Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine
187 Thomas Johnson Dr., #4
Frederick, MD 21702 Tel: (240) 651-0420
Ali Afrookteh, MD
Martha Pierce, MD
Mid-Maryland Internal Medicine
Coronavirus Update - September 9
I always knew I loved living in Frederick, but witnessing our community’s response to the pandemic over the past 6 months makes my appreciation even greater. People are wearing masks (mostly), respecting distancing, supporting others and sharing resources.
As a result, the number of cases in Frederick County continues to be relatively small, with fewer than 10 hospitalizations most weeks this summer. Maryland continues to struggle in certain counties, and it remains to be seen what the effect of schools and colleges reopening will have on these numbers.
We’re not over this yet, but we’ve done well over the past 6 months. If we can keep it up, we should be in good shape when a vaccine becomes available.
Schedule Your Annual Flu Shot
Although the effect that COVID precautions have on seasonal Influenza remains to be seen, health experts are encouraging everyone over the age of 6 months to be vaccinated this year. We strongly recommend early immunization for seasonal influenza. Although this will not protect you from COVID, remember that the seasonal flu itself can cause significant illness.
There are different types of seasonal flu vaccines “on the menu” these days. We offer the standard quadrivalent vaccine. This version is egg free. People who prefer/require a difference formulation will be directed to their pharmacy. According to the CDC, getting vaccinated at all is much more important than which vaccine you get.
To minimize office exposure, we will be scheduling drive-up vaccine clinics. We’ve pre-ordered 50% more than last year in anticipation of increased demand and encourage you to get the vaccine whenever it's convenient. Unfortunately, at this time, we cannot offer the flu shot to anyone outside our practice, including family members. Thank you for your understanding.
Beginning September 14th, we will offer drive-up vaccine clinics Monday/Wednesday/Friday afternoons BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. We will also provide the vaccine during routine office visits, but please do not schedule an in-office visit just for the flu shot. Please understand that drive-up flu clinics may need to be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Here’s what you need to do:
Call the office at 240-651-0420 to book an appointment
Download and read the Vaccine Information Statement and download, print and sign the Consent form. Bring the signed consent form with you when you come for your vaccine appointment.
Take your temperature before coming for the vaccine. We will record your temperature. We will not give the vaccine if you have a temperature over 100.0 degrees
Drive up to the back entrance by our office. You’ll see the orange cones.
Wear loose clothing and have your arm uncovered for the injection
Johns Hopkins is conducting a study of high risk individuals (health care workers, home care providers or others with close contacts with COVID) to study the protection of plasma infusion.
Is it Safe to Travel?
That’s been a frequent question this summer and fall, as people are looking to get away or visit friends and family. The answer continues to require that you balance your need for safety with your willingness to take risks. That will be different for everyone based on mode of travel, destination, and activities while away. The New York Times posted an interactive tool to help potential travelers think through whether to pursue travel plans.
Remember, when visiting anyone outside of your immediate household, wearing a mask and maintaining a 6-foot distance is recommended. Outdoor activities are considerably safer than any enclosed indoor activities. Plan accordingly.
The Latest Word on Testing
There is much confusion these days about the CDC’s recent modification of their testing recommendations. We stand by our previous recommendation that anyone with COVID symptoms or exposure to an infected individual get tested. The timing of the test is important because you can be exposed to COVID but not test positive for several days. Repeat testing may be required for suspicious test results.
The turn-aound time for Frederick Health Hospital’s PCR testing continues to vary from 2-10 days. They seem to be catching up with the backlog, but there is no guarantee. People getting pre-screened for surgical procedures or hospitalizations are expedited, and typically get results in 2-3 days.
Below is a list of some local testing centers as of September 2020. The sites run by Meritus Hospital in Hagerstown and Frederick Health Hospital are free for now. Other sites such as urgent care offices/ CVS/ Walmart, etc. are offering private testing, for which you will be billed. Insurance may cover some of the cost. They generally have quicker turn-around times and may offer the throat swab as opposed to the nasal swab, which some people find easier to tolerate.
Frederick Regional Health System
1 Frederick Health Way (formerly 1 State Farm Drive)
Frederick, MD 21701
240-566-7152
Daily 7:00am – 2:00pm (closes at 11am if over 90 degrees)
Nasal swab only
No referral required
No cost
Antibody testing by appointment with a doctor's order.
Meritus Health COVID-19 Drive-Thru Screening Center
13620 Crayton Blvd. (behind Meritus Medical Plaza).
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. - noon.
No appointments or referrals are needed to be tested
No cost
Antibody testing by appointment with a doctor's order.
Med Express Urgent Care
99 Baughman’s Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
301-662-1392
Must call from car
Sunday – Saturday 8:00am to 8:00pm
Nasal & throat swab Available
Fee is charged at time of test
Winding Cross Urgent Care
5930 Frederick Crossing Lane
Frederick, MD 21704
240- 379-7776
Must call from car
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Nasal Swab and antibody Testing
Fee is charged at time of test
If you are a healthcare worker, be sure to mention it at the testing site as healthcare workers' results are expedited.
