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Please understand that our first priority is always direct patient care.  We try to update the website as often as possible, but this may not happen daily or even weekly, depending on the needs of our established patients.  Thank you for understanding.

CDC Guidelines for Vaccinated People

General Information:

We have created this resource to provide nformation about our practice policies as well as reliable sources of information about the virus and efforts to test, treat, and contain COVID-19.

Please visit the PA Dept of Health website for up-to-date reporting of cases in PA including a county-by-county breakdown.

Download the Pennsylvania COVID Alert App by clicking here.

Please visit the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource page for a global perspective.

Please visit the Commonweath of PA website for specific instructions about businesses, travel, schools, etc. 

COVID-19 Vaccine

  • The Janssen (J&J) vaccine has FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
  • Both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines have the FDA's Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
    • Both Moderna's and Pfizer's vaccine use a new technology that employs genetic material called messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA). The mRNA encodes for a piece of the coronavirus's spike protein-- the structure it uses to attach to cells it attacks.  When injected into people, it causes some cells to produce little pieces of this spike protein, which the immune system recognizes and develops antibodies and immune cells to attack. So when a vaccinated person is exposed to the real virus, the immune system is already primed to neutralize it quickly.  (From article on cnn.com)
    • TWO DOSES are needed for these vaccines.  The first shot starts building protection, but everyone has to come back a few weeks later for the second one to get the most protection the vaccine can offer.
  • Will Family Matters DPC administer the COVID-19 vaccine?
  • What is Operation Warp Speed?
    • Operation Warp Speed is a partnership among components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Defense to help develop, make, and distribute millions of vaccine doses for COVID-19 as quickly as possible while ensuring that the vaccines are safe and that they work. Learn more about Operation Warp Speed by clicking here.
  • How do we know if COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
    • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and an authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks.
  • What are the side effects of the vaccine?
    • Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. We will understand more about mild side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine before we start to use it. However, your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection to disease
  • For more information, please visit the CDC's COVID-19 vaccine FAQ page.

Flu Shots are strongly recommended

  • We will resume our flu shot administrations in the Fall of 2021.
  • You do not need to be a patient of our practice to receive a flu shot here.
  • We are able to bill your insurance, or our self-pay rate is $25.00 (ages 3-64) or $55 (ages 65+).

Our Practice Policy (updated June 2021):

  • Online scheduling continues to be available.  Please visit familymattersdpc.com/portal for your scheduling needs.  Patients with non-respiratory symptoms may be seen in the office.  If the patient prefers, E-visits and phone calls will continue to be offered. 

  • Patients with any respiratory symptoms, fever, exposure to a COVID19 positive patient, or recent travel to affected countries are asked to call the office rather than scheduling online.  This policy will ensure the safety of our staff and vulnerable patient population.

  • Patients with respiratory symptoms will be seen in the office or offered a phone visit or E-visit with their regular doctor, depending on the specific circumstances.

  • For the time being, we ask that anyone entering our office who is over age 3 and not vaccinated for covid-19 please wear a mask.

    • This guideline may change depending on cirucmstances.  

  • Our physicians are vaccinated for covid-19.

  • We do not have the ability to test for COVID-19 at FMDPC, but we would be happy to provide prescriptions or other guidance for COVID-19 testing based on your particular circumstances.

  • The CDC has a Coronavirus Symptom Checker, which is a brief online quiz.

COVID-19 Testing Resources

  • We DO NOT RECOMMEND Butler Health System for covid testing.  One of our patients was charged over $1,000 for the test.

Mental Health Resources

At a time when anxiety, depression, addiction, or other mental health symptoms are on the rise, many mental health-related services have had to close their doors due to social distancing.  We have compiled a list of resources that are available, either online or at a physical location.  [We do not endorse any particular resource listed here.]

  • Crisis Text Line: Text "PA" to 741741
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
  • PA support helpline: 1-855-284-2494

  • Quartet Health

    • Links patients with local psychiatrists and/or local or online therapists.  Can bill insurance or cash-pay.  Referral from PCP required.

    • As of 03/27/2020, Quartet now offers FREE online cognitive-behavioral therapy.  This requires a physician referral.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

  • Counseling & Wellness Center of Pgh (link for telehealth)

  • Talkspace

  • Betterhealth

  • Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings in Pgh area (list of mtgs here)

  • Narcotics Anonymous regional helpline (412) 391-5247

  • Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis in Pennsylvania can text PA to 741741

  • Ways to Help Kids Cope with Coronavirus Fears

  • How to Handle Anxiety Over Back-to-School Decisions

Trusted Resources:

At Family Matters Direct Primary Care, we want to educate our patients responsibly about coronavirus and prevent the spread of misinformation. Here is our list of verified resources patients can trust to provide accurate information about COVID-19.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC):

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO):

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: 

ALLEGHENY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT (ACHD):

  • Contact with questions about COVID-19 via this online form or by calling 412-687-2243 or via their website here (be sure to click the COVID-19 box and your message will be directed to the Epidemiology department).