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 mild respiratory symptoms, testing before travel or a medical procedure, or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please consider using an at-home antigen test.
PCR testing is available at Sansum Clinic when directed by a provider. To learn more, contact your primary care provider.
If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and follow the self-isolation guidelines from the CDC.
Sansum Clinic Urgent Care located at 215 Pesetas Lane offers elective rapid COVID-19 testing for personal use. There is a fee of $100 due prior to time of the test that will not be billable to health insurance. Test results take approximately 20 minutes and a printed copy will be provided. An appointment is required and can be scheduled through MyChart or by calling (805) 563-6110.
You can also check myturn.ca.gov/testing for information about local testing sites.
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 REQUIRED in the following situations:
If you have respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose, sore throat)
If you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should wear a mask for 10 days
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.