Allergy Services Update
April 20, 2020
We are once again providing immunotherapy services (allergy shots and sublingual drops).
Our protocol has changed. SCHEDULED INJECTION APPOINTMENTS are now necessary to comply with social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scheduled injection appointments will continue for the foreseeable future.
We will contact you by phone to schedule your injection visit.
At that time, we will instruct you on the details of your visit. We ask you to mind the following protocol:
- When you arrive for your appointment, call the phone number posted on the Allergy Department outer door.
- We will conduct an interview about recent symptoms, and ask screening questions regarding COVID-19, over the phone.
- Only the allergy patient will be allowed in the building.
- All visitors, including children, will be required to remain in your vehicle.
- Please leave a window cracked in hot weather and remove your key from the vehicle if you have children with you.
- You will be required to wear a mask or suitable covering over your nose and mouth to enter the building. A thick or doubled scarf will do.
The technician will instruct you when to come to the Allergy Department door.
- Wear your facial covering.
- We will take your temperature on entry.
- If you have a fever, we will instruct you to immediately return to your vehicle, then to your home and await instructions by phone. It is not safe for you to receive an injection if you have a fever.
- The technician will give your injection and then instruct you to immediately return to your vehicle and wait in our parking lot for the required 15 minutes to ensure you do not have a reaction.
- After 15 minutes, you should signal the technician that you are not having any problems with arm swelling, throat tightness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, etc. With a “thumbs up” signal with your arm out your car window.
- If you begin to experience any of the above after your shot signal us by honking your horn or come immediately to the Allergy Department door.
For the safety of yourself and family, as well as our staff, we cannot allow anyone to linger inside the building; there cannot be any socializing while you are inside getting your injections. Social distancing best-practices will be enforced, inside and outside the building.
If you have experienced fever, new cough, new shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell or taste in the past 30 days, please call us before you come to the office. We will advise you how to proceed.
Please remember to bring with you for every injection:
- Mask or face covering.
- Current (non-expired) epinephrine injector.
- If you need a new prescription, let us know at the time we schedule your appointment.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work together toward “new normals” during the public health crisis.