COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Southwest Orlando Family Medicine has reviewed the latest CDC guidance and evaluated staff, patient, and community health and safety concerns. Beginning Thursday, June 3rd, we are updating our Office Safety Protocol to better individualize your care while in the exam room.

If you test positive, your clinician will review and provided recommended care, including a TeleHealth Appointment. Southwest Orlando Family Medicine has access to COVID-19 experimental treatment options and your clinical team will review with you based on eligibility and your individual health considerations.

Negative test results may depend on a variety of factors. Your clinician will review your screening results and test type and provide follow-up recommendations based on your specific concerns.

If given the option, reducing exposure by working from home is recommended for those at high risk or those concerned about contracting COVID-19.

We recommend suspending all non-essential international travel whenever possible. You can read more on our COVID Travel Advisory. From the CDC, “Crowded travel settings, like airports, may increase your risk of exposure to COVID-19, if there are other travelers with COVID-19. There are several things you should consider when deciding whether it is safe for you to travel.” Read the full CDC statement here.

Yes. Certain groups may have an elevated chance of adverse reactions, specifically women under 50 who are pregnant, on oral contraceptives, with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), taking hormone therapies. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with your clinician before getting the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorization to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Moderna vaccine, and Johnson & Johnson vaccine after rigorous clinical testing and evaluation that included tens of thousands of participants. COVID-19 vaccines must adhere to specific FDA guidelines for safety and efficacy, and the FDA also sets up ongoing surveillance programs that continue after clinical trials.

No. The vaccines do not contain the live virus and carry no risk of causing COVID-19.

As of Monday, April 5th, all Florida residents are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Please note that age restrictions (16+ or 18+) may vary by vaccine type. Patients can visit the state of Florida vaccine site locator and pre-register now. Patients can also register at the Federal website FLVAX and visit vaccinefinder.org for the latest on vaccine inventory. Please visit our scheduling resources section on our patient advisory for more information.

The goal of the COVID-19 vaccine is to prevent severe symptoms from COVID-19. Data shows that all currently approved vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, have a minimum 85% effective rate at preventing severe illness due to COVID-19. Southwest Orlando Family Medicine recommends that patients receive whichever vaccine dosage is available to them, as all of the approved vaccines show strong success.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Clinical trials resulted in a 95% effective rate for Pfizer, a 94.1% effectiveness for Moderna, and 85% effective for Johnson & Johnson. While the vaccines have been shown to be effective at preventing COVID-19 symptoms in those vaccinated, there is not enough evidence at this time to determine whether they also prevent asymptomatic infection and transmission of COVID-19 to another person.

Yes. While COVID-19 cases are dropping, the new Delta variant has been identified around the world as one of the most highly contagious and potentially more severe than it’s predecessors. We recommend that all eligible patients receive their vaccine to help prevent the transmission and health concerns with catching COVID-19. Studies show that there are potential mid-term and long-term symptoms and issues that can occur as a result of the coronavirus.

Peak vaccine effectiveness occurs a few weeks after receiving your vaccines, as your body continues to build immunity. In addition to preventing COVID-19, the vaccines may also help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do contract COVID-19.

Yes. The CDC recommends the vaccine even for those who have already been infected by COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are a critical part of the plan to reduce infections and deaths. Talk to your Primary Care Provider for more information on your specific situation and recommended vaccine guidance by scheduling a TeleHealth Appointment today.

Natural immunity to COVID-19 may range from 90 days to approximately 8 months. unknownBecause the length of immunity is , we strongly recommend that those who have previously had COVID-19 still receive their vaccines, which will ensure longer lasting protection against the virus and current variants.

Yes. It may still be possible for those who have recovered from COVID-19 to transmit the virus to others.

Yes. While cases of COVID-19 reinfection remain rare, it is still possible.

The most common side effects include pain at the infection site, fatigue, headache, fever, chills and muscle pain. Side effects can last up to several days and usually resolve on their own.

According to AdventHealth, “These coronavirus vaccine side effects are temporary, and shouldn’t discourage anyone from getting this potentially life-saving immunization.” Side effects for Pfizer and Moderna are more likely to be experienced after the second dose. These side effects, such as fever, are considered normal signs that the body is building immunity. As we mentioned, the FDA and CDC continue to monitor vaccination efforts across the US for any severe side effects or adverse reactions. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

It depends on the situation. The latest CDC guidelines have relaxed masking guidelines among other vaccinated individuals. Public transportation, hospitals, and healthcare offices may still require mask usage. Visit the CDC website for the latest information.

Yes, however it is unlikely. While both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been shown to be around 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been shown to be approximately 85% effective at preventing severe symptoms, there is still a possibility you may contract COVID-19 from contact with others. Remember that your body needs time to develop antibodies after your vaccine, typically within a few weeks.

Current vaccines are highly effective at both reducing the risk of getting COVID-19 as well as potentially reducing the severity of COVID-19 if you do get the virus. These vaccines use the strength of your body’s immune system to produce antibodies and block the COVID-19 virus from replicating. This allows for what is called Herd Immunity. The more people around you that have this immune shield in place, the less likely the virus can continue to spread. The medical community is hopeful that the vaccine can help reduce transmission risk, but it is too early and there is not enough data to make this determination at this time. As with any emerging disease, we will learn and grow with more time and information.

Visit our Office Safety Protocol list for the latest information on office safety and TeleHealth Appointment requirements.