Santa Barbara Doctors ExtraCare – October 2021 Newsletter

October 2021 ExtraCare
Newsletter

Fall, is such an enjoyable, colorful season…. pumpkins, fall leaves, Oktoberfest,
Halloween, the World Series…

This month we are overjoyed to introduce you to our two newest ExtraCare family members, the R-Zero Arc and the Sofia-2. We also remind you of who is currently eligible to receive the much-anticipated COVID vaccine booster.

Introducing our R-Zero Arc Disinfection system and the Sofia-2 Analyzer

R ZERO

Sofia 2 Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer

By: Dr. Barbara Hrach

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic it has been our top priority at Santa Barbara Doctors to keep our patients and staff safe and protected. In the beginning of the pandemic, this meant completely closing our doors and providing only video and phone appointments. Then, as we began to learn more about the virus and its transmission, we were able to begin seeing patients in person, donned from head to toe in full PPE and disinfecting all surfaces as best we could before and after each visit. Vaccines have allowed us to relax the PPE requirements somewhat, but the unfortunate reality of this pandemic is that vaccine efficacy is beginning to wane, COVID variants are beginning to emerge, and it appears that life with COVID is our “new normal”.

Prioritizing patient and staff safety, we are excited to announce that we have invested in hospital grade, UV-C technology for both of our office locations. UV-C is ultraviolet light with a wavelength from 200-280 nanometers. It destroys or inactivates bacteria and viruses—from the seasonal flu to E. coli and SARS-CoV-2 —by disrupting the molecular bonds of their DNA and RNA. This prevents the viruses from reproducing or causing illness. This proven disinfection technology has been used in hospitals for years and is endorsed by the CDC and the FDA as an effective way to prevent transmission of disease. A short three-minute session run with our R-Zero Arc device in the exam room kills 99.99% of pathogens in the air and all exposed surfaces.

In addition to ensuring a safe environment for our patients to be seen we are also adding enhanced services to our laboratory repertoire. We have recently purchased the Sofia 2 Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer which will allow us to perform rapid COVID antigen testing, rapid influenza A and B testing and rapid strep testing in the office. As with our other comprehensive laboratory offerings, these services are provided to our ExtraCare patients free of charge, as just another benefit to being part of the practice.

So, come cold and flu season, if you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being sick and needing immediate medical care, know that you can receive top quality, timely, safe medical services from your personal physician right here in the office.

Boosters Shots for Pfizer Vaccine Recipients

By: Dr. Sawyer Haig

Need a Boost? The data suggests that vaccine protection against COVID-19 may decrease over time. The CDC recommends a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to certain high-risk adults who completed their initial round of Pfizer vaccinations at least six-months ago.

Specifically, the CDC recommends the following:

● Adults 65 years or older should receive a booster dose.
● Adults 50 years or older at risk for severe COVID-19 because of comorbidities should receive a booster dose. Comorbidities include, but are not limited to cancer, kidney disease, lung disease, diabetes, down syndrome, heart conditions, HIV, neurologic conditions, obesity or overweight (BMI ≥25), pregnancy, smoking (current or former), sickle cell disease, organ transplants, substance use disorders, or use of immunosuppressive medications.
● Adults aged 18 to 50 years and at risk for severe COVID-19 because of comorbidities (see above) may receive a booster dose after weighing the individual risks and benefits.
● Adults aged 18 to 64 years who have occupational or institutional risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., health care workers or those living in congregate settings) may receive a booster dose after weighing the individual risks and benefits.

Booster doses for those who have received other COVID-19 vaccines, including Moderna and Johnson and Johnson have not yet been authorized in the United States. Although vaccine protection may wane over time, protection against hospitalization and severe COVID-19 appears to be preserved for recipients of all vaccines.

Your Turn! You can schedule a booster shot using myturn.ca.gov or vaccines.gov. When you schedule your booster, you need to state that you fit one of the above criteria, but you do not need to provide proof (e.g., a medical diagnosis, employment information). You will also need to bring your vaccination card which indicates that you completed your initial round of the Pfizer vaccine at least six-months ago.

Helpful websites for additional information on vaccines and booster shots:
CDC Vaccine Information

Booster Shot Information from Covid19.ca.gov

Whether you’re rooting for the Dodgers or the Giants , it’s bound to be a great game tonight!

Giants hand Dodgers 11th straight loss: 9/11/17 - YouTube

May the best team win

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Santa Barbara Doctors
229 W. Pueblo Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93105-3804

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