COVID-19 Information for Patients

COVID-19 Vaccines:

Updated monovalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were approved by the FDA in September 2023. The CDC recommends that people age 6 months and older receive an updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.

*Sansum Clinic is only offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for all age groups. Adults who previously got a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, can now safely receive an updated Pfizer-BioNTech monovalent vaccine.

People 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
Children age 6 months through 4 years who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (the timing and number of doses depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received. This group needs to continue with the same vaccine manufacturer they received in the first series).
Children age 6 months through 4 years who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive three doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine.

These updated monovalent COVID-19 vaccines are especially recommended for anyone at high risk of severe disease from the virus, including people over age 65, or those with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, obesity, diabetes and kidney disease. The CDC also recommends an updated COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant patients to protect both parent and baby.

Both formulations of the updated COVID-19 monovalent vaccines will provide protection against the current virus strains. One formulation is not favored over another. These vaccines also reduce the chance of developing long COVID. Research has shown it is safe to get the flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. The FDA expects to provide an updated COVID-19 vaccine annually, similar to the flu shot which changes each year.

How to Schedule:

Any child under 18 receiving a COVID-19 vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and a consent form is required.

Patients age 6 months - 4 years old: To schedule, call the Pediatrics Department at (805) 563-6211.
Patients age 5-11 years old: To schedule, visit MyChart or call the Pediatrics Department at (805) 563-6211.
Patients age 12-17 years old: To schedule, call the Pediatrics Department at (805) 563-6211.
Patients age 18+: schedule an appointment on MyChart or call (805)681- 7805.
Not a patient of Sansum Clinic? Visit myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255.

COVID-19 vaccines are no longer provided by the government free of charge, however they are covered by health insurance, including private insurance (with an in-network provider), Medicare and Medicaid plans.

COVID-19 Testing:

For patients with symptoms or potential exposure. If an immunocompromised patient has been exposed, testing is at the discretion of their clinician. To learn more, contact your primary care provider.

Sansum Clinic's Urgent Care Department may test patients who have COVID-19 symptoms or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive. However, we can only test patients who have been exposed within an appropriate time frame. All patients requesting a COVID-19 test must have a visit with a clinician unless they are a Sansum Clinic patient having surgery outside of the greater Santa Barbara area.

If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and follow the self-isolation guidelines from the CDC.

Masking

Our policy is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Community Levels, and is intended to provide guidance that should be considered along with your unique, personal circumstances.

Regardless of our policy, any patient, staff or visitor who wants to wear a mask, should continue to do so. If you prefer the staff or providers assisting you to be masked, please let us know when you check in to your appointment, so that we can respect your wishes and have those caring for you wear a mask.

CDC COVID-19 Community Level	Sansum Mask Policy
Low	Masks optional, based on personal preference
Medium	Masks are recommended, but not required
High	Masks are required at all times

Regardless of COVID-19 community levels, masks are recommended in the following situations:

If you have respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose, sore throat)
Or if you've been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Questions or Concerns? If you have any questions or concerns about our mask policy, speak to a member of your care team or complete our feedback form.

Visitor Policy

Patients coming to Sansum Clinic may bring up to 2 healthy visitors at a time. Visitors must comply with posted masking requirements throughout the visit.