COVID-19

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The FDA and CDC recently announced guidelines making COVID-19 vaccine booster shots available to eligible individuals, including certain cancer patients and those with immunodeficiencies (please see CDC guidelines below).  Retail pharmacies throughout Southwest Virginia can now administer booster doses without the need for a note from a physician.  If you meet the CDC criteria, you are strongly encouraged to consider a vaccine booster shot through a local pharmacy.

 

Currently, CDC is recommending that moderately to severely immunocompromised people receive an additional dose. This includes people who have:

  •        Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood

  •        Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

  •        Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

  •        Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)

  •        Advanced or untreated HIV infection

  •        Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

 

 

  • Per CDC guidelines staff, patients, and visitors should continue to wear masks as recommended in all healthcare facilities, therefore masks must be worn at all times in Blue Ridge Cancer Care offices regardless of vaccination status. 

 

  • If you tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, please notify our office before keeping for your appointment.

 

  • Cancer patients may have compromised immune systems.  To limit the risk of exposure, BRCC has a NO Visitor Policy.  Exceptions will be made for a new patient's first visit with their physician.