• Are children able to be vaccinated in the US?

  ◦  The Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is approved for children 5-11 years old. The adult Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is approved for 12+ years old.
  ◦  The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine is approved for 18+ years old.
  ◦  All vaccine manufacturers are currently conducting vaccine trials on children as young as 6 months. So far, the vaccine trials have proven to be very effective on younger children, producing even higher levels of antibodies than older children and adults.

• Does Tribeca Pediatrics administer the COVID-19 vaccine?

  We are currently offering the Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine (5-11). Please schedule online.

• Does Tribeca Pediatrics offer the $100 incentive for the COVID vaccine?

  No, the $100 incentive is only available if the vaccine was given at a New York City public-run vaccine location.

• What is the difference between the Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine and the adult vaccine?

  The pediatric dose is one-third of the strength given to people 12 and older.

• How many COVID-19 vaccines doses will my child need to receive?

  Similar to the adult vaccine, your child will receive two COVID-19 doses; the initial dose, followed by a booster 3 weeks later.

• Is the Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine safe & effective?

  The pediatric dose has been proven safe and very effective for this age group. Clinical trials have found the vaccine to be 90.7% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
  

• What side effects can one expect from the vaccine?

  ◦  There is a risk of minor side effects, including arm soreness, fever, body aches and fatigue.
  ◦  These symptoms can last 1-2 days.
  ◦  Minor side effects are very common for all vaccines.

• Are there any contraindications? What if my child or I have allergies/hx of anaphylaxis?

  Anyone who has a history of anaphylaxis to previous vaccines should discuss this with their doctor prior to receiving the vaccine. After the vaccine, you are monitored for any reactions regardless of allergy history. If you have a history of anaphylaxis, you will be monitored for a longer period of 30 minutes.

• Do you recommend nursing mothers getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

  Yes, Tribeca Pediatrics encourages nursing mothers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  ◦  Experts do not believe that the vaccine will cause any harm to breastfeeding babies.
  ◦ Nursing mothers can pass COVID-19 antibodies to their babies through their breast milk, protecting the babies against COVID-19.
  ◦  The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the live virus.

• What medications can a breastfeeding mother take if there are any COVID-19 vaccine side effects?

  We advise waiting to see if you experience side effects before taking any medications. If they are bad, you can take the recommended dosage of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin), as needed.

• Does my child need a vaccine if they already have antibodies?

  Yes! Vaccines are recommended regardless of previous infection.

• I heard a rumor that it could affect fertility, should I hold off on getting it for my 16 year old daughter?

  This rumor is false. These vaccines do not alter a person’s DNA. There is no reason to believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will affect future fertility.

• If I am thinking of getting pregnant again, should I hold off on the COVID-19 vaccination?

  No. We encourage anyone who can get the vaccine to get it as soon as possible. The vaccine does not affect fertility or alter DNA of cells of the placenta.

• When are you considered fully vaccinated?

  You are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after a 2 dose series (Pfizer or Moderna) or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson’s Janssen). After this allocated time frame, you will have good protection against COVID-19 for yourself. Until then, precautions should still be taken.

• If my child just had a vaccination at their pediatrician’s office, can they get a COVID-19 vaccine?

  Yes they can. There are no contraindications or limitations in minimal spacing between the COVID-19 vaccine and other routine vaccines, including flu.

• When can my children visit their grandparents?

  New CDC guidelines state that it is relatively safe for fully vaccinated individuals to have small unmasked indoor gatherings together. Fully vaccinated individuals can visit with those who are not yet vaccinated, so long as those not yet vaccinated are low risk. For added protection, we advise outdoor gatherings or opening windows as much as possible.

• Do I still need to wear a mask if I’m fully vaccinated?

  Yes. Masks and social distancing are still needed in public places to prevent spreading the virus.

COVID Testing FAQ

• What test do you use?

  Nasal PCR test.

• Do you offer the COVID rapid test?

  We do not offer the rapid (antigen) test, as these tests have proven to be less reliable and also require a confirmatory PCR test for negative results.

• Where can my child get tested?

  Screening: Testing for screening (clearance for school, travel) can be scheduled at any Tribeca Pediatrics location. For a screening visit, you child must be symptom free and without any known COVID exposure.

  Symptoms: If your child has COVID-like symptoms, we will schedule an appointment with the pediatrician to evaluate to determine if a COVID test is warranted.

  Exposure: If your child was exposed to someone with COVID, a nurse will triage you over the phone to determine if and when your child should be tested.
  

• Who can get tested?

  Pediatric patients. We are not offering testing to adults.

• Is there a minimum age for the COVID test?

  There is no age limitation. If warranted, it may be performed on a newborn.

• How is the COVID test conducted?

  The sample is taken with a nasal swab.

• What lab do you use?

  Labcorp

• How soon will I be notified with results?

  The turnaround time for results is about 5 days. You will receive an email or phone call with the results.

• Is there an additional cost for the test?

  No. We will bill your child’s insurance.

Listen to selected COVID-19 podcast episodes of Tribeca Pediatrics: On Call, with Dr. TJ Gold:

Released: November 2nd, 2021

Released: May 11th, 2021

Released: January 29th, 2021