Ochsner Health is now administering an additional, or third, COVID-19 vaccine for those who meet certain criteria for immunocompromised individuals.
COVID-19 vaccines are available now to anyone 12 years old or older.
As part of our enduring commitment to the health and safety of our patients and care teams, Ochsner Health is requiring COVID-19 vaccinations of all of our employees, physicians, and anyone involved in patient care.
The safety and effectiveness of the vaccines is proven. We join physicians, researchers and global healthcare leaders who consistently agree that the safe, effective vaccines available to us prevent death, hospitalization and severe disease.
In accordance with Louisiana's mask mandate, Ochsner Health still requires the use of masks at all hospitals and clinics.
The COVID-19 vaccines can have mild side effects, but the vast majority are very short term and are not serious or dangerous. While some people experience one to two days of discomfort where they were injected, body aches, headaches or fever, these are signs that the vaccine is working to stimulate your immune system. The vaccines are not resulting in any serious illnesses or deaths.
Reports from the CDC reveal that the Delta variant spreads at least 50% faster than the original strain of COVID-19 and transmits a higher amount of viral particles to those infected. The Delta variant has become the dominant strain in our region and across the United States.
Nearly all patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the U.S. are unvaccinated. Louisiana and Mississippi rank among the lowest in the nation in vaccination rates, leading to the high infection and hospitalization rates in our states. Getting vaccinated protects you from contracting the virus, but most importantly, it protects you from the more severe symptoms experienced by unvaccinated individuals that lead to hospitalization and death.
Unlike previous strains of the virus, the Delta variant is having a greater impact on infection rates and hospitalizations among children and younger people. A recent study showed that children and adults under age 50 were 2.5 times more likely to become infected with Delta compared to those older than 50 years. Our hospitals are caring for more children with COVID-19 now than at any other point in the pandemic.
Get vaccinated! The vast majority of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Ochsner are unvaccinated. In order to protect ourselves and our loved ones from Delta and other variants that could emerge in the future, a significant portion of the population must be vaccinated. Find vaccine locations here.
The Delta variant has proven to be more contagious and is spreading rapidly throughout Louisiana and Mississippi. Across the region, more people are hospitalized with COVID-19 now than any of the previous COVID-19 surges. During this time of uncontrolled viral spread, fully vaccinated individuals should protect themselves and others by practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face masks and social distancing in public gatherings. Avoiding large gatherings completely will further reduce your risk.
Symptoms can be very similar to the flu or cold. If you develop these symptoms or have been in contact with someone known to have COVID-19:
Call the Ochsner COVID-19 Info Line:
COVID-19 Info Line at 1-844-888-2772
For general information, dial the Louisiana hotline, 211, or text the keyword LACOVID to 898211.
COVID-19 testing is available at Ochsner Urgent Care locations. Please bring your insurance card and state identification card. : If you are unsure about if or when you should be tested, talk with a provider virtually with Ochsner Anywhere Care for medical advice in minutes. Ochsner Anywhere Care cannot place orders for COVID-19 testing or infusions.
COVID-19 & Antibody Testing Ochsner Anywhere Care
The Louisiana Department of Health offers COVID-19 testing seven days a week. Please click here for a full list of testing locations.
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