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Here's the latest from my healthcare provider.

Your COVID-19 update
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The highly contagious omicron variant has caused a significant increase in demand for COVID-19 testing and care that has heavily impacted health care organizations across the country, including Kaiser Permanente. Getting vaccinated — and getting a booster dose when you’re eligible — is still the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community.

Below is the latest information you may need as you access care at Kaiser Permanente.

Planning ahead
High demands for COVID-19 testing and longer than usual processing time for results
Due to the unprecedented demand for COVID-19 testing, you may experience longer wait times at our testing locations and results may take longer than expected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your patience as we work to process COVID-19 tests as fast as possible.

Members of all ages who require a COVID-19 test should complete an e-visit on kp.org or through the Kaiser Permanente mobile app.
This is the quickest and easiest way to obtain a testing order. Results will be available at the same time to you and your doctor on kp.org.

You also have the option of getting tested at an external licensed facility, such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. If you’re tested by a licensed, independent facility and need to submit a claim for reimbursement, go to the “Coverage & Costs” tab and select “Submit a claim.” You can also use a saliva home collection kit, if you are eligible. Please visit kp.org.

Please do not visit the Urgent Care or the Emergency Department for COVID-19 testing. To help keep you safe and minimize your exposure to the virus, only members who need immediate emergency or urgent care should go to these locations.

Visiting our facilities
We are temporarily restricting visitors into our hospitals and medical offices in accordance with state and county guidelines. Please see our updated visitor policy for the individual facility before you visit.

Pharmacy needs
We are now experiencing some processing delays in our pharmacy locations and mail order. We are working as quickly as possible to process all orders. We encourage you to use our mail-order service for all non-urgent prescriptions. Please note, you should expect your mail order prescription within 4 to 7 days. Use the Kaiser Permanente mobile app to receive shipment notifications that will help you track your order.

COVID-19 news and updates
What to do if you test positive or have symptoms
If you get a positive test result, have symptoms, or are exposed to COVID-19, visit kp.org for the latest guidance.

We also encourage you to review the California Department of Health’s guidelines if you test positive. Please note that the guidelines recommend that individuals test negative before leaving isolation. Rapid antigen tests offer a quick turn-around. These tests are not generally available at Kaiser Permanente facilities at this time, but members can obtain over-the-counter antigen tests at retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and CVS.

Visit the CDC website for general testing information, including types of tests and self-testing guidance. Please continue to defer to California health departments’ guidelines.

CDC expands eligibility of COVID vaccine booster
The CDC has recommended a single COVID-19 Pfizer booster for 12-17 year-olds who received their initial vaccination at least five months ago.

The CDC also updated its recommendation to shorten the timing for a Pfizer booster dose to at least 5 months after completion of the initial two-shot series. In addition, the CDC recommends a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for immunocompromised children ages 5-11 years old at least 28 days after the 2nd dose.

We are adjusting our vaccine administration processes so that we continue to align with CDC clinical guidelines. Visit kp.org/covidvaccine for more updates.

New drugs approved to treat COVID-19 in some high-risk patients
The FDA granted emergency use authorization for 2 oral antiviral medications designed to treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19. This is an important milestone in the fight against the pandemic. However, the state of California currently has limited supply of these drugs, which are only available to certain high-risk people and in certain situations.

Here’s what you need to know:

Pfizer’s Paxlovid is authorized for adults and some pediatric patients with high risk for severe COVID-19 that could lead to hospitalization or death.
Merck’s molnupiravir is authorized for adults with a high risk of severe COVID-19 or when other treatment options aren’t accessible or clinically appropriate.
Supply of Paxlovid and molnupiravir will be very limited during their initial release. Similar to the COVID-19 vaccine, state governments will distribute these drugs to local health departments and health care providers like Kaiser Permanente.
We want to assure you that we are here for you and we are dedicated to providing the care you need.

Our commitment to the safety of our members, care teams, and communities remains our top priority. We will get through this challenging time, together.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and what you can do to protect yourself, visit kp.org/covidvaccine. You can also call our 24/7 KP COVID Vaccine InfoLine at 1-855-550-0951 (available in English and Spanish) for regular recorded updates.