COVID Info

COVID-19 Information

Testing Vaccination FAQs Vaccination Schedule Monoclonal Antibody Treatments Covid-19 Booster Dose Information Covid-19 Visitation Guidelines

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pike County Memorial Hospital is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and is working closely with the Centers for Disease (CDC), the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services and our local public health organization. At PCMH, we treat patients with infectious diseases every day, and have protocols in place to care for these patients while ensuring the safety of our hospital staff, visitors, and community.

Are You at Risk?

Precautions

The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses is to take every day preventative actions.

Wash your hand frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.
Stay at least six feet from others at all times.
Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others.
- Masks help protect others if you are sick and don’t know it.
- Everyone should wear a mask when in public settings – especially when social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- Continue to maintain social distancing even when wearing a mask.
Stay home if you are sick.
Avoid close contact with sick people.
Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, light switches, countertops).
Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptomsof COVID-19.
- Follow CDC guidanceif symptoms develop.

Symptoms

If you develop symptoms or think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please call 573-754-4584 BEFORE you go to one of PCMH’s medical clinics.

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, please assume you have COVID-19. Follow the CDC’s guidelines and isolate at home.

COVID-19 Testing

We’re experiencing extremely high patient volumes. For people who do not have symptoms (asymptomatic) or have mild symptoms, please consider community testing options identified below. Please note: PCMH’s emergency department, primary medical clinic locations(Louisiana, Bowling Green, Vandalia) and Bowling Green walk-in clinic, DO NOT offer walk-in COVID-19 testing.

It’s best to get tested at the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. Testing earlier means more treatment options may be available. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who received a positive COVID-19 test, please practice social distancing, follow the CDC’s guidelines and see steps for testing below.

If You Have Moderate or Severe COVID-19 Illness

Moderate to severe COVID-19 illness may include high fever, severe chills, persistent cough or other symptoms. If this is you, please see the bullet list below. Anyone who is at increased risk for illness should also consider contacting their provider. If you have difficulty breathing, pain in your chest or other serious symptoms, please call 911 or visit the emergency department.

Schedule an appointment with your PCMH’s primary care provider.
If your primary care provider is unavailable, visit our Bowling Green Walk-In Clinic location. Walk-in tests are not available at our Bowling Green Walk-In Clinic. A provider will see you for your symptoms and determine if a test is needed.
Please note: PCMH’s emergency department does not offer walk-in COVID-19 testing.

If You Have Mild COVID-19 Illness or No Symptoms

Please see the bullet list below if you have mild COVID-19 illness, no symptoms (asymptomatic) following a COVID-19 exposure or need testing for other reasons. Mild COVID-19 illness may include headache, low grade fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, muscle aches or other symptoms. Obtain a test through:

Pike County Health Department: https://pikecountyhealth.org/
Federal- Free at-home test kits
A local retailer or pharmacy

If you are testing following an exposure and you still have no symptoms, it’s best to quarantine and wait until day five to seek a test, per CDC guidance. If you develop symptoms, proceed with testing. If you experience worsening symptoms after a negative result using a self-collect test kit, please find another testing option near you in the list above.

COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ’s

Who is currently eligible for the vaccine?

Anyone age 18+ is eligible to receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 Vaccine.

Anyone age 5+ is eligible to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

Call 573-754-4584 to schedule an appointment at one of PCMH’s medical clinics to receive your vaccine.

Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women to receive?

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for pregnant people.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people aged 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, recently pregnant (including those who are lactating), who are trying to get pregnant now, or who might become pregnant in the future.⁴ CDC recommendations align with those from professional medical organizations serving people who are pregnant, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [t.emailupdates.cdc.gov] and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine [t.emailupdates.cdc.gov]. Accumulating data provide evidence [t.emailupdates.cdc.gov] of both the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy. CDC strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccination either before or during pregnancy [t.emailupdates.cdc.gov], because the benefits of vaccination for both pregnant persons and their fetus/infant outweigh known or potential risks. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can prevent severe illness, death, and pregnancy complications related to COVID-19.

As of September 27, 2021, more than 125,000 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in pregnant people, including more than 22,000 hospitalized cases and 161 deaths.¹ The highest number of COVID-19-related deaths in pregnant people (n=22) in a single month of the pandemic was reported in August 2021. Data from the COVID-19-Associated Hospitalization Surveillance Network (COVID-NET) in 2021 indicate that approximately 97% of pregnant people hospitalized (either for illness or for labor and delivery) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were unvaccinated.² In addition to the risks of severe illness and death for pregnant and recently pregnant people, there is an increased risk for adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth and admission of their neonate(s) to an intensive care unit (ICU). Other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as stillbirth, have been reported. Despite the known risks of COVID-19, as of September 18, 2021, 31.0% of pregnant people were fully vaccinated before or during their pregnancy.³

Vaccine Information & Resources

Moderna Covid-19 Fact Sheet
Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Fact Sheet Ages 5-11
Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Fact Sheet Ages 12+
IDPH COVID-19 Vaccination Information
COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ’s (CDC)
Who Gets Vaccinated First?
Centers for Disease (CDC)

PCMH’s upcoming Covid-19 vaccine clinics schedule

01/31/2022- Louisiana Clinic 8:30-10:00a

02/04/2022- BG Physical Therapy 3:30p-5:00p

02/07/2022- Louisiana Clinic 8:30a-10:00a

02/11/2022- BG Physical Therapy 3:30p-5:00p

02/21/2022- Louisiana Clinic 8:30a-10:00a

02/25/2022- BG Physical Therapy 3:30p-5:00p

*To schedule a Covid-19 vaccine, please call 573-754-4584.*

Please complete before your visit:

COVID VACCINE SCREENING FORM FIND A VACCINE SITE

Monoclonal Antibody Treatments

Treatment of COVID-19 Infection

PCMH offers COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusion as an early treatment for COVID-19. This treatment is used to prevent the infection from getting worse and keep people from needing to go into the hospital.

Treatment is by appointment only. Because the omicron variant is only able to be treated with single type of available antibody therapy, patients at the very highest risk for severe disease will be prioritized for this treatment.

What is Monoclonal Antibody Infusion?

An infusion is when you get medicines or fluids through a needle or catheter. In this case, the infusion contains proteins called monoclonal antibodies that help the body fight COVID-19.

Where is the treatment performed?

Monoclonal Antibody Infusions are performed at PCMH’s Outpatient Surgery/Infusion Center.

You must have an appointment. Appointments are scheduled by your primary care provider. And these things must be true:

Positive for COVID-19
12 Years of age of older (and at least 88 lbs)
Greater risk of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
65 years of age or older
Overweight (body mass index over 25)
Pregnancy
Chronic kidney disease
Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Weakened immune system
Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
Cardiovascular disease/hypertension
Chronic lung disease
Sickle cell disease
Neurodevelopmental disorders
Medical-related technological dependence

If you have any new or higher oxygen requirements because of COVID-19, an antibody infusion isn’t helpful and should not be given.

Can I receive the treatment if I have had a COVID vaccine?

Yes, you can have this treatment.

Monoclonal Antibody COVID-19 Infusion

COVID-19 Booster Dose Information

As you may have heard, in addition to a booster dose for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recently endorsed booster shots for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccines for certain populations and for those in high-risk occupational and institutional settings.

Pike County Memorial Hospital strongly encourages individuals who have already completed a two-dose vaccination series (Pfizer or Moderna) or the single-dose regimen (J&J/Janssen) to get their booster shot if/when they meet the specific clinical and timeframe criteria.

Where to get your Booster

We are pleased to share that we will be offering COVID-19 boosters through our Primary Care locations to individuals who qualify. If you do not have a Primary Care Provider, you can call 573.754.4584 to schedule an appointment with one today.

You can also get your COVID-19 booster at one of the convenient vaccine sites in our community, to find one near you, visit the link below.

FIND A VACCINE

Current Eligibility Requirements

The following groups are eligible to receive the Pfizer or Moderna booster dose:

65 years and older
Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

As with Pfizer, Moderna booster doses should be given at least six months past completion of the initial 2-dose series. Moderna booster doses are half of the initial series dose amount (0.25 ml).

The following groups are eligible to receive the Janssen booster dose:

Individuals 18 years of age and older who have completed a primary vaccination with Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
Individuals who have completed primary vaccination with a different authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine

The Janssen booster dose should be given at least two months past completion of the initial dose.

Mix and Match

COVID-19 booster doses can be safely mixed-and-matched. Following the timing outlined above, individuals may choose which vaccine manufacturer they would prefer as a booster dose.

IMPORTANT: Although it is acceptable for booster doses to be from a different manufacturer than an individual’s initial dose/series, both doses of the initial Pfizer and Moderna series must come from the same manufacturer. For example, an individual must continue with Pfizer for their first and second dose to complete the initial series, then may receive either the Pfizer, Moderna (half dose), or Janssen vaccine as a booster dose.

Also, you can rest assured that it is safe to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same time. Experience with other vaccines has shown that the way our bodies develop protection, known as an immune response, and possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.

For additional information, here is a link to the full CDC statement on updated booster recommendations.

Thank you for being diligent about protecting your health and the health of our community by getting vaccinated!

COVID-19 Visitor Guidelines

One visitor per patient at a time. Patients may have different visitors during the duration of their stay.
Visitors should use the Main Entrance during business hours and the Emergency Department entrance after business hours.
Visitors MUST wear a mask at all times.
Visitors under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
Extenuating circumstances will be determined on a case by case basis.
Patients who are in isolation/airborne isolation, suspected of COVID-19, or positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed visitors without prior approval.
Outpatients (ex., laboratory, medical imaging and rehab), clinic patients (ex., family practice, specialist clinics and wound clinic), and surgery/GI patients may continue to bring one support person (14 years of age or older) with them.

Social Distancing

All patients and visitors will be encouraged to maintain a distance of six feet from others while in the facility. Furniture in common areas such as waiting rooms and the cafeteria has been rearranged to better accommodate social distancing recommendations.

Telehealth Visit Options

The organization continues to offer telehealth options for several of its primary care and specialty clinics. Patients who are interested in a virtual visit should call the clinic office first.

Questions?

If you have any more questions about the services we render here at Pike County Memorial Hospital, please, don’t hesitate to reach out.