Category Archives: Uncategorized
Update of Masking Guidelines COVID-19, Maryland Primary Care Physicians — May 2023
While COVID-19 remains active in our communities and personal lives, improved community and transmission rates allow for a modification of our Masking Guidelines.
Wearing a mask will be optional within our waiting and patient care areas provided that the community-established transmission rate is reported low or moderate.
Individuals that have active respiratory symptoms such as coughing, congestion or sneezing will be required to wear a mask.
We encourage individuals with higher COVID-19 risk, such as immunosuppressed individuals and patients over 65, to wear a mask.
Staff and providers will wear a mask when clinically appropriate, when interacting with high-risk individuals, or to accommodate patients choosing to wear a mask.
We encourage the use of a well-fitting, high-quality mask such as N95 or KN95 masks.
We will continue to follow the latest guidance from the CDC and the Maryland Department of Health to adjust our policies and practices as changes occur in community transmission levels.
Flu Vaccine Is Now Available
Flu season is upon us. The flu vaccine is now available at all Maryland Primary Care Physicians practice locations. Please call your health care provider to schedule an appointment for your flu shot.
MPCP Bowie Welcomes Dr. Serina Lewis
Dr. Serina Lewis is board certified with the American Academy of Family Physicians and is trained in all aspects of primary care. She received her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and completed a residency in Family Medicine at Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, Maryland. She has a patient-centered approach to improving your health and well being, and is passionate about women’s health and elder care in particular.
Dr. Lewis will provide care to patients of all ages: pediatric to geriatric, with emphasis on preventive methods of improving care.
We welcome the addition of this bright, enthusiastic provider to our practice!
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Update
The CDC and FDA temporarily paused the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine to study the cases of 15 people (out of nearly 8 million) who developed a rare type of blood clot after receiving the vaccine. They have concluded that the risk of blood clots is extremely rare and the benefits of receiving the vaccine far outweigh any risks. Therefore, the CDC and FDA have approved resuming the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, patients who receive the vaccine should be alert for symptoms including persistent, severe headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain or unusual bruising. If you develop any of these symptoms within three weeks after vaccination, contact your Maryland Primary Care Physicians provider.
