April 25, 2021 / 'The Perfect Day' For the 93rd Academy Awards! View as Webpage
We Offer Telehealth And In-office Visits During The
COVID-19 Pandemic.
Please Call Us If You Need Medical Assistance.
480.614.5800
We Are Here For You!
Your Weekly COVID-19 Updates
Paradise Valley Medical Clinic, Douglas M Lakin MD
9977 N 90th Street, Suite 180, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
480.614.5800 (phone), 480.614.6322 (Fax)
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE DOCUMENT AS IT IS OF
IMPORTANCE TO ALL PATIENTS

"We will be emailing you weekly during the COVID-19 PANDEMIC. We will provide you with the latest information and instructions to deal with the current outbreak as it develops in Phoenix."
For the past 17 years, we’ve known April 25 as the “perfect date.”

In the film “Miss Congeniality,” Cheryl Frasier (played by Heather Burns), better known as Miss Rhode Island, says the iconic line as an answer to a question posed by William Shatner’s Stan Fields during a beauty pageant.
Fields asks Frasier to “describe her perfect date,” to which she responds, “That’s a tough one. I’d have to say April 25. Because it’s not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket.”
PVMC COVID-19 OFFICE APPOINTMENT PRE-SCREENING
QUESTIONNAIRE
**EFFECTIVE 3/8/2021:
IF YOU HAVE COMPLETED 2 COVID-19
VACCINATIONS OF PFIZER-BioNTech OR MODERNA OR 1 COVID-19
VACCINATION OF JOHNSON & JOHNSON AND ARE AT LEAST 2 WEEKS OUT, NO NEED TO COMPLETE OUR QUESTIONNAIRE.
PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
ATTN PATIENTS:
Dr Lakin is using FaceTime ,
WhatsApp and Zoom to connect with you
for a 'Telehealth' visit. You can connect using your iPad, iPhone, Android phone, a laptop, or a PC with a camera.

Please watch these videos so you can be prepared and know how to connect with Dr Lakin for a 'Telehealth' visit.

CLICK ON THE PICTURES
FROM THE DOC
 GOOD NEWS…. ARIZONA IS NOT SURGING AS EXPECTED.  PREVIOUS EXPECTATIONS OF REPEATED SURGING ARE BEING REPLACED WITH UNCERTAINTY AS TO TIMING OF SURGES.
 
UNTIL HERD IMMUNITY IS REACHED, SURGING IS POSSIBLE IN ANY AND ALL STATES, BUT TIMING OF SUCH SURGES WILL BE DETERMINED BY MONITORING TRENDS IN EACH INDIVIDUAL STATE.
 
THE OPERATIVE MODEL IS POPCORN……EACH STATE POPPING LIKE A CORN KERNEL AT ITS OWN PLACE AND TIME.
 
WHEN WILL ARIZONA ‘POP’…. WE DON’T KNOW.  CONTINUING
TO MONITOR REGULARLY FOR INDICATIONS IS THE ONLY WAY TO IDENTIFY THE TIMING.
 
RIGHT NOW, ARIZONA IS LOW RISK FOR VACCINATED ADULTS AND VACCINATED PEOPLE SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE GETTING OUT AND ABOUT.
  
IF YOU ARE VACCINATED YOU ARE PROTECTED AGAINST THE B.1.1.7 VARIANT, BUT IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED AND HAVE ESCAPED GETTING COVID UP TO NOW…. YOUR LUCK WILL RUN OUT.  THIS STILL REMAINS TRUE. THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN VACCINATED WILL GET INFECTED.
  
 THE B.1.1.7 VARIANT IS MORE CONTAGIOUS AND PREVIOUSLY SAFE ACTIVITIES FOR THE NON-VACCINATED ARE DISAPPEARING.  THE NON-VACCINATED WILL BE CAUGHT FLAT FOOTED. SO, PLEASE ENCOURAGE EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO GET VACCINATED NOW!

 
  
COVID EXPOSURE IS MUCH REDUCED RIGHT NOW SO THAT ALL INTERACTIONS ARE LOW RISK …. BUT THE INCREASE WILL HAPPEN AT SOME POINT….….…SO DO NOT BECOME COMPLACENT…DON’T GET CAUGHT IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED. GET YOUR VACCINE!
 
WEARING BEST PROTECTION REMAINS THE RECOMMENDATION. A GOOD FIT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ELIMINATE GAPS…DOUBLE MASKING IS ONLY ADVISED IF IT PROVIDES A BETTER FIT. NOW IS THE TIME TO USE YOUR N-95 OF KN95 MASK IF YOU HAVE IT.

 IN ARIZONA:
FLU SEASON IS OVER….NO MORE FLU.
 
COVID TESTING:
COVID-19 TEST RESULTS ARE BACK
IN 24-36 HOURS

OTHER TESTING CAN BE OBTAINED AT OUTSIDE FACILITIES…HERE IS A LINK: 

 
COVID IMMUNIZATION:
PFIZER, MODERNA ARE PROCEEDING AT HIGH LEVELS.  THESE VACCINES ARE AMAZINGLY EFFECTIVE…VIRTUALLY 100% IN PREVENTING HOSPITALIZATION AND DEATH FROM COVID…ALL OF THEM. THESE VACCINES ARE SAFE FOR MEN AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES. 
 
THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON VACCINE IS BACK ON LINE AFTER THE ‘HOLD’ DUE TO 1 IN 300,000 CLOTTING RISKS IN YOUNGER WOMEN SPECIFICALLY (UNDER 55).  GENERAL SAFETY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. 
I RECOMMEND THE J & J FOR MEN OF ALL AGES AND FOR WOMEN OVER 65 YEARS OLD.   
 
POSSIBLE COVID VACCINE SEVERE
ALLERGIC REACTIONS:
OCCURRING AT A RATE OF
1 IN 50,000 (VERY LOW)
YOU SHOULD PLAN ON PROCEEDING WITH IMMUNIZATION UNLESS YOU HAVE A KNOWN ALLERGY TO PEG (POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL) …. A COMPONENT OF THE CARRIER IN THE VACCINES.
  
PERSONAL INTERACTIONS IF YOU HAVE NOT HAD THE COVID VACCINATION:
FOLLOW ALL MASKING AND DISTANCING PROTOCOLS 100%.   COVID IS MUCH LOWER CURRENTLY.   REDUCING RISK IS NOT THE SAME AS ELIMINATING RISK.  THOSE AT HIGHEST RISK WHO ARE UNVACCINATED SHOULD NOT BE TAKING ANY CHANCES, PERIOD!
 
 
 PERSONAL INTERACTIONS WITH ONE VACCINE DOSE…. AWAITING YOUR SECOND (PFIZER/MODERNA):
14 DAYS AFTER YOUR FIRST VACCINE DOSE YOU ARE ~50% PROTECTED FROM MILD/MODERATE COVID INFECTIONS GENERALLY AND ~72% PROTECTED FROM SERIOUS COVID INFECTIONS. FOLLOW ALL MASKING AND DISTANCING PROTOCOLS
 
 
 PERSONAL INTERACTIONS 14 DAYS AFTER YOUR SECOND COVID VACCINE (PFIZER/MODERNA) OR AFTER J&J VACCINE:
IF YOU HAVE HAD 2 VACCINE DOSES (OR 1 DOSE OF J&J) AND IF YOU ARE 14 DAYS BEYOND YOUR SECOND DOSE, THEN YOU ARE ~95% PROTECTED FROM GETTING MILD/MODERATE COVID, AND VIRTUALLY 100% PROTECTED FROM GETTING SEVERE COVID.  YOU SHOULD CONSIDER MORE INTERACTIONS AND OUTINGS IN THE COMMUNITY BUT FOLLOW GENERAL MASKING AND DISTANCING PROTOCOLS.

ACCEPTABLE BEHAVIORS FOR TWICE VACCINATED PEOPLE INCLUDE:
SHOPPING AT STORES (WITH MASK) …. OK.
 
GOING TO THE DENTIST, DOCTOR, VET…. OK.
 
VISITING WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE TWICE VACCINATED WITHOUT A MASK…. OK.
 
HUGGING FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND CHILDREN…. WHO HAVE BEEN VACCINATED OR NOT VACCINATED…OK.
 
AIRPLANE TRAVEL IS A CONSIDERATION AS IT IS QUITE SAFE FOR TWICE VACCINATED PERSONS....OK. I RECOMMEND YOU USE ‘BEST MASK’ DURING AIRPLANE TRAVEL
 
RETURN TO THE GYM IS ACCEPTABLE, BUT I RECOMMEND USING YOUR BEST MASK DURING EXERCISE TO REDUCE RISK OF VARIANT TRANSMISSION IN THE GYM SETTING.

VARIANT TRANSMISSION AVOIDANCE: 
THE B.1.1.7 (UK VARIANT) IS 50+% OF ALL INFECTIONS IN THE US AND IF YOU ARE VACCINATED YOU ARE PROTECTED AGAINST THIS VARIANT. THERE ARE NO CONCERNS.
  
OTHER VARIANTS REMAIN A CONCERN AS THE CURRENT VACCINATION IS NOT FULLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST THESE (SOUTH AFRICAN B-1351 VARIANT/BRAZILIAN VARIANT P1.)  THESE ARE UNCOMMON BUT CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID THESE VARIANTS:
USE BEST MASKING IN HIGHER EXPOSURE AREAS SUCH AS GYMS, AIRPLANES/TERMINALS, AND GET TOGETHERS THAT ARE INDOORS AND INVOLVE PEOPLE WHOM YOU DO NOT KNOW WELL.
 
CONSIDER AVOIDING/REDUCING INDOOR EXPOSURE TO PEOPLE TRAVELING TO EXOTIC AND TONY PLACES AS THESE ARE HOT SPOTS FOR VARIANTS.  (EXAMPLES BUT NOT LIMITED TO ASPEN, WHISTLER, INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL…AS JUST EXAMPLES)


YOU CAN SEE DAILY TRENDS FOR ARIZONA AND THE U.S. HERE, ON THE CDC WEBSITE…JUST CHOOSE ‘ARIZONA’ FROM THE LIST.
 
 
To monitor the curse of COVID in Maricopa County, go to: https://covidactnow.org    
 
REMEMBER…. BEING OUTDOORS AND DISTANCING ARE THE #1 EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR LESSENING EXPOSURE AND RISK. OUTDOOR INTERACTIONS ARE 20 TIMES LESS LIKELY TO GET COVID EXPOSURES THAN WITH INDOOR ACTIVITIES. (20 minutes of outdoor exposure is equivalent to 1 minute of indoor exposure.)
 
REDUCE RISK BY REDUCING CONTACTS!!!!   Assume EVERYONE has COVID. You will not eliminate risk even while the prevalence of the virus is lower in the community, but reducing your exposure remains highly effective.    
Please continue to be vigilant!
Read this article on how to approach different locations you might consider exploring and to understand risks and ways to reduce risks.  https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
 
TOP PODCAST DONE WEEKLY
BY DR. MICHAEL OSTERHOLM
(UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA)  
 
He is a world-renowned epidemiologist who was credited with first elucidating TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME in the 1980’s.
He provides comprehensive and understandable/actionable ideas related to COVID.

Here is Dr. Osterholm Update Podcast, (4/22/2021):

"A Balancing Act Continued"
In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and host Chris Dall discuss global cases reaching a new record high, the latest on vaccinations and blood clots, when we might expect vaccine supply to outstrip demand, and reports of breakthrough cases in individuals who were fully vaccinated.

According to Dr. Osterholm……
This week is like last week’s podcast…no real changes in expectations.
 
Internationally COVID is surging at high rates and countries in Europe, South America, and Asia are seeing rampant infection, and they do not have the benefits of high-level vaccination rates. The International scene will remain difficult for some time.
 
 
The 4th surge is beginning in various Midwest and East Coast States...it is patchy.   We will now see surges on a State-by-State basis and only by watching trending numbers will we predict where this will occur.  Surges are still possible in all states despite vaccination efforts and there are still a lot of people who are not vaccinated, and they are susceptible to infection.
 
You are not allowed to get sick with COVID…which means you need to vaccinate, use best protection and behaviors, as surging in various locations is occurring.
 
The decline of COVID 19 in the US was due to factors we do not understand about the virus and which we are just learning about. Clearly the virus infection occurs in cycles. We are at a low level, but the makings of the surge are apparent in states that are starting to show increases…. Midwest and east coast states.
 
·       STOP SWAPPING AIR………the only way to prevent transmission strongly.
·        Limit your exposures.  Do not delude yourself into thinking you are safe if you are celebrating with family and others, in modest numbers, if the people you are sharing with are not being extremely careful.
 
Vaccination will be helpful to reduce COVID, but it will not be adequate, even at 2+ million vaccines per day. At best, by the time of the next predicated surge occurs, only 40-50% of the population will be immune to COVID infection. This is not enough for herd immunity.
 
The UK is dominating the virus landscape. Do not become complacent if you have not been vaccinated.  Use all precautions. Now is the time to prepare. Use your best mask. Do not be the last person to get severely sick from COVID…. vaccination will prevent this.
 
Changing the vaccine schedule, to allow 1 shot instead of two, at this time, may be a strategy that is chosen to reduce overall risks and increase the population coverage given the high demand and limited supply.
 
There is strong evidence that lengthening the interval between shots will not reduce effectiveness.

There is strong evidence that all vaccines current and planned, strongly prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death…. even after 1 single shot.
 
 ·        Even with excellent immunization rates, we will only achieve 50% population protection in the next few months, so we need to keep with distancing, masking, and hand washing. These will still be the most important preventive step for the country.
 
·        The new UK variant of COVID is more readily transmissible and may cause slightly worse COVID cases…. the data remains unclear but there is evidence that it causes a higher level of virus in the body.
 
·        The UK variant is NOT resistant to our current vaccines, but the South African variant may be resistant.  Get vaccinated as soon as possible with whatever vaccine is available to you.
 
·        Schools should reopen at this time given the latest data of limited spread in those settings. The data is clear on this. That said, data is to be monitored and the UK variant will alter this equation.
 
Summary of Dr. Osterholm’s Thoughts:
·       Viral Gravity: The virus works at its own pace and time. It will seek out people to infect. Nobody is risk free, all situations have some risk, and ‘everyone’s bucket leaks.’
·        Assess the risks of various activities and choose accordingly.
·        Physical distancing is the most important method of avoiding infection. Far and away the most effective.
·        Masks are somewhat effective…. use them.
·        We are still in the 4th inning of a 9-inning baseball game…. So be patient and continue to be vigilant.
·        This is not like the flu pandemic of 1918. There was not a quiet fall and second wave in the winter…. the fall did not let up, and we will see various locations coming and going with increasing and decreasing infection and risk.
·        Pandemic Fatigue should be avoided at all costs…maintain vigilance!
·        Pandemic Anger is a real issue…. people who feel COVID is a hoax. There is no answer for this other than to maintain your own plan.
Vaccine to be available more broadly in the coming months, but unless more people are willing to take the vaccine, we will fail with the vaccination program.
·        As Dr. Osterholm says……” You may have given up on the virus, but the virus has not given up on you….!”
 
If we continue at our current level of restriction (which is limited and uneven) we will see:
 
THE VACCINE IS THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL, BUT WE NEED TO GO FROM VACCINE TO VACCINATING PEOPLE.  
 
THIS VACCINE IS A GAME-CHANGER...AND WILL PROVIDE THE PROPER FORM OF HERD IMMUNITY AS WE ROLL IT OUT NATIONALLY.
 
·        Proper behavior is the most effective means of limited COVID. Distancing is #1 for prevention.
 
·        Wearing a mask is a good idea but it will not result in small doses of virus exposure that then result in immunity. This is a false statement so do not willingly expose yourself to high-risk situations with this thought in mind.
VACCINE:    
 
PFIZER AND MODERNA VACCINES SHOW EXCELLENT RESPONSE RATES IN THE 95% RANGE…. SIMILAR TO IMMUNIZATIONS LIKE POLIO AND MEASLES…THEY ARE VERY EFFECTIVE.
 
THIS IS A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT AND RIVALS THE POLIO VACCINE AS A GAME-CHANGER.
 
THE JOHNSON AND JOHNSON VACCINE SHOWS EXCELLENT RESULTS WITH SEVERE DISEASE, DEATH, AND HOSPITALIZATION…. EFFECTIVE IN THE 90+% RANGE.  FOR MILD DISEASE IT IS LESS EFFECTIVE THAN THE MODERNA AND PFIZER VACCINES, BUT THIS IS ONLY ONE SHOT, DOES NOT HAVE TO BE KEPT FROZEN SO NO CONCERNS ABOUT IT’S CHAIN OF CUSTODY, WHICH IS A CONSIDERATION AS WELL.

ALL STUDIES ARE ‘DOUBLE BLIND……PATIENT AND DOCTOR DO NOT KNOW IF THEY HAVE THE ACTIVE IMMUNIZATION OR PLACEBO….AND PLACEBO CONTROLLED……1/2 THE DOSES ARE INACTIVE….’ THIS IS HIGH SCIENCE AND INFORMATION WE CAN FEEL CONFIDENT IN.  SINCE THE DOCTORS AND PARTICIPANTS DO NOT KNOW WHO IS GETTING WHAT…. AN INDEPENDENT BOARD WILL CONTINUE TO REVIEW THE VACCINE UNDER STUDY. THIS IS HOW SUCH TRIALS ARE SUPPOSED TO WORK AND IT IS REASSURING, NOT DISHEARTENING, THAT THEY ARE PROCEEDING IN THIS MANNER. THIS IS REASON FOR CONFIDENCE…. NOT DISAPPOINTMENT!
 
 
I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE VACCINES DELIVERED ARE SAFE BASED ON THE ANNOUNCED PLEDGE OF THE CEOs OF THE MAJOR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES INVOLVED. 
  
I DO NOT ADVISE COVID antibody testing to determine your status. IF YOU ARE CONVINCED YOU HAD UNDIAGNOSED COVID, we will continue to do the COVID ANTIBODY TEST for any patient that is concerned about past infection or current immunity.

The BLOOD TEST will identify people who have had COVID infection in the past and who now have immunity from infection.  The exact degree to which this immunity is effective is unclear, but we believe that people who are COVID POSITIVE BY BLOOD WORK will have protection for at least several months or longer.
 
ANTIBODY BLOOD TESTING IN OUR OFFICE, AT SONORA QUEST WITH THE EUROIMMUN TEST, IS EXTREMELY ACCURATE.  
 
Nasal testing for acute COVID infection is available at the office. Feel free to check your COVID if you have any reason for concern.
 
Alternative testing sites will be listed weekly and expanded. You can find them on our website on the rotating screen and the list is linked below as well. 
 
LOCATIONS FOR COVID TESTING OTHER THAN OUR OFFICE…SEE OUR UPDATED LIST:
 
LATE NIGHT TESTING AT NEXTCARE FACILITIES IS A CONSIDERATION. HERE IS THE LINK:
 
 
How to Proceed Day to Day in ARIZONA ……?
 
For low and medium risk patients during this time:
1.     Continue to maintain physical distancing when in public spaces or with groups of friends/family.  This remains the most important preventive strategy…. far better than even masks.
2.     Wear a mask or face cover in closed spaces. In open area spaces, masks are not necessary if space is maintained.  This is done more to protect the community than it is to protect ourselves.  When you wear your mask, you reduce the possibility that you will spread COVID unknowingly.  When the people in your immediate community wear their mask, they are preventing the spread from them, to you.  Encourage others to wear a mask for all our protection.   
 
Some cloth masks are not particularly effective and masks with valves are ineffective…these are to be avoided.
IN ORDER OF RELIABILITY AND HELPFULNESS
·        N95
·        KN95
·        SURGICAL MASK
·        THICK CLOTH MASK

NOT ACCEPTABLE (THESE ARE NOT PROTECTIVE):
·        THIN CLOTH MASKS OR GATERS
·        MASKS WITH VALVES
3.     Do repeated hand cleansing and washing…. This is critical to prevent silent spreading of COVID.
4.     Protection of the eyes is a consideration. Data on this is supportive but not conclusive as to the degree of protection.
5. Expanding your interactions can begin to take place, following the above preventive strategies and considering the following risk profiles.  Do observe the places you are going to make sure they are maintaining appropriate practices.  If you do not see people interacting appropriately, you should reconsider your exposures in such venues during this time of transition to higher levels of community COVID. Until it is clear what level of increase, we are seeing, we must remain conscientious:
a.  Open air venues/public spaces (parks/trails/patios/open air malls) provide excellent ventilation and have a low risk of spread.
b.  Stores that are large/cavernous, which allow for distancing, and which demonstrate proper protective practices among their employees are lower risk.
c. Smaller businesses that are employing excellent protective practices and which provide for distancing are lower risk. Do not linger longer than necessary in such public spaces…. conduct your business and leave.
d.     Read this practical guide about public spaces & exposure…. https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
6.     If you have symptoms of any sort that might concern you for COVID…. get tested so that you know your status.
7.     If you are doing all the above and are not in a high-risk group (see below) then you can expand the amount of activities and outings you participate in over the coming weeks.  High risk patients should continue to limit activities to a greater extent.
 
High risk groups include:
·        Age 75 or over
·        Obesity (BMI 40 or above)
·        Lung disease (emphysema/COPD) or current significant smokers
·        Chronic kidney disease (Stage 4 disease or greater)
·        Diabetes…. not well controlled
·        Congestive Heart Failure
·        On immune suppressing medications for cancer or rheumatological/inflammatory conditions
 
Medium Risk groups may want to be more cautious but can increase activities. These include:
·        Men Age 65 to 75
·        Hypertension
·        Diabetes…well controlled
·        Asthma
·        Obesity (BMI 35 or above)
 
Know that our office is responding to COVID, and we are here to help. Reach out for assistance if you are not feeling well. We will develop a plan of action for you to move forward.
 
Yours in good health,
Dr. Lakin
 
 
RECOMMENDED LINKS IN THIS NEWSLETTER AND IN GENERAL FOR COVID INFORMATION:
 
INTERNET SITES WITH BEST INFORMATION:
 
Risks with different activities…how to gauge risk:
 
Accurate US statistics by age on COVID infections:
 
What we can expect of COVID in next 1 year:
 
Can follow here for ARIZONA UPDATES DAILY and best trending information to know what is out in the community:
 
Most informative graphics:
 
Get your Mask up to N95 Level:
 
If you have symptoms of COVID…. you can run through a simple checklist on-line to see if you should be concerned:
 
Understanding the various vaccines under development

After you received your COVID vaccination,
please let us know!
We would like to document this information into your chart.

**We only document vaccinations that are received/given, not future appointments. Please be sure to send us again the second dose information after you get it!
BUT FIRST.......
PLEASE COMPLETE THE INFORMATION ON THE CARD BEFORE YOU SEND IT TO US!
What we need:
  1. Your name
  2. Date vaccination received
  3. Brand name
  4. Lot number if available.

**Email your COVID vaccine completed info HERE
...........Thank you
Updated CDC Guidelines For People Fully Vaccinated Against Covid-19
April 23, 2021

FDA and CDC Lift Recommended Pause on Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine Use Following Thorough Safety Review

Following a thorough safety review, including two meetings of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that the recommended pause regarding the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S. should be lifted and use of the vaccine should resume.
April 19, 2021

Governor Ducey Acts On COVID-19
Measures In Schools
In alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Health Services today rescinded orders that direct K-12 schools to require masks.“Nearly 2 million Arizonans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with many teachers and school faculty now fully vaccinated after being some of the first in line for vaccine prioritization,” said Governor Ducey. “Teachers, families and students have acted responsibly to mitigate the spread of the virus and protect one another, and our school leaders are ready to decide if masks should be required on their campuses. We will continue to work with public health professionals and Arizona’s schools as more students return to the classroom and our state moves forward.”

Today’s action aligns with CDC guidance and rescinds a section of Executive Order 2020-51, issued by the Governor in July directing schools to require face masks, and Emergency Measure 2020-04, issued by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) outlining requirements for mask usage in schools.

“Across the state, almost 4.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered,” said ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ. “Many families and communities are further protected from COVID-19, and our schools are ready to decide their next steps when it comes to masks. We encourage all Arizonans to get the vaccine — it’s safe, effective and absolutely free to the public.”

The CDC in March issued updated recommendations for preventing COVID-19 in schools. On March 29, ADHS adopted the CDC’s recommendations in its K-12 School Guidance for COVID-19.

April 16, 2021

Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ helded a virtual information session to update reporters on COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
POP UP COMING VACCINATION EVENTS
Pop up events are by appointment only. You must be 18 years of age or older to receive the vaccine. Please come prepared with a face mask, official photo ID, and insurance card if you have one.
We will keep you informed as they are scheduled across the Valley.

TRUSTED SOURCES
QUESTIONS
All information requests related to Maricopa County’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be directed to the Joint Information Center using the email address caomedia@maricopa.gov.

If you would like to get
updates on vaccine events, you can
Vaccine Finder Information & Tips:
Costco has appointments periodically.
Their appointments fill up very quickly, but if you are looking for COVID vaccine at a Costco near you, check out this site frequently!
A tool to help you track down COVID-19 vaccine appointment openings at your state's pharmacies. Updated every minute.
Maricopa County Covid-19 Vaccine Data

Key takeaways from this week’s data (as of 4/21/2021):
  • Over 2.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to Maricopa County residents.
  • 1.1 million Maricopa County residents have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series — that is over 25% of all Maricopa County residents who are fully vaccinated.
  • In the last week, Maricopa County residents received an average of about 30,000 doses of vaccine per day.
  • Over 40% of all vaccine doses given have been those that completed the vaccine series for a Maricopa County resident (i.e., the 1st dose of a 1-dose series or the 2nd dose of a 2-dose series).
  • In recent weeks, the 15-24, 25-34, 35-44, and 45-54 age groups are getting vaccinated at the fastest rate — the percent of each of these age groups vaccinated with at least one dose of vaccine in the last week increased by at least 3%.
Register For The COVID-19 Vaccination
On the AZDHS Website:

This will walk users through the process to register for COVID-19 Vaccine appointments using the https://podvaccine.azdhs.gov​​ website.
For More Information From Maricopa County
Pre-screening COVID-19 Vaccine Procedure & locations, Click the Links Here:


THOSE WITHOUT COMPUTER ACCESS OR NEED EXTRA HELP REGISTERING CALL 1-844-542-8201
"Please Wear Your Masks In Our Office!"
At our office, we are continuing to following CDC Guidelines and will strive for ways to keep our patients and staff safe.
We are requiring that all patients and visitors entering our office cover their nose and mouth at all times.

Masks have been shown to decrease the spread of coronavirus from infected people, even those who do not have symptoms.

We have a limited supply of paper mask and will make these available to patients while they last, however, we strongly encourage you to bring your own covering.
 
How to Protect Yourself & Others
Important Ways to Slow the Spread
Do We Still Need To Wear a Mask Outdoors?
"I'm vaccinated and I'm outside. Do I really still need to wear a mask?"
"If I'm on a run and not near a lot of people. Do I need a mask?"
"If I'm walking down the sidewalk and pass someone - should I put my mask on?"
As the warmer weather months arrive and the percentage of vaccinated Americans gradually ticks upwards, these are some of the questions a growing number of Americans are asking.
We Are Here to Take Care of Your Healthcare Needs.
We Are Here to Serve!
 
Our office is using all techniques to reduce exposure to a minimum during your visit. These include: 
·       Temperature checks of all patients and staff.
·       Masks for all people in the office.
·       Cleansing of hands and surfaces repeatedly.
·       Multiple Super-HEPA filters to filter out potential virus and particles in the office.
·       High Level UV light air cleansing in the office to eliminate bacteria and viruses in the air.
  
OUR UPDATED OFFICE SCHEDULE

DOORS OPEN     
7AM - 4PM Monday through Thursday
7AM - 11AM Friday
 
IN OFFICE
APPOINTMENTS: MONDAY – THURSDAY
7AM – 11:15AM & 1PM – 3:30PM
 
APPOINTMENTS: FRIDAY
7AM – 10:30 AM

DR. LAKIN WILL CONTINUE ‘TELEHEALTH’ VISITS WITH FaceTime, WhatsApp or ZOOM WHEN NEEDED.

 
   COVID-19 SUMMARY:
 
REDUCE RISK BY REDUCING CONTACT WITH THE VIRUS
 
REDUCE CONTACT WITH THE VIRUS BY:
1.   Washing hands frequently….20 seconds is advised, but any hand washing is helpful.
2.   Wear a mask or face covering when out in public.
3.   Use hand cleanser in between washings…if available.
4.   Clean your cell phone daily with a cleansing wipe or UV light.
5.   Shower or bathe daily.  Twice daily if you want to feel more relaxed.
6.   Do not Pick Nose, Rub Eyes, or Pick Teeth with your fingers
7.   Do not go out or to work if you are ill…. or think you are ill.  If you are unsure, check your temperature. If over 99.8 you should not be going out.
8.   If someone in your house is ill, treat them as though they have COVID.  Have them get tested and you should quarantine as well.
9.   Stay away from people who are sick with COVID. Only caregivers should be in contact with COVID patients and they practice high level cleaning to prevent spread.
10. Maintain physical distancing practices, avoid getting within 6 feet of people (other than immediate household occupants)
11. Limit your activities to the minimum interactions you can do to maintain your daily living.
12. Leave mail and other paper products for one to two days on the shelf or in the garage (outside the house) …then bring them in after sitting for 24-48 hours to reduce the potential for transmission.
13.  Groceries cleaning should be considered, although not as strict as initially indicated when the pandemic began.   See this video link for excellent detailed information:  Click Here
 
IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC AND HAVE BEEN TOLD YOU MAY HAVE COVID ……BUT TESTING HAS NOT BEEN DONE YET …….DO AS FOLLOWS:
·        Self-Quarantine for 14 days from the start of illness and FOR at least 3 days after fever and major symptoms have resolved. 
·        Do not share a bathroom with housemates if possible. Use your own bathroom.
·        Do not share utensils with others and clean your own utensils and/or use paper/disposable eating materials.
·        Wait 1 day to wash the clothing you wear. Clothing can be washed after sitting out for 24 hours (virus is not transmissible at that point via clothing).   Others can wash your clothes using this approach.
·        Avoid sharing living spaces with housemates, to the extent your living situations allows.
·        Wash your hands frequently. Use cleanser on surfaces frequently.
·        Wear a mask & gloves when in the presence of others. Wear when you are with others as much as possible.
·        Shower/bathe twice daily if possible.
·        All household contacts should self-quarantine as well with only minimal outside interaction.
 
MORE EXPANSIVE TESTING IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN OUR OFFICE. 
It is being done at the end of the day, in your car, by myself…. wearing protective gear. 
IF YOU ARE ILL AND CONCERNED YOU MAY HAVE COVID INFECTION OR SIGNIFICANT COVID EXPOSURE:
Contact the office via phone or email first for instructions:
480-614-5800
 
Please do not walk into our office if you think you have COVID infection. We will not see you in the office. Only in your car, and with that, you should contact the office to be seen at the end of the day.
If you think you have COVID and are truly short of breath, you need to go to the Emergency Room, not to our office. We are not equipped to handle low oxygen levels.
 
COVID KIT:
 
This is what you should have at home to prepare for possible COVID, to monitor yourself if you were to get infected:
 
DIGITAL ORAL THERMOMETER: MANY BRANDS ARE FINE…HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:
 
PULSE OXIMETER:  TO CHECK OXYGEN LEVELS. MANY BRANDS ARE FINE...HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE:
 
 
OTHER ITEMS FROM THE HOME MEDICAL KIT:
 
·       TYLENOL, ADVIL, OR ALEVE
·       Sudafed 30mg tablets
·       Chlorpheniramine 4mg tablets
·       Robitussin DM syrup
·       Imodium AD
 
COVID COURSE:
 
THREE PHASES OF COVID:
·       JAILBIRD Day 1-10
·       PAROLE BIRD 11-17
·       FREE BIRD 17+
       
JAILBIRD:  STRICT QUARANTINE...... 10 DAYS FROM DATE OF FIRST SIGNIFICANT SYMPTOMS IF OBVIOUS OR FROM DATE OF TESTING IF UNCERTAIN BASED ON SYMPTOMS
 
PAROLE BIRD: DAY 11-17…. VERY CAREFUL WITH ALL ATTENTION TO MASKING, DISTANCING, HAND CLEANSING: NEXT 7 DAYS AFTER QUARANTINE
 
FREE BIRD: DAY 17 AND BEYOND.... NO RESTRICTIONS.
Although I do not recommend testing to prove the virus has cleared after infection, if you have testing and are clear, then the above protocol is not applied.
 
CARING FOR YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE COVID OR IF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVID:
Most Common Symptoms
They consist of the same set of symptoms as the common cold/rival respiratory syndrome, but they are worse.
 
Common/Hallmark symptoms:
·        High fever (over 100.4, but can range from 99’s to 104+)
·        Fatigue
·        Cough
 
Other symptoms can include milder issues:
·        Loss of Smell and/or Taste
·        Nausea without Vomiting
·        Sore Throat
·        Aching muscles throughout the body
·        Headache
·        Occasional diarrhea …
·        Nasal congestion (occasional)
 
TREATMENT:
Symptomatic treatment for the most bothersome symptoms
 
·       Plan to: Monitor temperature twice daily and record.  
·       Monitor oxygen levels twice daily and record. If dropping
significantly you should be in touch.
 
For the oxygen/Temperature:
 
  1. Check your temperature twice daily and keep a log. No temperature is dangerous…adults do not have to worry about this. This is just about monitoring your condition. If you have concerns, be in touch.
 
2.     Check oxygen level twice daily and keep a log. A declining oxygen level can indicate early de-compensation from COVID.  Normal oxygen saturation is 97-100%.   If lower than that it may be normal for you, but the trend is what matters.  If you are declining into the low 90’s, if you are feeling particularly short of breath…then it is time to check at the Emergency Room (which is safe to do!)   If you have concerns…be in touch.
 
 
Aches and Pains and Fever:
·        Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day is preferred for treating these symptoms, but if not working well, you may use:
·         Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets...1 – 2 x per day,
·        Drink good amounts of clear liquids (anything you can see through)
 
Sore Throat:
·        Saltwater gargling
1.   Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
2.   Gargle for 15 seconds and spit.
3.   Repeat during the day every 2 – 4 hours to relieve pain.
·        Pain relief medications: Advil (Ibuprofen 200mg), 2 – 3 tablets….2 – 3 x per day or Aleve (naproxen 220mg), 1 – 2 tablets...1 – 2 x per day, or Tylenol 650 – 1000mg four times per day.
 
 
Cough:
·        Steam: Either in the form of a hot, steamy shower or using a hot pot of water and covering with a towel and put your head under the towel. Both methods will provide humid air to the irritated air passages and soothe the cough.
·        Cough Syrup: Robitussin DM or Delsym cough syrup can be used to suppress cough.
·        You may require a prescription cough syrup with Codeine.  Contact me if that is the case.
 
 
Sinus Congestion and Drainage (RARE SYMPTOM):
·        Use a decongestant such as Sudafed 30mg, 1 – 2 pills up to four times per day, or use a drying antihistamine such as Chlortrimeton 4mg, up to four times per day. Other cold medications (over the counter) can be used.
·        Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra will not work for congestion symptoms from an infection. Do Not Use.
 
 
Nausea Treatment:
This is the most difficult issue to treat at home as there is very little one can do to settle the stomach. Coca-Cola with the carbonation eliminated (Flat Coke), Ginger Ale, or Ginger Root…. can be tried, but these are often inadequate, and the key to getting the stomach to settle is getting a good nausea medication.
 
If nausea is persistent, then calling for a prescription medication is often a good idea. Phenergan (Promethazine), Compazine (prochlorperazine), Zofran (Ondansetron) are very effective in treatment.  Sometimes we use them in combination either as a pill or a suppository.
 
The KEYS are:
 
1.   Settling the Stomach…so that liquids can be taken
2.   Focusing on Liquids…so that dehydration does not set in
3.   Eating light foods… if possible (to provide energy for healing). This is not a requirement for healing from an acute GI illness; so, do not feel that the sick person needs to eat food. The only requirement is liquid intake!
 
When to Seek Medical Assistance
•          There is no medication to treat this virus, so the resolution takes time.
Worsening symptoms/Signs of Complications:
•          If you are getting significantly short of breath please be in touch.  If progressive and worsening, you need to be seen and possibly hospitalized.  Best to go the ER if shortness of breath is a significant symptom
 
How Long to Recover
•          The COVID is a viral infection that will generally take from 3–7 days to develop, 3-7 days to improve and then from 3-7 days to completely resolve.

Stay Safe!
"The Perfect Day"
- Lou Reed