COVID-19 Vaccine

AllergySA continues to monitor the approval of COVID-19 Vaccinations in the United States and the distribution/availability within our San Antonio community. We will continue to update our patients with information as we receive it.

 

Who Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

As of  Tuesday, November 2, 2021, everyone 5 years old and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas.

Children 5-11 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This vaccine for children has the same ingredients as the adults and adolescent vaccines. It is, however, an age-appropriate dose of one-third of the adult and adolescent doses and smaller needles designed for children.

The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations. All vaccines are authorized for people 18 years old and older. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 12 years old and older.

For more details on the DSHS phases visit: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx

 

Please call our offices at 210-616-0882 to schedule. 

We continue to monitor vaccine locations throughout our community and will update this section as the information is received.

  • MetroHealth/Alamodome: MetroHealth continues to offer vaccine appointments per week dependent on supply. Appointments are required and can be made at covid19.sanantonio.gov/vaccine, by calling 311 (option 8) or 210-207-6000 (option 8).
  • WellMed’s Vaccine Locations are currently making appointments by phone only. Call 833-968-1745 to schedule.
  • University Health Vaccination Clinic (4522 Fredericksburg Road): For more information and to scheduled visit wecandoitsa.com
  • UT Health San Antonio has opened vaccine appointments to the general public. Appointments can be made by visiting: schedule.utmedicinesa.com
  • H-E-B Pharmacies are continually opening appointment slots as they receive supply. For more information and to view availability visit vaccine.heb.com
  • Walmart Pharmacies are administering vaccines at select locations. To view availability and to schedule visit walmart.com/covidvaccine
  • CVS Pharmacies are administering vaccines at select locations. Appointments are required and can be made by visiting: cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine

 

Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccination?

At this time we recommend everyone to get the vaccine, including those who have already recovered from COVID-19.

Some benefits include:

  • It is effective at preventing COVID-19 infection and may also protect those people living and working with you.
    • Pfizer-BioNTech: 95% effective 7 days after fully vaccinated
    • Moderna: 94.1% effective 14 days after fully vaccinated
    • Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen: 66% effective 28 days after vaccination
  • Getting COVID-19 may offer some natural protection but if you are infected, there is no way to know how it will affect you. Vaccination will be a safer way to build protection.
  • Vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic.

 

What is Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 Vaccine and Will It Work? 

On February 27, 2021, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is issued to be the third Emergency Use Authorization COVID-19 vaccine in the United States.

  • Harmless adenovirus vector vaccine that helps our body develop antibodies and immune cells to fight the infection
  • Available to ages of 18 years and older
  • Single-shot vaccine has proven 66% effectiveness in fighting the pandemic

Visit our most recent blog post to learn everything you need to now about the new Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

 

We continue to monitor and learn more daily and will update our patients as more information becomes available.

For more information, watch Dr. Lukena Karkhanis answer your most common questions about the vaccine and vaccine reactions during these recent Facebook LIVE events.

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Is It Mountain Cedar Allergies or COVID-19?

 

Are you feeling a slight sniffle, cough or headache? This winter brings an extra layer of worry for mountain cedar sufferers as they try to decipher the difference between mountain cedar allergies and COVID-19.

The CDC has shared this helpful Venn diagram showing the differences and similarities of seasonal allergies to COVID-19. The biggest difference is that COVID-19 may cause: fever, chills, body aches, loss of taste or smell, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea while seasonal allergies will not.

If you are experiencing a mixture of these symptoms it could be possible that you have contracted the COVID-19 virus while also being affected by mountain cedar pollen in the air. The only way to know for sure is by getting a COVID-19 test.

Taking extra precaution to wear a mask and social distance this winter is advised. If you believe that you may have COVID-19, be sure to get tested and quarantine to avoid spreading the virus to others. If you are having trouble breathing, or other emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.

AllergySA is not a current testing site for COVID-19. For a list of testing locations please visit: https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing#TestingLocation

A COVID-19 Vaccine is days away from approval. For up to date information on the vaccination, visit our COVID-19 Information page at: https://allergysa.com/covid19/#COVID-Vaccination

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First Patient Reaches Maintenance Phase of Palforzia® – New FDA Approved Peanut Allergy Treatment

Peanut Allergy Patient

Congratulations to Claire for being our first peanut allergy patient to reach the maintenance phase of Palforzia®.

Palforzia® is the first and only standardized oral immunotherapy treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to minimize the incidence and severity of an allergic reaction from accidental exposure to peanuts.

Early this year, AllergySA was the first to introduce Palforzia® to the San Antonio area and is now the second in the nation to have a patient reach the maintenance phase. The treatment involves an up-dosing phase first administered in an allergist’s office every 2 weeks for about 6 months. Once up-dosing has been completed, the patient will continue taking the maintenance dose at home daily.

To start treatment, the patient needs to be between the ages of 4 and 17 with a confirmed diagnosis of peanut allergy. In the event of accidental peanut exposure, Palforzia® can help reduce the risk of a severe allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis.

Palforzia® is covered by all major insurances including Medicaid. To find out if Palforzia® is right for your family, schedule an appointment with AllergySA at 210-616-0882.

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COVID-19 creates new dilemma for parents with asthmatic children

COVID-19 Asthma Dilemma

AllergySA’s Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Diaz, was recently interviewed about how COVID-19 creates a dilemma for parents when your child has been diagnosed with asthma. While you may be ready to return back to work, finding childcare is difficult as your child is considered high-risk.

“If a child has asthma in the middle of COVID it’s a little more tricky. As you start to open up these daycares and you start to see people going back to work there is a dilemma,” Diaz said.

View the full story at news4sanantonio.com.

For an in depth look at Asthma and COVID-19, view our COVID-19 page including Dr. Diaz’s Facebook Live discussion: https://allergysa.com/covid19/ 

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Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As we continue to see the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we feel it is important to share with you what AllergySA is doing to help slow the spread while continuing to provide critical care to our patients.

Read more
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Is the Flu Shot Safe If I Am Allergic to Eggs?

With flu season just around the corner comes the very common question: “Can I get a flu shot if I am allergic to eggs?” Most types of influenza vaccine contain a very small amount of egg protein causing people to second guess the safety of flu shots if they are allergic to eggs. Contrary to what most think, research has shown that the administration of the flu vaccine is safe for those with egg allergies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests avoiding flu shots only if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine itself. If you’ve had a mild or severe allergic reaction to eggs, the CDC advises the following:

  • If eggs cause only hives you can safely get the flu vaccine appropriate for your age and health status anywhere.
  • If eggs cause swelling, trouble breathing, lightheadedness, recurrent vomiting, or if you’ve had to use an emergency intervention (like your Epi-Pen®), you can get a flu shot, but it must be in a medical setting supervised by a provider who can recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.

If you’ve had a reaction to eggs in the past, talk to your doctor. They may choose to give you the vaccine in their office or send you to an allergist.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a large number of research studies published over the last several years have proved that thousands of egg-allergic children, including those with a severe life-threatening reaction to eating eggs, have received injectable influenza vaccine as a single dose without a reaction. The flu is responsible for the hospitalization of more than 21,100 children under the age of five annually, yet the CDC says nowhere near enough children are vaccinated every year. According to their statistics, only 55 percent of children ages 5 to 17 get the vaccination.

For more information, or to get your flu shot in our office, speak with a medical assistant during your next office or allergy shot visit.

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Distribution Halted for Ranitidine (Generic for Zantac)

Distribution has been halted for generic Ranitidine after an announcement that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating medications containing ranitidine that may have a possible link to cancer.

This generic medication is taken by millions to help with gastrointestinal disorders and discomfort. The manufacturer stated that this is a “precautionary distribution stop” as they complete an internal investigation and the FDA continues its own research to determine if the low levels of the ingredient pose a risk to patients.

If you or a family member has been prescribed this generic medication, here are some key points to know about this issue:

  • Brand-name Zantac is not included in the distribution halt. Those currently on the generic version can purchase the brand-name over-the-counter medication.
  • Pediatric patients on liquid ranitidine do not need to switch. The halt only involves the capsule/tablet version.
  • This is currently a distribution halt, not a recall. The manufacturer is taking precautionary measures as investigations continue and more information will be released as it becomes available.
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Ragweed Allergy

The primary reason for fall allergies in the United States is ragweed pollen. A ragweed plant only lives one season, but it is very powerful. A single plant can produce up to 1 billion pollen grains. These grains are very lightweight and float easily through the air. Allergies occur when the body’s immune system treats an allergen, such as ragweed, like a foreign invader. This starts a chemical reaction that produces and sends histamine throughout the bloodstream causing allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of ragweed allergy are similar to those of other pollen allergies including:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal congestion    • Headaches
• Irritated eyes • Itchy throat

The best way to control your allergy is to minimize contact with the pollen. There is no cure for ragweed allergy but it can be managed. Receiving the correct diagnosis is the first step in managing your symptoms. An allergist will give you a physical exam, ask about your health history and perform allergy testing to determine exactly what you are and are not allergic to.

Remember that pollen can go into your home via your clothes, your hair or your pet — so change your clothes after being outside for long periods, shower before going to bed and wash your hands after petting an animal that has been outside. Also, keep your windows closed at all times, both at home and in the car.

People who experience ragweed allergies are also often sensitive to certain foods. This is because some plants can contain pollen that is similar to ragweed. This condition is known as oral allergy syndrome. Some foods that may cause symptoms in a person with a ragweed allergy include bananas, cantaloupes, chamomile tea, cucumber, honey that contains pollen, sunflower seeds, or zucchini.

Ragweed allergies can be treated with antihistamines and other allergy medications. Your allergist/immunologist can provide a long-term treatment plan which can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms caused by allergic rhinitis. Schedule an appointment with one of AllergySA’s experienced medical staff by calling 210-616-0882 and allow us to assist you in detecting any allergies you may be suffering from.

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Back to School with Asthma

As the summer comes to an end, preparing for school is the number one priority for parents around the globe. But, parents of children with asthma need to take extra measures to assure that their child’s health is top priority when at school. With proper preparations, you can reduce the impact asthma has on your child.

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes, the passageways that allow air to enter and leave your lungs. Two types of asthma to be aware of during the school year are allergic and non-allergic. Allergic asthma is triggered by exposure to an allergen, such as mold, pollens or pet dander. While non-allergic asthma is brought on by factors such as stress, exercise, illness, extreme weather, irritants in the air and certain medications. Allergists are specially trained to help take control of your child’s asthma, identify what triggers their symptoms and build a plan to help avoid and manage those triggers. They will also prescribe controller and rescue medications to have at home and school and may recommend immunotherapy injections (allergy shots) to help manage allergic asthma flare ups.

Here are some things you can do to make sure your child has a safe and healthy school year:

  • Make an appointment with your child’s allergist to get up to date prescriptions and a new Asthma Action Plan for the school year.
  • Tour the school to identify potential asthma triggers such as: dust mites, mold, chalk dust, and animal dander.
  • Talk with your child’s teacher, school nurse and other school personnel, such as sports coaches, about your child’s condition and treatment plan.

If you are unsure if your child has asthma, here are some signs to look for:

  • a regular cough
  • struggling to catch your breath
  • a whistling/wheezing sound when you breathe

Your allergist can evaluate whether your child’s symptoms are a sign of asthma. By visiting acertified allergist, you can expect an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan that works and educational information to help you manage your child’s asthma and help them feel better throughout the school year. Schedule an appointment now with one of AllergySA’s experienced physicians by calling 210-616-0882.

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Managing Food Allergies at School

It is back to school season and with that comes big responsibilities getting your student ready for the year ahead. For those with food allergies, preparing for the fall season means going the extra mile to have a safe and healthy school year. To do this, knowing exactly what foods your child is allergic to is a must and having an emergency plan is a necessity. Before the school year starts, it is crucial to have a one-on-one conversation with your child’s teacher (and school nurse if possible) regarding all food allergies and reactions your child may have. Teachers can help prevent a food allergy reaction in the classroom by following these tips:
− Keep food outside of the classroom. If this is not possible, all food should be handled with caution to assure safety.
− Have an allergy-free lunch table so that students with food allergies can feel comfortable while being in the same room with different types of foods.
− Encourage hand washing by all students and staff before and after handling or consuming any type of food.


It is also important for your child’s teacher to understand the symptoms of a food allergy reaction. Reviewing these signs will help the teacher recognize when a reaction occurs and the severity.


Mild to moderate symptoms of a food allergy may include one or more of the following:
− Redness of the skin, particularly around the mouth or eyes
− Hives (reddish, swollen, itchy areas around the mouth)
− Itchy mouth or ear canal
− Nausea or vomiting
− Diarrhea
− Stomach pain
− Nasal congestion or a runny nose
− Sneezing
− Dry Cough
− Odd taste in mouth


Severe symptoms may include one or more of the following:
− Swelling of the lips, tongue, and/or throat that blocks breathing
− Trouble swallowing
− Shortness of breath
− Drop in blood pressure
− Loss of consciousness
− Chest pain
− Turning blue
− Sense of impending doom


Having a Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan on file will help school staff know exactly what steps to take depending on the severity of the reaction. Mild to moderate symptoms are often treated with antihistamines and monitoring that symptom severity is not increasing.
Severe symptoms may be a sign of the life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. This type of reaction requires immediate treatment with an epinephrine injection and urgent medical attention. It is important that your child has a food allergy plan and EpiPen available at school, and that your child’s teacher knows how to use one in the event anaphylaxis occurs.
The only way to know if your child has a food allergy is to visit a board-certified allergist. Proper diagnosis of a food allergy or food intolerance is the first step to managing this condition. Schedule an appointment this summer with one of AllergySA’s experienced medical staff by calling 210-616-0882 and allow us to assist you in detecting any allergies your child may be suffering from.

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LOCATION INFORMATION

Medical Center

2424 Babcock Road, Suite 301
San Antonio, TX 78229

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 7:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

Stone Oak

19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250
San Antonio, TX 78258

Stone Oak AllergySA - 19016 Stone Oak Pkwy #250, San Antonio, TX 78258

Monday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Southside

7500 Barlite Blvd #106
San Antonio, TX 78224

South Side - AllergySA.com - 7500 Barlite Blvd #106, San Antonio, TX 78224

Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm

CONTACT INFORMATION

OFFICE: (210) 616-0882  | FAX: (210) 692-7833