UPDATED MASK POLICY
For the well-being of all, we strongly encourage patients and visitors to wear masks. Moreover, it is mandatory for individuals with upper respiratory symptoms to wear a mask while in PHN facilities.
We kindly request everyone to be welcoming and respectful towards those who choose to wear a mask due to personal preference, individual risk factors, or as required for illness symptoms. Please note that additional face mask requirements may be implemented if community transmission rates for COVID, influenza, or other contagious viruses significantly increase. Primary Health Network will continue to closely monitor the situation to determine whether additional policy changes are necessary.
Thank you for your support in the protection of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses, being hospitalized, and even dying. These vaccines are designed to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
Primary Health Network offers the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which is only authorized for those 6 months of age and over.
As with other diseases, you are best protected from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are based on age, the first vaccine received, and the time since the last dose. All individuals 6 months and older should get at least 1 bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date. Additional doses of the bivalent vaccine may be needed depending on age, vaccine history, and immunocompromised status.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Yes. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. The COVID-19 vaccine has been held to the same rigorous safety and efficiency standards as all other types of vaccines.
Will the COVID-19 vaccination will help protect me from getting COVID-19 and COVID-19 variants?
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from COVID-19 and help keep adults and children from getting seriously sick, being hospitalized, and dying. Vaccination remains the safest strategy for avoiding hospitalizations, long-term health outcomes, and death.
What are some potential side effects to the COVID-19 vaccination?
The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection.
Could I have an allergic reaction to the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Allergic reactions were uncommon during COVID-19 vaccine trials. However, all recipients receiving the vaccine, are required to be monitored for at least 15 minutes after vaccination for any possible reactions. If you have a history of allergic reactions to vaccines, please talk to your healthcare provider before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to get pregnant now, as well as people who might become pregnant in the future.
If I’ve had COVID-19, should I get vaccinated?
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by 3 months. People who already had COVID-19 and do not get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.
Do COVID-19 vaccines contain a live virus?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed in the U.S. don’t use the live virus that causes COVID-19.
Testing
Primary Health Network is providing drive-up and on-site testing for those suspected of having COVID-19 at select locations throughout our Network. Patients are required to be evaluated by a PHN provider through a telehealth appointment to determine if testing is necessary. Patients who meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing will be given an appointment and directed to a testing location.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 724-699-9211 (select option 1).
What is the cost for a COVID-19 test?
COVID-19 tests are available at no cost nationwide. The only cost to the patient is for the initial evaluation. As a Community Health Center, PHN accepts all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. We participate in most managed care plans, process most insurances, and offer a Sliding Fee Scale to eligible patients for discounted services.
If you test positive for COVID-19 (regardless of vaccination status):
- Stay home for at least 5 days. Do not leave your home, except to receive medical care. Do not visit public areas. If you have no symptoms and no fever after 5 days, you can stop isolating- but continue to wear a mask around others for 10 days.
- Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
- Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
If you were exposed to COVID-19, what precautions should you take?
- According to the CDC, regardless of vaccination status, people with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter.
- If you believe you have been exposed to the coronavirus and do not have symptoms, contact your primary care doctor. Those experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath, should call 911 immediately or visit the nearest Emergency Department.
- For more detailed information on isolation recommendations, please visit Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19 on the CDC website.
Fighting COVID-19 continues to be a top priority in medical research and pharmaceutical development. Treatment for COVID-19 depends on the severity of the infection. However, recent therapeutic advancements have proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent further infections.
Therapeutics
Oral Antiviral Molnupiravir, Paxlovid
At Primary Health Network, we are dispensing both COVID-19 Oral Antivirals at 6 of our rural locations:
- New Castle Primary Care
- Oil City Health Center
- Titusville Community Health Center
- Punxsutawney Community Health Center
- Jacksonville Family Medicine Center
- Lewistown Community Health Center
- Sharon Medical Group Walk-In Clinc
Fact Sheets & Information
Schedule
To schedule a pick up time and location, please have your family physician fax to us the following referral form and demographics:
Fax to us at 724-308-5722.
For more information on the scheduling process, you can contact us at 724-699-9211, (select option 1).
Am I eligible to receive oral antivirals?
Oral antivirals are used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults (18 years of age), who:
- have positive results of direct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral testing.
- are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death
- alternative COVID-19 treatment options authorized by FDA are not accessible or clinically appropriate
High risk reasons for more serious symptoms include:
- Age ≥ 65 years
- Obesity
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment
- Heart or circulatory conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and possibly high blood pressure
- Chronic lung diseases including COPD, asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Sickle cell disease
- Neurodevelopmental disorders such as cerebral palsy
- Having a medical device
How can I get oral antivirals?
Talk with a healthcare provider to determine if an oral antiviral is an appropriate treatment option for you. If it is determined that you would benefit from one of these treatments, the healthcare provider will write you a prescription for the appropriate medication.
How are oral antivirals administered?
Oral antivirals are administered as 4 capsules every 12 hours for 5 days. It is important that patients complete the full 5 days of treatment with oral antivirals, even if they feel better.
What are the side effects of oral antivirals?
Common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and dizziness.