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San Antonio Metro Health News
January
2022 Monthly Newsletter Issue
Metro Health has opened 6
no-cost COVID-19 test sites that are now available to the public.
Metro Health encourages individuals to get tested if they have
symptoms of the coronavirus. The new test sites were contracted by
the City of San Antonio to reduce wait times and add capacity in
the region. The PCR test sites are operated by Community
Labs. No appointment is necessary as testing is done on a
walk-up basis only. Register now.
CDC Updates COVID
Guidance for Health Professionals
Citing a potential surge in
COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recently released emergency isolation and
quarantine guidelines for health care professionals to assist with
staffing shortages. The updated guidance differs from that for the
general public. See the latest timelines.
Expect a More
Serious Flu Season and Test Accordingly
In 2021, precautions that
people took against COVID-19 – like masking and social distancing –
helped create an unusually light flu season, says Jennifer Shuford,
MD, chief state epidemiologist at the Texas Department of State
Health Services (DSHS). In 2022, Texas probably will not be as
lucky. Continue reading.
Home COVID Tests
to be Covered by Insurers
Private health insurers will
be required to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for
people on their plans. The Biden administration announced the
change the past week as it looks to lower costs and make testing
for the virus more convenient amid rising frustrations. Under the new policy, first detailed to the
AP, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for
free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for
reimbursement, up to the monthly per-person limit.
Low COVID
Vaccination Rate Among Ages 5-11 Suggests More Vaccinators Needed
As of Jan. 10, Texas
Department of State Health Service (DSHS) figures show more than
661,000 Texans aged 5 to 11 have received at least one dose of the
vaccine. That’s about 23% of the state’s estimated population for
that age group (using 2019 DSHS population estimates). Only about
370,000 children aged 5 to 11 are fully vaccinated, a little under
13%. With medicine now in the midst of a surge in the omicron
variant of COVID-19, the Texas Medical Association is
urging pediatricians to become COVID-19 vaccinators and reinforce
to parents the importance of vaccinating their children.
FREE PPE Still
Available from BCMS
Do you need PPE For your
practice? Let us help! Physician practices in need of PPE,
please click here to indicate your PPE needs. Requests are filled as
donated supplies are available.
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