret not getting it.
(5/29/2021)
Covid-19 vaccine (Pfizer) is now approved for ages 12 years and older. Our office recommends CVS or Walgreens for Covid-19 vaccine.
(12/29/2020)
Places to get COVID-19 Testing:
PM Childrens Urgent Care (Rapid Antigen Test):
Richardson(Coit & Campbell) /McKinney/FlowerMound/TheColony:
www.childrens.com/specialties-services/urgent-care:
Sinai Urgent Care (Rapid Antigen Test and PCR):
Murphy, Dallas, Frisco, Fort Worth
https://www.sinaiurgentcare.com/urgent-care-murphy
NiteHawk Pediatric Urgent Care (also tests parents):
http://www.nitehawkpediuc.com/
FastER Care in Richardson/East Plano:
https://fastercaretx.com/
Sachse/Wylie (Rapid Antigen Test):
https://www.eer24.com/COVIDTesting/
MD Medical Group in Dallas and Fort Worth (Rapid Antigen Test):
https://mdmedicalgroup.us/drive-thru-testing-for-covid-19-dfw-locations/
Low Cost Testing:
https://www.doineedacovid19test.com/
Free testing sites at (PCR test only, 2-3 days for results):
https://www.gogettested.com/
www.allamericantesting.com
(4/15/20)
In a recent new order, the Texas Governor has relaxed the rules to allow virtual visits via telephone or videoconferencing for diagnosis, treatment, and prescribing for patients. Therefore, we are offering virtual visits with Dr. Lin for those patients that are sick (e.g. fever, cough) or do not feel comfortable coming to our office. Most visits can be diagnosed via telephone, however, some may require pictures or video. For videoconferencing we are using the Doxy.me website or Skype. These visits DO NOT apply to well child visits or physical examinations or vaccinations. Also, please have the phone number of your pharmacy ready in case your child's visit requires a prescription. If you would like your child to have a virtual office visit with Dr. Lin, please call our office. We will bill your insurance and charge your copay for the visit. If you have a deductible or you have no insurance, we will charge a fee between $20-$45 (or your copay, whichever is less) depending on the complexity of the visit. New patients will have a higher initial charge. These fees apply to virtual visits during our normal business hours. After hours virtual visits will have an extra fee.
(4/1/20)
Due to COVID-19 the Governor of Texas recently issued a "shelter-in-place" mandate with schools closed until at least May 4th. People may leave home only for "essential activities." Our office is considered "essential" and is currently open for non-infectious issues such as injuries, feeding matters, allergies, rashes, developmental concerns, well child visits, physical examinations and vaccinations. Our staff wears protective gear (masks, gloves, etc) with each patient and cleans examination rooms immediately after the patient leaves. Please bring the child that is to be examined only and leave other siblings at home if possible. If your child has a fever, a cough, or appears lethargic, please do not enter the office but call and speak with one of our office staff. We will relay your child's symptoms to Dr. Lin who will call you back for a phone or video "virtual" consultation. To protect the community most of these cases will be treated this way until it is deemed safe. The COVID-19 pandemic is a "fluid" situation as one specialist has said so we will continue to monitor the news from trusted sources (i.e. CDC, DCHHS, etc.) in order to minimize risk and our office staff will make further adjustments as needed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19:
(1) How contagious is COVID-19? It is very contagious.
The virus is spread by respiratory droplets and can live on objects for several hours to several days. People with COVID-19 may be contagious 1-2 days before having symptoms. Please maintain social distancing and wash hands frequently when out in public. Use gloves or clean hands with hand sanitizer after pumping gas. This is not the time to travel for leisure.
(2) Should I wear a mask?
Yes. We recommend wearing a mask when going out in public (i.e. grocery store, bank, doctors' office, etc). It can be a surgical mask, a painter's mask, or a homemade mask. The mask does NOT need to be an N95 mask. N95 masks are for health care workers in close contact with sick people and must perform "high respiratory droplet" procedures such as intubations and nasal/oral swabs.
(3) Should I have my child tested if he/she has symptoms?
No. Currently there are not enough tests for everyone with symptoms to be tested. Please save the tests for patients with severe symptoms. If your child has fever, cough, and congestion, please keep them at home away from others that have medical issues or the elderly. Treatment for COVID-19 in children are the same as with most upper respiratory illnesses: supportive care. The symptoms will most likely run their course. Call our office if you need advice on this or if the symptoms are persistent or severe.
(4) I heard there is a rapid 5 minute test for COVID-19.
The FDA recently "fast-tracked" a rapid 5 minute test but it has not been mass produced and made easily available at this time.
(5) I heard that you should not give ibuprofen(motrin, advil) since it may make the symptoms of COVID-19 worse.
Early reports suggested this but have since been disproven. It is okay to give ibuprofen to infants and children over six months old. Call our office if you have any concerns or need dosing guidance.
(6) Can Dr. Lin write anti-malarial medicine for me or my child?
No. There was some early evidence that anti-malarial drugs may help COVID-19 patients but has since been disproven. Patients with auto-immune diseases such as Lupus use anti-malarial drugs to manage their illnesses, therefore, hoarding this medicine will cause a shortage.
(3/19/20)
As we all try our best to manage through the weeks and months ahead, we want you to know that our office staff is sending you sincere wishes that you and your loved ones remain healthy and safe. With that said, we continue to practice our established vigilant infection control protocols. We vigorously clean surfaces including counters, doorknobs, and examination tables with disinfecting wipes after each patient departs. Also our waiting room is cleaned regularly and is large enough to practice safe social distancing. As per Methodist hospital protocol, Dr. Lin and the nurses are wearing masks when examining all patients. Currently our office is open for non-infectious issues such as injuries, growth & developmental concerns, well child visits, physical examinations and vaccinations. Please remember to keep up-to-date with your child's vaccines. If your child has a fever, a cough, or appears lethargic, please do not enter the office but call and speak with one of our office staff. We will relay your child's symptoms to Dr. Lin who will call you back for a phone "virtual" consultation. To protect the community most of these cases will be treated this way until it is deemed safe. The COVID-19 pandemic is a "fluid" situation as one specialist has said so we will continue to monitor the news from trusted sources (i.e. CDC, DCHHS, etc.) in order to minimize risk and our office staff will make further adjustments as needed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. God bless and be safe!
(3/7/20)
The COVID-19 or "Coronavirus" has been at the forefront of the news in recent weeks with new information noted on a daily basis. With all the information, there is much "mis-information" as well. We recommend obtaining information about the virus from the Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ and the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/. Dr. Lin recommends that we "practice the basics" including regular hand-washing (after using restrooms, before eating, and in public areas), carry hand-sanitizers when going out in public, avoid touching one's own face, and avoid crowded public areas. Elderly and those with a medical condition should make sure they receive their flu shot as well as pneumonia shot. Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to symptoms of the flu with the added history of contact with someone with coronavirus or recent history of travel to a country with high risk (CDC Level 2 or 3 Travel Risk) for coronavirus (see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html). Call our office or go to the nearest ER immediately if you have flu-like illness and fit the above history.
