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COVID-19 FAQs
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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Public Health Bureau of CommunityPreparedness (OPH BCP) is partnering with Louisiana 211 and the Louisiana Association of United Ways to ensure citizens can access the most current information available for COVID-19.  As members of the Governor’s COVID-19 Taskforce, LDH, OPH BCP and Louisiana 211 work in coordination with all state efforts for COVID-19.

Louisiana citizens can dial 211, 24/7 to reach a live 211 specialist to discuss available help and information for COVID-19. Citizens can also text the keyword “LACOVID” to 898-211 to have instant access to the most current information available in our state.

 

 COVID-19 FAQs for Louisiana

As of March 30, 2023 at 4:30pm

ABOUT COVID-19

Q: What is coronavirus or COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, a coronavirus discovered in 2019. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Some people who are infected may not have symptoms. For people who have symptoms, illness can range from mild to severe.

Adults 65 years and older and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. People ages 6 months of age and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent getting and spreading the illness. Everyone ages 5 and older can get a booster shot.

Q: How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.

Q: What is the incubation period for COVID-19?

The incubation period for COVID-19 is about 5 days. The range is between 4 and 7 days, although it is sometimes quicker and it sometimes may take up to 14 days.

Q: Is COVID-19 fatal?

Yes, it can be fatal. In the U.S., more than 800,000 people have died from COVID-19 and worldwide, there have been more than 4 million deaths. Still, the majority of people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 do recover.

The risk of death is highest for people who are 85 years and older. In fact, according to the CDC, compared with 18- to 29-year-olds, the rate of death is four times higher in 30- to 39-year-olds, and 600 times higher in those who are 85 years and older.

Q: Are young people at risk for COVID?

Yes. COVID-associated deaths have occurred among individuals 18-29 years old since January 1, 2022. For context, since the start of the pandemic nearly two years ago, a total of 117 18-29-year-olds have died from COVID.

Cases in children under 18 are rapidly increasing and account for the greatest percentage of cases among all age groups since the beginning of January.

Both nationwide and in Louisiana, we are seeing an increase in COVID hospitalizations among all pediatric age groups. The highest number of hospitalizations is among children 0-4 years of age. This age group is not yet eligible for the vaccine.

Q: What are the best steps to take to protect yourself?

Q: Is there one centralized location to get the most up-to-date information about COVID-19?

Yes. There is now an online one-stop website COVID.gov for information about vaccines, tests, treatments, masks and other information. Just type in the name of your community, and you are connected to a library of nearby resources.

The new website also features a Test-to-Treat Locator Tool to help people find the nearest locations that offer COVID-19 tests and antiviral pills in pharmacies and community health centers. Just type in your zip code.

COVID.gov also provides people an easy way to find the level of COVID-19 in their community.

COVID.gov will be available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese and is accessible for those using assistive technologies.

These resources are also available by phone through the National Hotline at 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489), which supports over 150 languages.

For individuals with disabilities who may need additional support, the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) is also available to help at 1-888-677-1199 or via email at DIAL@usaginganddisability.org.

 Q: Where can I get the most up-to-date information in Louisiana pertaining to COVID-19?

LDH and State Guidance and Recommendations

Q: Is the Governor’s COVID public health emergency order for Louisiana still in place?

No, effective March 16, 2022 Gov. Edwards allowed the statewide emergency order to end.

QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION GUIDANCE 

Q: What is the difference between isolation and quarantine?

Q: Why did the CDC decide to change their quarantine/isolation guidelines?

As of August 11, 2022 CDC streamlined its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk, how to protect themselves and others, and what actions to take if exposed or if they are sick or test positive to the virus. COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, however, with a better understanding of how to protect ourselves (high-quality masks, testing and improved ventilation) and so many tools (vaccination, boosters, and treatments) available to us for reducing COVID-19 severity, there is significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death compared to earlier in the pandemic.

Q: What is the proper way to quarantine? (if you were exposed) (No longer recommended by CDC for COVID-19)

As of  August 11, 2022 CDC no longer recommends that people who were exposed to COVID-19 quarantine (staying home and away from people) for five days.

CDC recommends that instead of quarantining if you were exposed to COVID-19, you wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 5. If you develop symptoms before getting testing or test positive then please follow the CDC isolation guidance in the next question.

Q: What is the proper way to isolate? (if you test positive and/or develop symptoms)?

CDC recommends that if you test positive for COVID-19, you stay home for at least 5 days and isolate yourself from others in your home.  You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days. Wear a high-quality mask when you must be around others at home and in public.

Q: What if I still have symptoms or they worsen after my isolation has ended?

After you have ended isolation, if your COVID-19 symptoms worsen, restart your isolation at day 0. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.

Q: If I had moderate or severe illness or have a weak immune system, when should I end isolation?

CDC recommends that if you had moderate illness (if you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing) or severe illness (you were hospitalized) due to COVID-19 or you have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate yourself through day 10.

CDC also recommends that if you had severe illness from COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system that you should consult your doctor before ending isolation. Ending isolation without a viral test may not be an option for you. If you are unsure if your symptoms are moderate or severe or if you have a weakened immune system, talk to a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Q: How do I count the days of isolation from the last day of exposure to COVID-19?

CDC has COVID-19 Calculator takes the stress out of figuring when, and for how long, people with COVID-19 need to stay home and wear a well-fitting mask.

Here’s the link: https://ldh.la.gov/page/calculator 

This Calculator also provides important information about what precautions people with COVID-19 can take to protect loved ones and slow the spread of COVID-19 in their communities.

Important Note: This Calculator is not for people with COVID-19 who are moderately or severely ill or those who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised)—they should talk to their doctor about when to end isolation.

THE OMICRON VARIANT (including sub variants) 

Q: How is the new BA.5 subvariant of Omicron different from previous variants?

The Omicron subvariant BA.5 is the most easily transmissible COVID variant to date. According to the CDC, BA.5 has accounted for more than 75% of the country’s new COVID cases. The numbers continue to grow.

Q: How sick can someone get if they are infected with the Omicron and sub variants like BA.5?

According to CDC, the Omicron variant generally causes less severe disease than infection with prior variants. Preliminary data suggest that Omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant. However, because Omicron and sub variants spread so quickly, even if only a small percentage of people with this infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the healthcare system. This is why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself. For those who are still not vaccinated, Omicron can cause severe illness or death.

Q: Do the COVID-19 vaccines and/or a prior infection protect me from the BA.5 subvariant?

Experts say this variant has been shown to evade partial immunity from previous infection(s) and vaccination. However, these breakthrough infections are not typically resulting in the kind of severe illness that occurred earlier in the pandemic and current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death.  

Please consult with your physician if you have concerns or you can call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774 to speak with a medical professional.

Q: How effective are COVID tests for Omicron?

The widely used PCR tests continue to detect COVID-19 infection, including infection with Omicron, as we have seen with other variants as well. Studies are ongoing to determine whether there is any impact on other types of tests, including rapid antigen detection tests.

MASKS AND FACE COVERINGS

Q: What is the most recent guidance for using masks?

To reduce transmission, regardless of vaccination status, mask indoors when not with your everyday household.

Use a mask when gathering with others who are not immediate household members who are at high risk. LDH recommends outdoor gatherings and small gatherings.

Q: Is a statewide mask order still in place?

No. In the most recent guidance issued by Gov. Edwards on February 15, 2022, masks are not required statewide in Louisiana, including public transit as of April 19, 2022. However, there are still federal regulations requiring them in health care settings.

Masks will not be mandated in most other places, including schools, government buildings, college and university campuses and businesses unless those entities choose to have their own mandates in place. They may choose to require masks as they see fit, based on the level of COVID in their communities.

Q: Are masks still required in healthcare facilities?

There is no order by the State Health Officer mandating masking in healthcare facilities; however, LDH recommends continuing to wear masks and that people should check on and adhere to the policies of the healthcare facilities you and your loved ones visit.  

Q: Is the Department of Health providing exemptions – a form – to people who do not want to use a mask when going to the doctor’s office or other places that require a face covering?

No, there is no such from the Louisiana Department of Health. LDH encourages all people to follow the masking and social distancing requirements put in place by any place of business, including medical facilities. 

Q: Are face shields an acceptable alternative for a face mask?

No, unfortunately. The lower part of the face shield is completely open and allows the free flow of the water droplets that carry COVID-19. CDC does not recommend them as an acceptable substitute to a face mask which covers the mouth and nose.

Q: I have a mask with an exhalation valve. If I block the valve will my mask be as safe or safer than a cloth mask?

Yes. By blocking the valve, that mask is now equivalent to a cloth mask.

Q: How should I clean and store my cloth face mask?

Cloth face masks should be washed regularly, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is best to clean your mask in a washing machine or with soap and hot water. The mask should be dried completely. Dry it in a hot dryer, if possible.

Q: Is the White House/Federal Government giving out free masks? How do I get them?

Yes, the Biden Administration  announced on January 19, 2022 that 400 million non-surgical N95 masks will be shipped to distribution sites nationwide. The masks will be available to the public free of charge. Individuals will be able to pick up their masks (limited to 3 per person) at designated locations across Louisiana.

Find free masks (N95 respirators) at a participating location near you.

N95 Mask Locator Website or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)

TESTING for COVID-19

Q: How much does it cost to get a COVID-19 test?

There is no charge for COVID tests done by the State or done by the Louisiana National Guard. You can search for a COVID test location here: COVID-19 Testing Sites

Testing is also free at all federally qualified health centers (community clinics). You can search for a clinic near you at: www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center. Just enter your zip code in the search tool to find a nearby clinic. You should contact the clinic first to get information about their testing procedures and requirements.

In Louisiana, no commercial insurance company can charge a patient an out of pocket fee for COVID testing. Medicaid and Medicare cover all of the costs of COVID testing. The federal government has made provisions for uninsured patients to receive free COVID testing.

Many private providers such as urgent care clinics charge for a COVID test. You should contact the testing site before you arrive to understand if there is a cost, how much and if you should bring other information.

Q: When should I be tested for the virus?

As of December 28, 2021, LDH/CDC recommends that all people - vaccinated and unvaccinated - should take a COVID test 5 days after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 or immediately if you develop symptoms.

If you have mild symptoms and are worried that you might have COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department instead of going to a clinic or doctor's office without an appointment, to ensure you aren't potentially exposing others to the virus. Do not go to the Emergency Room for a test or if you have mild symptoms.

If you have severe breathing problems, seek medical attention or call 911 immediately and let the person you speak with know that you have respiratory problems and need to be isolated and seen right away.

LDH is publishing a daily list of testing sites here 

Q: Where can I go to get tested?

Test sites are set up throughout the state at the local level. People wishing to be tested can find a testing site on the Department of Health’s website at: http://ldh.la.gov/COVID-19Testing. This site is updated often, whenever new sites are opened. LDH encourages people seeking a test to call the site in advance to check availability of tests and appointments/walkins.

The website has a mapping feature to help users find the nearest testing site. Just enter your zip code in the search tool (found left of the top of the map). Information includes hours of operation, address, phone number and other requirements.

Each testing facility has their own criteria for testing. Many sites require a medical provider to submit a written referral to the testing site, while others do not have such a requirement. It is important that you contact the test site location or your healthcare provider for instructions before traveling to the test site.

All testing is being done by clinical providers, clinics and in hospitals. If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should contact your primary care physician for guidance.

Q: How are nasal COVID-19 tests conducted? How accurate are they?

At most testing sites, samples are taken from the nasal cavity using a swab from the inside of your nose. It usually takes from 3-5 days to get the results of these tests from the lab.

When getting tested, the person conducting the test will insert a long stick/swap up your nose and twirl it around to collect secretions on the swab. You may be asked to do the nose swab yourself. The swab must be inserted pretty far back in the nose to get the sample.

No medical test is 100% accurate for many reasons, including error and timing of the test. Because it is possible to get a negative result even when you have coronavirus, it is important to be careful even when you receive a negative result.

If you receive a negative result after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19 it is recommended that you retest again between five and seven days post-exposure. If you develop symptoms after a negative test you should test again and isolate immediately.

 Q: How long does it take to get test results? Why is it taking so long?

Most commercial labs that process the tests are able to report results back to the patient in one to three days. The Department of Health does not get any test results, and we recommend that patients who get tested ask staff at the testing site when to expect results, and where to call to get those results. We recommend everyone, when they are getting tested, to ask for a phone number to call or website/app to use if they haven’t received their results within the timeframe that was given.

Q: What should I do while I wait for my test results? Can I go out in public and/or return to work?

LDH strongly urges all people to wear a well-fitting mask while awaiting test results and to isolate from others if you have symptoms. Regardless of the test results people who have had recent confirmed or suspected exposure to an infected person should wear a mask for 10 days around others when indoors in public.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: What if I’m homeless and I tested positive or I cannot return to my current residence after testing positive and I’m facing homelessness? Where can I go for housing/shelter during self-isolation?

The state has a site for people who are homeless and test positive for COVID-19 and do not need assistance with activities for daily living such as eating, bathing, walking, etc.

A person seeking admission must provide name, date of birth, phone number, current medication (if taking any) and any medical diagnosis, the pick-up location and COVID test date.

The phone number for accessing this process is the COVID-19 Support Hotline: 1-855-453-0774. When calling this line, the person is entered in the contact tracing system; they will then be referred to a Resource Coordinator regarding isolation sites. A person seeking admission must provide name, date of birth, phone number, current medication (if taking any) and any medical diagnosis, the pick-up location and COVID test date.

Free transportation is arranged to the site. Housing is single occupancy units (no families). Free laundry services, 3 meals a day and snacks are provided. The site has on-site medical personnel and social services are available. Upon discharge case management will work with you to obtain temporary housing such as in a hotel or until other housing arrangements can be made.

Q: Are nursing homes required to report if a staff member or resident has COVID?

Yes, nursing facilities are not only required to routinely test their residents and staff, they must also report the test results to LDH.

Q: What if I don’t have a doctor or have insurance?

If you do not have a doctor or if you do not have insurance, contact your nearest community health clinic.

You can search for a clinic near you at: www.lpca.net/main/for-patients/find-a-health-center. Please use the search tool to find a clinic near you using your zip code.

If you are looking for information about testing, LDH is publishing a daily list of testing sites here 

Q: Should I go to the ER?  Or, when should I go to the ER?

You should go to the ER if you are seriously ill (difficulty breathing, confusion, dehydration). If you are sick with typical cold or flu symptoms, call your primary care doctor.

Q: Do immigrants have access to testing regardless of identification?

The testing criteria for COVID-19 do not require showing official government identification. Everyone, including documented and undocumented immigrants, who is experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should contact their primary care physician for guidance to see if they fit the clinical criteria for testing.

Q: I did not test positive for COVID-19 but I am interested in taking an antibody test to confirm if I have developed an immunity. Is this possible?

Check with your healthcare provider. If you can find a provider doing the antibody test, then yes, it might be possible to get such a test.

Details: CDC has developed a laboratory blood test to assist with efforts to determine how much of the U.S. population has been infected with COVID-19. However, antibody test results should not be used as the sole basis to diagnose someone with an active the COVID-19 infection. It typically takes 1 to 3 weeks after someone becomes infected for their body to make antibodies; some people may take longer to develop antibodies. Depending on when someone was infected and the timing of the test, the test may not find antibodies in someone with an active infection.

Currently, it is unknown how long a person is protected from a COVID infection if that individual had the virus in the past and recovered. A conservative estimate based on available evidence suggests some degree of immunity lasts up to 90 days. For protection from the Delta variant, it is also not known how long protection lasts from a previous infection. For these reasons, we strongly urge all people – including those who have recovered from a past COVID illness – to get the COVID-19 shot.

Q: Are positive results from antibody tests reported to the State and counted as new cases (as far as the numbers go on the public reporting site?

No. We are currently not including positive antibody tests into case counts. This is because the diagnostic tests are better defined and more reliable. At the appropriate time, we will incorporate antibody test results into our cases counts.

Q: How are the number of active COVID-19 cases determined?

Because of several factors and variables, including when a case is identified, when that person becomes symptom-free and because we only know of cases reported to the State, there is not a simple way to determine the number of active cases in a region or statewide at any given time. For these reasons, the Department of Health does not calculate an accurate number for active cases.

Q: On it’s website, the State calculates cases as “Presumed Recovered.” How is that determined?

Presumed recovered counts are updated weekly on the coronavirus website. A person is presumed recovered if:

·         it has been more than 14 days, since he/she tested positive and he/she is not currently in the hospital or deceased (when hospital status is known), or

·         It has been more than 21 days since he/she tested positive and he/she is not deceased (when hospital status is unknown).

Q: Are individuals tracked to see how many tests they've had and what tests were done and reported as one? And, if an individual is retested, or when they are required to have two tests in order to return to work, are each of their tests being counted as a new case in the numbers?

All positive cases are de-duplicated and represent one individual regardless of how many positive tests they received.

Q: Earlier this year I was extremely ill. My doctor tested me for the coronavirus and the test result was negative. I recovered, but I believe I had the virus. How can I know if I had COVID-19?

It is possible for a COVID-19 test to give a negative result in some people with the virus. This means that you could possibly have had COVID-19 even though the test was negative. For this reason, healthcare providers treat a person’s symptoms regardless of the test result.

 An antibody test would indicate whether you had COVID-19 or not. We recommend that you talk to your healthcare provider about such a test and any other recommended next steps.

Currently, it is unknown how long a person is protected from a COVID infection if that individual had the virus in the past and recovered. A conservative estimate based on available evidence suggests some degree of immunity lasts up to 90 days. For protection from the Delta variant, it is also not known how long protection lasts from a previous infection. For these reasons, we strongly urge all people – including those who have recovered from a past COVID illness – to get the COVID-19 shot.

Q: Upon recovery from COVID-19, am I immune?

Currently, it is unknown how long a person is protected from a COVID infection if that individual had the virus in the past and recovered. A conservative estimate based on available evidence suggests some degree of immunity lasts up to 90 days. For protection from the Omicron and subvariants, it is also not known how long protection lasts from a previous infection. For these reasons, we strongly urge all people – including those who have recovered from a past COVID illness – to get the COVID-19 shot.

Q: If someone has multiple tests – some are positive and some negative – are all those tests being counted as positive cases or are they looking at the names for duplicates?

Case counts reported on the LDH website represent individual persons with positive results for COVID-19, not numbers of positive test results received. Multiple results are often reported for an individual (positive, negative, or otherwise) due to repeat testing, but a single positive test for each individual is used for case counting.

LDH uses an extensive deduplication process involving automated and manual review to account for non-exact person matches due to data entry errors, incomplete data, and other issues in the lab data reported to LDH.

Despite our best efforts, there may still be a small number of duplicate records in our dataset, and these will be resolved as they are detected, which may lead to changes in case counts. The actual number of cases is likely higher than reported here due to test reporting lags, incomplete testing, and undetected cases among asymptomatic individuals.

Q: My tests were done by a Quest Diagnostics lab. What’s the process getting my results from Quest?

Laboratory results for a Quest Diagnostics lab will be sent to you through the secure MyQuest online portal or app. Sign up at MyQuestDiagnostics.com or download the app on the Apple App Store of Google Play.

If you have difficulty scheduling your appointment, please call Quest’s dedicated COVID-19 line at 866-448-7719, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM

Q: Can I get a test from Quest Labs without a doctor’s order?

Testing sites at a Walmart in Shreveport and one a Walmart in LaPlace are using Quest Diagnostics as their lab partner. Tests are available to people who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and all health care providers and first responders.

The sites are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. The testing site will require an appointment through Quest’s MyQuestTM online portal and app, www.MyQuestCOVIDTest.com, which will screen and schedule appointments for those individuals that meet medical eligibility for the testing sites.

If you have difficulty scheduling your appointment, please call Quest’s dedicated COVID-19 line at 866-448-7719, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM

Q: My tests were done by LabCorp. What’s the process of getting my results?

Results for tests conducted by LabCorp can be accessed through their online portal at www.labcorp.com/results or their mobile app. Download the LabCorp Mobile App on the Apple App Store of Google Play.

LabCorp processed the tests conducted at UNO and at Armstrong Park.

Q: Do hospitals have policies in place to keep inpatients who have been tested for COVID-19 and whose tests are pending from having visitors in their rooms?

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are restricting non-essential personnel from visiting people in their facilities. Patients under investigation (awaiting testing) should not have visitors, and healthcare personnel should be wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.

Q: Is the State testing patients who are in jail?

Patients who are suspected to have COVID-19 and who reside in a correctional facility or in a long term care facility are appropriate for testing by the State lab.

Q: Of the people who have tested positive so far in Louisiana, how many have needed hospitalization?

The most up-to-date information about cases, deaths, hospitalizations and other data can be found at the  Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus 

Q: What are the appropriate swab kits to use for COVID19 testing?

Providers can use any available Viral Transport Media (VTM) or Universal Transport Media (UTM) available to them, making sure to follow instructions on the testing materials and ensuring the vial is completely closed and sealed.

Q: If an employee on the oil rig tests positive for COVID-19, should we isolate them on the rig or send them home?

According to the CDC, it is safer to remove the worker from the rig. Patients can be more safely isolated in a hospital or home setting, and it’s better to have the patient close to medical care in the event that that person’s health worsens.

Q: Is everyone who dies being tested for COVID-19?

The only decedents who should be tested for COVID-19 by a coroner are those people who die with respiratory symptoms that are suggestive of a COVID-19, AND who did not have a link to someone with a known COVID-19. There is no need to test those who die of a “COVID-19-like” illness if they have been associated with another case (we’ll consider this a COVID-19 death). In addition, there is no need to test for COVID-19 in a person who did not die of a severe respiratory illness suggestive of COVID-19.

Q: What determines whether or not a fatality is attributed to COVID-19?

When we've counted a death as a COVID-19 death it means there has been a positive test result. It does not necessarily mean it is the cause of death. The cause of death could be a combination of COVID-19 and underlying conditions/complications.

Q: What is the COVID app that LDH is promoting? How do I get it and why is it beneficial to have this on my phone? Should I be concerned about my privacy?

The app is called COVID Defense, and is available for iPhones, Google and Android phones.

The app allows users to receive notifications informing them if there is a risk they were exposed to someone who has tested positive for the virus. Use of the technology is completely voluntary, private, and secure. COVID Defense does not collect the location of a phone or individual to detect exposure, and it does not share a user's identity. App users must opt in to use the tool and may opt out at any time. No personal information is required to use the app.

COVID Defense can be downloaded in the iPhone App Store or Android Google Play Store. For more information or to download the application, visit coviddefensela.com.

Q: What are the current CDC testing requirements for international travel to the US?

Here are the latest CDC domestic and international travel guidelines: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC  and International Travel | CDC 

Q: Where can my infant or young child under age two be tested for COVID-19?

Please contact your pediatrician about testing your infant/child for COVID-19.

Q: How available are at-home tests to detect COVID-19.

Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are at pharmacies and other locations throughout the state.

Q: What is the cost for at-home COVID-19 test kits?

Beginning January 15, 2022, private insurance companies and group health plans will be required to cover the cost of over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests. This means that most consumers with private health coverage can go online or to a pharmacy/store to buy a test, and either get it paid for up front by their health plan, or get reimbursed for the cost by submitting a claim to their plan. 

Individuals are eligible for up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests per month. That means a family of four, all on the same plan, would be able to get up to 32 of these tests covered by their health plan per month.

Medicaid is already currently covering the costs of over-the-counter, at home COVID-19 tests. Medicare pays for COVID-19 diagnostic tests performed by a laboratory and individuals enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan should check with their plan to see if their plan offers coverage and payment for at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 tests.

Q: Where/how do I report positive test results from over-the-counter COVID test kits? 

Please call the COVID-19 Support Hotline for the Louisiana Department of Health: 1-855-453-0774

Q: Is there any danger using an at-home test kit for COVID-19?

No, when used correctly, all at-home COVID-19 tests are safe. There have been some reports of children getting sick after ingesting the liquid included with the test, or someone using the plastic vials as eye drops. If people use the test as directed and exercise caution when small children are present, the tests are perfectly safe.

Q: What should I do while I wait for my test results? Can I go out in public and/or return to work?

The Department of Health strongly urges all people to self-quarantine while awaiting a test result. Testing does not replace quarantining.

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: Does Medicare cover the cost of at-home Covid test kits?

Medicare announced on April 4 that millions of enrollees will have access to free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at drug stores. The tests are available to Medicare enrollees with “Part B” outpatient coverage. They can get up to eight free at-home tests per month.

Q: Is LDH giving out free at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits? Where can I get them? At the end of December, the Louisiana Department of Health in partnership with fire stations across the state distributed a limited supply of free at-home rapid COVID-19 tests to anyone who needed them up to two test kits per household)

This free distribution has ended.

Q: Is the federal government giving out free at-home COVID-19 Test Kits? How do I get them?

Yes, you are able to order free Covid-19 test tits online at covidtests.gov and by phone (see below). January 2022 the Biden administration purchased one billion kits and made them available to the public. At the time, only one test kit – with four individual tests – could be ordered per postal address. As of March 2022, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order an additional free set of at-⁠home tests. If you ordered your first set in January then you can order a second set now. Those who have not yet placed an order can now order two sets of kits.

Here’s what you need to know about ordering:

You can also place an order by phone at 1-800-232-0233 and the hearing impaired can call 1-888-720-7489 for assistance. The call center is open 8am - midnight ET seven days a week and offers assistance in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages.

COVID-19 VACCINES

Q: Who is eligible to receive a vaccine at a pharmacy or other provider?

Everyone 6 months of age and older in the state of Louisiana is eligible for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. J&J is available for individuals 18 and older.

For a person younger than age 18, parental/caregiver consent is needed to get the shot. To make it easy, the Louisiana Department of Health has developed a consent form that can be found on its website at: covidvaccine.la.gov

Q: Is parental consent needed for a person under age 18 to get the COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer)? If so, can the consent be given by someone other than the parent?

Yes and yes. Parental consent for anyone under 18 years old is required. This can be done in person or via signed form found on this page: https://ldh.la.gov/covidvaccine/  If the minor child is accompanied by an adult who is not the parent, the form is still required and is valid.

Emancipated youths should check with the vaccine provider to determine what documentation (if any) is needed.

Q: Can a parent or legal guardian give consent over the phone for a minor to receive COVID-19 vaccination?

Yes, although a written or electronic consent is preferable, over-the-phone consent can be used, if necessary.

Q: Are children eligible for the vaccine?

Yes, as of June 18th 2022 children 6 months of age and older became eligible for the Pfizer and Moderna Covid Vaccines. For additional guidance please go to the Children and Vaccines section of this document.

Q: I am currently pregnant. Is it safe for me to get the COVID-19 vaccination?

According to the CDC, if you are pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. COVID-19 during pregnancy increases risks for severe complications and can also increase chances for preterm birth.

Two leading obstetricians’ groups, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, endorse the vaccine for pregnant women. They said vaccinations in tens of thousands of pregnant women over the past several months have shown the shots are safe and effective during pregnancy.

If you have questions about getting vaccinated during pregnancy, a conversation with your healthcare provider might help, but is not required for vaccination. You can also contact MotherToBaby at 1-866-626-6847. Experts are available to answer questions in English or Spanish. The free and confidential service is available Monday–Friday 8am–5pm (EST)

Q: Where can I find a location to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Q: Do I have to make an appointment or can I just walk in?

Patients must contact a participating provider or register online with the provider to make an appointment. You can find a provider at the federal vaccine locator site https://www.vaccines.gov/.  Patients who arrive without an appointment will not be vaccinated. Vaccinations are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

If you need assistance scheduling a vaccine please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: What is the COVID-19 Support Vaccine Hotline? Is the Vaccine Hotline still active?

As of March 10, 2022 LDH now has a COVID-19 Support Hotline: 1-855-453-0774. This hotline merges the former contact tracing and COVID-19 vaccine hotlines to provide the public with one convenient resource to get their COVID-19 and vaccine questions answered.

The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. All calls are confidential and phone menu options are listed in both English and Spanish.

The COVID-19 Support Hotline helps residents:

Q: What do I do if there is no pharmacy or other vaccine provider near me?

The Department of Health is working every day to enroll more pharmacies and other providers in the COVID vaccination program.

For a full list of the vaccine providers and locations please go to Vaccines.gov - Find COVID-19 vaccine locations near you and (next page)

If you need assistance assistance finding a location or scheduling a vaccine please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: How and when will nursing home residents be vaccinated?

All Louisiana nursing homes are being vaccinated via a partnership between the federal government, CVS and Walgreens.

Q: How does the vaccine work?

Unlike many vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccine does not contain a dead or a weakened virus that triggers an immune response. Instead, the COVID-19 vaccine contains a genetic instruction manual that tells your immune system how to respond and protect you from exposure to the actual virus.

The technology used in the vaccines is not new. It is called mRNA, or messenger RNA, and it has been around for decades. This is the first time mRNA has been used in a vaccine, but the effect is the same as other vaccines: Your body gets protection without the serious consequences of a severe illness due to COVID-19 exposure.

Q: Are the vaccines safe?

The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority. The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe, as an additional layer of safety monitoring to increase our ability to rapidly detect any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines. By using v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: What if I’m concerned about allergies or adverse reactions to the vaccines?

According to the CDC, if you previously had an immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccines (even if it was not severe), you should not get either of the currently available vaccines, Pfizer or Moderna.

Those with a history of allergies, however, should consult with their doctor before getting vaccinated.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to the vaccine? What should I do if I have these symptoms after getting the vaccine?

All people who get a COVID-19 vaccine should be monitored on site. People who have had severe allergic reactions or who have had any type of immediate allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after getting the vaccine. All other people should be monitored for at least 15 minutes after getting the vaccine. 

If you experience a severe allergic reaction after getting a COVID-19 vaccine and leaving the site, you should call 911.

In most cases, discomfort from pain or fever is a normal sign that your body is building protection. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider if the redness or tenderness where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours or if your side effects do not seem to be going away after a few days.

Please visit the CDC website for more information about allergic reactions and how to report them  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: If an individual gets the first vaccine and has an allergic reaction to the shot, should they get the second dose?

According to the CDC, if you previously had an immediate allergic reaction - even if it was not severe - to any ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccines, you should not get either of the currently available vaccines, Pfizer or Moderna.

If you had an immediate allergic reaction after getting the first dose of a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get the second dose. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist in allergies and immunology to provide more care or advice.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Regarding allergic reactions, if someone had a reaction after taking the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine can/should they take the J&J vaccine? And, if someone did not take the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine due to concerns of allergic reaction should they have the same concerns about taking the J&J?

No, if the patient had an allergic reaction to either Pfizer or Moderna, it is not recommended at this point that they get either a second dose of the same vaccine, or get a different vaccine brand (including J&J).  That may change in the future though.  If they have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine, all future vaccinations should be discussed with their primary MD.

Q: Are there side effects to getting the vaccine?

Minor side effects are a normal sign that the body is building protection. Common minor side effects include pain and swelling in the arm along with fever, chills, tiredness, or a headache often lasting 24-36 hours. Pain at the injection site can be relieved by applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area. The discomfort from fever includes drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly.

These normal side effects may feel like a minor flu and even affect the ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: If I get the vaccine, when should I expect to have side effects?

You may experience some side effects that can occur within the first three days of vaccination, and resolve within 1–3 days of onset. These minor side effects include soreness, facial redness or flushing, an increased or rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath. Some people have no side effects.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Will the second dose of the vaccine have the same side effects as the first?

Side effects after your second shot may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot. These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: How common is a severe medical reaction to the COVID vaccine?

The most common reaction to the vaccine is an allergic reaction. The CDC has just issued a report on these allergic reactions and found that during the first 1.8 million first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, there were 21 severe reactions (11.1 cases per million doses). The large majority occurred within 15 minutes of vaccination. For this reason, people with a history of allergic reactions to vaccines are monitored for 30 minutes after getting the shot. To date, there have been zero such reactions to patients in Louisiana. For comparison, the allergic reaction to the flu vaccine is just above 1 case per million doses.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: I received the vaccine and now my arm has a large knot at the injection site that is raised, red, and warm to the touch.  What should I do to treat this?

Reactions to the vaccine at the site of the injection are very common.  Redness, warmth, swelling, and pain are all very common. The treatment is to apply ice (which decreases inflammation), take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain (unless your doctor has advised you not to use these medications), and time.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Can the COVID-19 vaccine be administered at the same time as other routine vaccines?

Yes. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines may now be administered without regard to timing. This includes simultaneous administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines on the same day, as well as co-administration within 14 days.

CDC’s extensive experience with non-COVID-19 vaccines has demonstrated that vaccine effectiveness and adverse event profiles are generally similar when vaccines are administered simultaneously as when they are administered alone.

Q: Will other vaccines such as the flu vaccine protect me from Covid-19?

No. While getting your annual flu vaccine is always a good idea, as it helps protect both you and the community from what can be a serious virus, it will not provide any protection against the Covid-19 virus. Only the three currently authorized vaccinations (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) will provide protection against Covid-19.

Q: Will the vaccines be ok for a person with cancer, who is immunocompromised, or has a chronic disease?

People with certain health conditions, including cancer, may be at higher risk for serious disease if they get COVID. However, the COVID vaccine was not tested on patients undergoing cancer treatments or patients during clinical trials. As the vaccine becomes more widely available, there will be more information learned about the indications, benefits, and side effects in people with serious health conditions. You should always consult with your doctor to get the most up-to-date information so you can make an informed decision about vaccination.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: How long will the vaccine offer protection?

This is a new vaccine so it is still unknown as there is not enough information at this point to know how long the vaccine will protect against the coronavirus. As more people are vaccinated, we will have more information about how long the protection will last.

Q: How much does it cost to get vaccinated?

While we remain in the pandemic the federal government has ensured that vaccines are made available to those in need without cost to the individual. A provider cannot ask a patient for payment, though they can bill insurance for a vaccine administration fee or the federal government if the person is uninsured. A provider also may not bill for a regular office visit to administer the vaccine.

Q: I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.

If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: How long must a person wait before getting the COVID vaccine if they had COVID?

Vaccination should be deferred until the person has recovered from the acute illness (if the person had symptoms) and criteria have been met for them to discontinue isolation. This recommendation applies to people who develop COVID-19 infection before receiving any vaccine doses, those who develop COVID-19 infection after the first dose but before receipt of the second dose, and those who tested positive on an antibody test prior to receiving any vaccine dose.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Is it possible to have a positive result for COVID after getting the vaccine?

Antibody tests should (and hopefully will be) positive following vaccination. However, if a person is infected with COVID (even though they have been vaccinated), they could still be positive on a viral test. Getting vaccinated will not make you positive on a viral test if you are not infected with the actual virus.

Q: Do I have to go to a pharmacy or other vaccine provider in my parish?

No. You can make an appointment with any pharmacy or other provider that has the vaccine.

Q: Do I have to go back to the same pharmacy or provider for the second dose?

Yes. The pharmacy or provider where you received your first dose will have the record of that vaccination and are automatically scheduled to receive 2nd dose shipments.

The Department of Health has given guidance to vaccine providers to make sure and schedule people for their 2nd doses before they leave after receiving their 1st dose of vaccine.

For any issues scheduling your second dose please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline: 1-855-453-0774

Q: What do I do if I am homebound and cannot visit a COVID-19 vaccine provider?

Anyone who is unable to leave their home for any reason and is interested in getting a vaccination, can schedule a free shot at their home. Call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline: 1-855-453-0774 or visit www.ldh.la.gov/inhomeshots        

If you speak Spanish or Vietnamese, call the same toll-free hotline at 855-453-0774 and ask for a translator.

If you are d/Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing, call the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf at 800-256-1523 (voice) or 225-228-1203 (video) or by email lcd@la.gov        

The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.          

Q: How do I get information about the number of vaccine doses that have been given out in Louisiana and in my parish?

The Department of Health has a dashboard on its covid vaccine website – covidvaccine.la.gov – that provides vaccine information. At this time, we have data at the regional level. In time, we hope to offer more and more detailed information on the dashboard.

Q: Is the vaccine only available to Louisiana residents or can someone from out of state get the vaccine?

Louisiana is not limiting vaccinations to Louisiana residents. People from out of state who meet Louisiana state eligibility requirements can make an appointment for a vaccine. 

Q: Can people who immigrated to the United States or who are visiting from another country receive a vaccination in Louisiana? Do they need to show documentation?

The vaccine is available to anyone who meets the current age, health status or eligibility group status. Louisiana or U.S. citizenship is not a requirement.

Q: What if I don’t have an ID? Can I still get the vaccine if I’m in an eligible age group?

While the guidance from LDH does encourage providers to ask for some form of ID to assess age, if the person has no ID they will accept self-attestation.

Q: Do I have to be a patient or current customer at a vaccine provider to make an appointment or will vaccine providers prioritize their own patients/customers for vaccine appointments?

When offering the vaccine or setting appointments, providers cannot limit vaccination to their existing patients.LDH encourages and expects a fair and equitable process that does not advantage or disadvantage any one group or classification of patient/recipient over another.

Please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline if you need assistance scheduling a vaccine with a provider: 1-855-453-0774

Q: I got my first dose at Walgreens but have been unable to find out when I need to go back for my second dose. What should I do?

Please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline for assistance scheduling your second dose: 1-855-453-0774

Q: Can a COVID positive person receive their second dose of the vaccine?

Whether it’s for the first or second dose of the vaccine, someone with a known COVID-19 infection should put off their vaccination until they have recovered from symptoms or the criteria has been met for them to discontinue isolation.

Q: I prefer one brand of the vaccine instead of the other(s). How can I find a place that is using the brand I prefer?

The best way is to go to the federal government’s vaccine locator website to find options for providers administering the brand you prefer closest to your zip code https://www.vaccines.gov/        

For assistance scheduling an appointment please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Who do I contact if I’m interested in becoming a COVID-19 vaccine provider?

LDH has established a COVID-19 Provider Enrollment Hotline to assist potential COVID-19 vaccination providers with enrolling in the program. If there are questions related to enrollment, please call 225-325-5880. A team member will be available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm (excluding holidays) to help complete the enrollment process. The following help will be provided:

For technical assistance with LA LINKS, providers should email: LA.LINKS@la.gov

Q: I have moved to Louisiana from another state where I received my first dose of the COVID vaccine. How and/or where can I get my second dose in Louisiana? 

You can search the federal government’s vaccine locator website to find options for providers closest to your zip code https://www.vaccines.gov/        and contact them about receiving your second dose.

For assistance scheduling an appointment please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Why should I get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine instead of Moderna & Pfizer? Is it as effective as the other two?

People should get any FDA-approved COVID vaccine as soon as it becomes available..

After rigorous trials and evaluation, the FDA has found the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be safe and effective. It has been authorized for use, just like the other two vaccines. Just like the other vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 100 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.

You are also fully vaccinated with one dose of this vaccine, whereas the other authorized vaccines are two doses. There are many people who actually prefer a one and done vaccine.

 Q: I heard in the news there are concerns about  the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being morally compromised? What should I do?

LDH encourages residents to consult their doctors or medical professionals in their communities in making an informed decision. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe and effective, and is another tool that will help us protect communities and ultimately end the COVID pandemic that has cost us more than 9,600 lives in Louisiana. LDH encourages residents to take the first vaccine made available to them - if they pass it up it could quite literally cost them their life.

Q: Are fetal cells used to make the COVID-19 vaccines?

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any aborted fetal cells. However, Pfizer and Moderna did perform confirmation tests (to ensure the vaccines work) using fetal cell lines. And Johnson & Johnson uses fetal cell lines in vaccine development, confirmation and production. Fetal cell lines are cells that grow in a laboratory. They descend from cells taken from elective abortions in the 1970s and 1980s. Those individual cells from the 1970s and 1980s have since multiplied into many new cells over the past four or five decades, creating fetal cell lines. Current fetal cell lines are thousands of generations removed from the original fetal tissue. They do not contain any tissue from a fetus.

Q: Where can I get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine? Is it being distributed to every parish?

The best way is to go to the federal government’s vaccine locator website to find options for providers administering the J&J vaccine closest to your zip code https://www.vaccines.gov/        

For assistance scheduling an appointment please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: If I have asthma, can I take either of the two-shot series vaccines or do I have to wait for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

The medical literature does not suggest that the J&J vaccine is preferable to the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine in patients with asthma. In fact, asthma was a high-risk condition before J&J came out. We advise patients to get any vaccine that is available and convenient, and not wait.

Q: Can someone with or who has previously had Guillain-Barre Syndrome get the COVID shot?

People who have previously had GBS may receive a COVID-19 vaccine. To date, no cases of GBS have been reported following vaccination in participants in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. One case of GBS was reported in a vaccinated participant in the Johnson & Johnson clinical trial (compared to one GBS case among those who received placebo). With few exceptions, the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) general best practice guidelines for immunization do not include a history of GBS as a precaution to vaccination with other vaccines.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: I was ill and had to reschedule my second dose vaccine appointment, but found out that the provider who gave me my first shot has switched vaccine brands or says I need to find another provider to get my next shot?

Please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline for assistance scheduling your second dose: 1-855-453-0774

Q: How do I volunteer to help with getting more people vaccinated and/or the “Bring Back Louisiana” initiative?

Go to covidvaccine.la.gov and click on “How Can I Volunteer” or go directly to the Louisiana Volunteers in Action website that is administered by the Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health: https://www.lava.dhh.louisiana.gov/

Q: I’m currently sick with COVID. Can I get the vaccine?

Per the CDC - No. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation. People without symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.

Q: Do I need to stay in my provider’s office after I get the vaccine?

Yes. Everyone who gets a COVID-19 vaccination will wait at the location of where they got the shot for 15 minutes. During this time, healthcare professionals are watching to make sure everything is OK. That’s because if something were to happen, it would happen quickly. Things that we are looking for are facial redness or flushing, an increased or rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath. Some people may be asked to wait for 30 minutes if they have allergies or have had an allergic reaction to a shot or to some

Q: Can the COVID-19 vaccines change my DNA?

No. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way.

Q: What are the ingredients in the vaccines?

Each of the three Covid-19 vaccines currently authorized for use in the US have slightly different sets of ingredients, but in general, they contain a delivery mechanism that triggers our body’s immune system to create antibodies to the virus, plus a blend of lipids (fats), salts, and sugars that help to stabilize and deliver the active ingredient. You can find a detailed listing of ingredients for each vaccine on the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html

None of the vaccines contain: eggs, preservatives, latex, fetal cell tissue or microchips.

Q: Can I choose which vaccine I get?

The recommendation is that you get the first vaccine which is available to you so that you can get the protection you need against the virus.

You can go to  the federal government’s vaccine locator website to search options for providers by different brands closest to your zip code https://www.vaccines.gov/       

For assistance scheduling an appointment please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: What is the current status of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?

On April 23, a CDC panel recommended that the pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine be lifted. The panel also recommended that a warning label be added to the vaccine packaging noting the very rare blood clotting disorder risk. Based on the panel’s recommendation, the FDA ended the pause; states and local jurisdictions can now resume use of the J&J vaccine.

Q: Should I be concerned about the safety of other vaccines?

The identification of what is approximately a less than 2-in-a-million risk associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a sign that the nation’s safety monitoring system for COVID vaccines is working. After any vaccine is successful in clinical trials and approved for use, the FDA continues to monitor it for safety. The pause in the use of the J&J vaccine allowed scientists to evaluate each incidence of the clotting disorder. They determined that the level of risk was very low and that the benefits of continued use of the J&J vaccine greatly outweighed any risk associated with it.

Q: What was learned during the Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause?

The 10-day pause gave health officials time to review additional data to better understand the degree of risk associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine related to a blood clotting disorder. It also gave federal agencies and the medical community time to determine and share information on the most appropriate treatment response. The decision to lift the pause is based on the experts’ determination that the benefits of again administering the vaccine greatly outweigh the very small degree of risk associated with its use.

Q: Who is at risk for the blood clotting disorder associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

The likelihood of the blood clotting disorder resulting from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is extremely rare. The risk varies by age and gender. There have been fewer than 1 case per million for men and for women who are 50 years or older; the risk is estimated to be about 7 cases per million for women ages 18 to 49. If you have questions about the J&J vaccine or other vaccines, talk to your doctor. You can also talk with a medical professional at the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774.

Q: If I got the Johnson & Johnson shot, am I at risk?

If you received the Johnson & Johnson shot and have not developed any of the side effects associated with the blood clotting disorder (severe headache or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, neurological symptoms, leg swelling) within three weeks of being vaccinated, the risk of an adverse reaction is unlikely. If you have questions or concerns, consult your doctor. You can also talk with a medical professional at the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774.

Q: If I’m offered the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, should I wait until I can get either Pfizer or Moderna?

For most people, getting the first available COVID vaccine is the best thing you can do to safeguard your health. Your odds of contracting a possibly life-threatening case of COVID-19 are much higher than your odds of serious side effects from the vaccine.

Q: Is it OK for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to be Pfizer if my first dose was Moderna? Or the reverse of this?

According to the CDC, every effort should be made to determine which vaccine product was received as the first dose to ensure completion of the vaccine series with the same product.

In exceptional situations – such as when the vaccine product given for the first dose cannot be determined or is no longer available – any available mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be administered at a minimum interval of 28 days between doses to complete the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series.

If you would like to discuss these concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: I have heard that some people are getting sick with COVID-19 after getting vaccinated. Is this possible?

 

Yes, this is possible since no vaccine is 100 percent effective. With almost 70 million people now fully vaccinated, there have been a few of these breakthrough cases. These cases represent a tiny percentage of those who have been fully vaccinated, and experts say they are neither unexpected nor occurring at an alarming rate. Indeed, the rarity of the breakthrough illnesses in the context of the vast scale of inoculations reinforces the encouraging message from public health experts: The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective.

Q: Right after getting my second shot, I received an automated message from the pharmacy stating I needed to make an appointment for my second shot. Why did I get this call?

The pharmacy in question has a gap in their IT system that is causing this automated message. They are aware of the problem and are implementing a fix that should be completed in June. The problem is, in a very limited amount of cases, the pharmacy has noticed that their system doesn’t sync with the notification system and it generates these calls. If the patient is concerned – and they shouldn’t be – they are encouraged to call the store to make sure the record for the second shot is in the system.

Q: What if I or a friend/family member have a disability? Is there support for accessing vaccines?

Yes, On June 8, 2021 the U.S. Health and Human Services launched a national hotline to connect people with disabilities to information and services to improve access to COVID-19 vaccines. This hotline, called the Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) 888-677-1199 from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT, is now available to help people with disabilities

DIAL is operated as a collaboration between a consortium of organizations serving people with disabilities and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), which administers the Eldercare Locator.

Information to learn more about and connect with DIAL: acl.gov/dial; 888-677-1199 from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET; DIAL@n4a.org

Q: What are the chances of young people getting myocarditis or pericarditis after getting an mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) vaccination?

There has been a rare connection between myocarditis and pericarditis and the vaccines in a small number of individuals. However, according to numerous leading healthcare groups, the benefits of the vaccines greatly outweigh the risk.

The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviewed the concern and concluded, “Myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle and surrounding tissue) is an extremely rare side effect, and only an exceedingly small number of people will experience it after vaccination. In addition, myocarditis and pericarditis are much more common if you get COVID-19, and the risks to the heart from COVID-19 infection can be more severe.”

The recommendation is as such, “Get vaccinated right away. This is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, your community, and to return to a more normal lifestyle safely and quickly.”

If you would like to discuss concerns with a medical professional please call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline 1-855-453-0774

Q: Is it possible to test positive for COVID after getting fully vaccinated?

Yes, but it is rare. According to the CDC, a small percentage of people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will still develop COVID-19 illness if they are exposed to the virus that causes it. These are called “vaccine breakthrough cases.” It is also possible that some fully vaccinated people might have infections, but not have symptoms (asymptomatic infections).

Q: I received a J&J shot that data shows might be less effective than the other vaccines with the COVID variants, should I be more concerned about getting COVID? Some doctors have recommended getting a booster shot with Pfizer or Moderna – should I do that?

Through clinical trials and real life use, all approved vaccines have been shown to be equally effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Right now, there is no information to confirm you need a second shot with J&J even with the Delta variant. The CDC has not approved a booster shot for J&J, but J&J has submitted data to the FDA for review.

Q: Can I still register for the Shot At A Million Lottery for getting my COVID-19 Vaccine?

No, the registration link closed at noon on July 31st and the state is no longer accepting more people ahead of the final drawings in August. The next weekly cash prize and scholarship will be announced on August 6 and the final grand prize announcement of $1M along with 5 scholarships will be held on August 13th. If you are not aware of the public announcement by the governor on these dates you can go to the website for the list of winners https://shotatamillion.com/        

Q: Does my employer have access to my vaccination records?

No, vaccination records, like all medical records, are available only to the patient, the individual’s healthcare provider and to select other public health officials.

Q: How can I prove my vaccination status?

There are several legally acceptable methods:

1.       You can carry your physical vaccination card, which you received at the time you got your shots. If you do so, consider having it laminated.

2.       You can use Louisiana’s digital driver’s license app, LA Wallet, to digitally display your Covid vaccination status (LA Wallet is available here: https://lawallet.com/.)

3.       You can register with Louisiana’s online vaccine registry, MyIR, and have the option to either print or digitally display a Covid-19 vaccine status.You can access MyIR here.

4.       Finally, you could go to your healthcare provider and ask them to print a copy of your vaccination records on their official letterhead, with a date and signature, just as you would for a child’s vaccination status for their schools.

Q: I have lost/misplaced my COVID-19 vaccine card. How can I get another one?

You can register or log into MyIR to see all of your Louisiana vaccination records, and print out a copy of your records, which will also serve as proof of vaccination status. You can access MyIR here.

If you prefer or are not able to do that online, please contact the vaccine provider. They will have your records on file, and will be able to fill a new card out for you. If you received your vaccination at a site which is no longer in operation, your local parish health unit or primary care physician will be able to access your records on Louisiana’s Immunization Information System, LINKS. Please be sure that all details entered are a match for your Louisiana driver’s license or state ID, including name, DOB, address, and zip code, or you will not be able to download your vaccination status to LA Wallet.

Q: I was vaccinated for COVID-19 and am trying to use the LA Wallet app to show my vaccination status, but I cannot get it to work. Can you help?

Your information will not show up in LA Wallet unless the information in the Immunization Registry (LINKS) exactly matches that on your driver’s license. For example, if your name is Robert on your driver’s license, but was entered as Bob or Rob in LINKS, the system won’t work for you. It’s the same if there are different addresses in the two systems. Please make sure the details entered into LINKS precisely match what is shown on your Louisiana driver’s license: name, date of birth, address, and zip code.

To fix an information problem such as name or address, you will need to have your vaccine provider, your doctor or staff at the Parish Health Unit update your information in the state’s LINKS vaccine registry so that the two records are an exact match. If you do this, we encourage you to stay at that site and attempt to update your LA Wallet and see if your vaccination record appears.

If unsuccessful, LA Wallet has established a robust online help system. The link is: https://lawallet.com/support/ Click on the Covid Status icon and you’ll find information that will help you make this connection. There is also a phone helpline at: 225-263-4488.

Q: I was vaccinated for COVID in another state. How can I get that vaccination record to show up in LA Wallet? What if I lost that vaccination card?

LA Wallet cannot access a vaccination record from another state. An out-of-state vaccination will not show up in the Louisiana Immunization Network’s (LINKS) database which syncs with LA Wallet for COVID vaccination records. However, you should contact the Immunization Registry of the state where you were vaccinated and request your information if you do not already have a vaccination card. Once you have received this information, your healthcare provider in Louisiana will be able to enter the information into LINKS. If you prefer, you can visit a Parish Health Unit and the staff there can access LINKS and enter your COVID vaccination as well. Please make sure the details entered into LINKS precisely match what is shown on your Louisiana driver’s license: name, date of birth, address, and zip code.

Q: I was vaccinated at a VA clinic. However, my vaccination record is not showing up in the LA Wallet.

Currently, the COVID vaccination records of VA patients are not accessible to LA Wallet. However, the Office of Public Health is working with the Veterans Administration to add the vaccination records of VA patients to the Louisiana Immunization Network (LINKS) system per a data sharing agreement.

When this agreement is complete, the vaccination records of VA patients will be available in the LINKS system, and accessible by LA Wallet. Although we do not have an estimate of when this will occur, this process will one day allow Louisiana’ VA patients to have their COVID-19 vaccination records appear on the LA Wallet app. We encourage VA patients to routinely check the LA Wallet app and see if their COVID vaccination record is visible.

Q: I am a member of the military and received my vaccination from my Army unit (or Air Force, National Guard, Navy, etc). However, my vaccination record is not showing up in LA Wallet. Can this be fixed?

Not at this time. The COVID vaccination records of anyone working for the Department of Defense is not accessible to LA Wallet. 

Q: What is the v-safe app?

The v-safe app uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from the CDC may call to check on you and get more information. V-safe will also remind you to get your second COVID- 19 vaccine dose if needed. For more information, go here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html

Q: When will the FDA fully approve the three available COVID-19 vaccines?

Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have received full CDC and FDA approval. These two vaccines now carry the strongest endorsement from the FDA for people age 16 and over.

Q: Can I use ivermectin to treat COVID-19? I heard there was a study that showed it was effective?

No. Ivermectin is not considered safe for treating or preventing COVID-19. However, there is misinformation on the internet that has resulted in some people mistakenly believing the drug can be used for humans, and many people are now requiring medical support and have been hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin.

Key information:

***If you have already consumed Ivermectin to treat or prevent COVID-19 please immediately consult with your healthcare provider or call the poison control center.

Q: I recently received my third dose or a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Will this show up in my LA Wallet app?

Yes. In a few days, LA Wallet will release an upgraded version of their app. This update will include a listing of all COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as the green check mark that indicates your “fully vaccinated status.” Note, whether or not you get an extra shot, the green check appears once you receive two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of J&J. 

Q: Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Yes, you can get the shots in the same visit. CDC and other health experts say that past experience shows  vaccines work as they should and any side effects are similar whether the shots are given separately or in the same visit.

Q: Is the state of Louisiana recommending a third dose of vaccine for immunocompromised people who received their two vaccine doses?

Yes. Third doses of the COVID vaccine are available for people with compromised immune systems. A third dose is considered part of the vaccine series for people with weakened immune systems and not a booster vaccine. Following CDC’s new recommendation in mid-August, the Louisiana Department of Health is allowing third doses for people whose immune systems are compromised moderately to severely and are fully vaccinated with an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

The third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can be received at least 28 days after their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Effective 01/06/22 – Moderately or severely immunocompromised children ages 5-11 are recommended to receive an additional primary (or third) dose of vaccine 28 days after completing their second initial series vaccination. At this time, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for ages 5-11.

People recommended to receive an additional dose include those who have:

•         Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood

•         Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

•         Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

•         Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)

•         Advanced or untreated HIV infection

•         Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

•         Other conditions which cause moderate or severe immunosuppression similar to the above conditions

Q: What is the difference between a booster dose and a third/supplemental dose?

Booster Dose: A Pfizer booster dose for added protection is available to everyone in Louisiana age 18 and above who have completed their COVID vaccination series: Pfizer/Moderna after 6 months; Johnson & Johnson after 2 months.

3rd Dose/Supplemental Dose: People with a weak immune system can receive an additional dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least 28 days after getting their second shot. The 3rd dose should be the same as the first 2 doses.

Q: Where can I get a booster vaccine? 

Booster shots are given at the same vaccine locations where COVID-19 are administered, which can be found at https://www.vaccines.gov/ There are no vaccine sites designated only for booster shots and you don’t have to get it at the same location you received your first two shots.

Q: What do I need to do to prove that I am eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccine providers have been alerted that patients can verbally self-attest that they are eligible based on the eligibility guidance listed above for each vaccine. There is no requirement for a written self-attestation form.

Q: Can I get a COVID vaccine that is different from the dose(s) I first received?

Yes. The FDA and CDC have approved what is known as “mix-and-match” booster shots to increase antibodies to fight the coronavirus. Under the decision from CDC, eligible people can get any of the three available booster doses, regardless of which shot they received first.

Q: What does “mixing and matching” COVID-19 vaccines mean?

A patient who receives a second or third dose that is from a different manufacturer than the prior dose will be “mixing and matching” vaccines. An example would be a person who got the Johnson & Johnson shot in the spring and receives a Moderna booster this fall. Someone who received two initial doses of the Moderna vaccine but opts for the Pfizer booster would also be mixing and matching.

Q: Is mixing and matching COVID-19 vaccines safe?

Experts say there is no evidence that receiving two different COVID-19 vaccines causes any harm. A recent study presented to the CDC tracked people who received mix-and-match boosters. None of the participants reported any severe adverse events related to the vaccines.

Q: Why should I consider mixing-and-matching vaccines?

Allowing people to receive any vaccine as a booster may be good for people eager to get an extra shot ahead of family gatherings this winter. This approach will make it easier to find a booster shot and give healthcare providers more flexibility in offering boosters to patients who previously received a different vaccine than the one they have in stock now.

Also, any booster shot, even if it is the same as your first vaccine, will increase the number of antibodies that can fight the coronavirus. And, in some cases, mixing vaccines may offer better protection, experts say.

Q: Because of the concern about blood clots, should women between the ages of 18 and 48 who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine get one of the two mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) as a booster dose instead of another J&J shot?

CDC has not made this recommendation at this time. Although there is a theory about a connection to blood clots and the J&J vaccine, we encourage women to talk to their healthcare provider about their concerns and their individual situation and personal risks/benefits. They can then make a reasoned, informed decision about the right vaccine and the right booster shot for themselves.

Q: What if I have lost my vaccination card? How is this third shot documented?

All vaccine doses that are administrations must be documented in the Louisiana Immunization Network (LINKS) within 24 hours of vaccination AND on the person’s CDC COVID-19 Vaccination card. If they don’t have their old card, a new card containing just the administered booster dose, clearly marked as such, will be provided to the individual.

Q: Is there a Medicaid $200 vaccine incentive program for getting the COVID-19 Vaccine? How do I know if I’m eligible?

Yes, the Medicaid COVID19 Vaccine Incentive Program is being run by the Medicaid health plans. Medicaid members 6 months of age and older can get a 1st or 2nd or single dose COVID-19 vaccine at the location of their choice and all $200 gift cards are given to members by their health plans. As of December 5th, 2022 this program has been expanded to include those who receive a booster dose. Members who already received an incentive for their first or second dose of the COVID vaccine or the single dose COVID vaccine ARE eligible to receive a second incentive for receiving a vaccine booster dose. Additional information, including eligibility details, is available at www.ldh.la.gov/vaccinegiftcard

Any Medicaid member with additional questions should contact their Medicaid health plan. If you need the contact information for your health plan please go to this webpage where the contact numbers for each plan are listed: https://www.myplan.healthy.la.gov/choose/compare-plans 

Q: Are there any other incentive programs currently in place for the COVID-19 vaccine?

No, there are no other incentive programs in place. The Medicaid incentive program is the only option that some Medicaid members may be eligible for with their health plans. Please see the above question for details.

Q: Why should I consider getting the new Novavax Vaccine as a primary dose or booster instead of the mRNA Vaccines? Is it available in Louisiana?

The CDC and FDA have authorized the new two-dose Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for people 18 years of age and older. The two doses of the Novavax vaccine are administered three to eight weeks apart. Novavax is not currently approved as a booster dose.

About 20% of adults in the U.S. still have not received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines. Many of these people have not gotten vaccines because of concerns about earlier vaccines being rushed or not using traditional vaccine development methods. Novavax is a traditional, protein-based vaccine, and it has been in development for almost two years longer than the three currently available vaccines. This now gives people with the above concerns a safe and effective alternative.

Novavax will soon be available in Louisiana. Call your healthcare provider or pharmacy to see when they will stock Novavax.

Q: What should I do if my vaccination record card becomes full?

Vaccination Record Cards for many recipients of COVID-19 vaccines are now full. This is especially true for those over 50 years of age or immunocompromised individuals seeking additional boosters.

If a vaccination card is full, the CDC recommends the following:

Q: Can I get a COVID-19 and Monkeypox vaccine at the same time?

LDH says it is ok to get both your COVID and Monkeypox vaccinations at the same time. Both vaccines are often offered at Monkeypox vaccine events. For questions about your individual situation and/or other vaccines please speak with your healthcare provider.

Q: Are updated COVID-19 booster shots available to the public? Why should I get this booster? Who is eligible?

Effective December 13, 2022 the CDC recommends (after FDA approval) updated COVID-19 booster shots for anyone 6 months and older.

The updated boosters are formulated to offer continued protection against the original strain, while also offering new protection against two lineages of the Omicron variant, BA.4 and BA.5. Most importantly, COVID-19 vaccines are critical to providing ongoing protection as immunity wanes and the virus continues to mutate.

CDC recommends that people:

Under 6 years old

·         Moderna (authorized for 6 months-5 years): Receive all COVID-19 original (monovalent) primary series doses (2 doses), plus an updated (bivalent) booster.

·         Pfizer (authorized for 6 months-4 years): Receive all COVID-19 original (monovalent) primary series doses (3 doses). No booster is currently recommended for those children who have completed the 3-dose series. Those who have not completed or are in the process of completing their primary series will receive the bivalent booster as their third dose.

6 years old and up

·         Receive all COVID-19 original (monovalent) primary series doses (2 doses) and get a bivalent booster.

Please note that the previous versions of these vaccines are no longer authorized as booster doses.

Individuals who receive a bivalent COVID-19 booster may experience side effects commonly reported by individuals who receive authorized or approved monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

“Mix and matching” of the new bivalent booster dose is allowed. One may receive either the Pfizer or Moderna product regardless of which product they received for their primary series and/or prior booster dose

People should contact their healthcare provider or vaccines.gov to check for availability of the new booster shot. You can check if and when to get COVID-19 boosters with CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool.

 ***People who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, are encouraged to speak with a medical professional. For additional help individuals can call Louisiana’s COVID-19 Support Hotline at 1-855-453-0774 or go to covidvaccine.la.gov.***

Q: How do I know if I’m “up to date” with my COVID-19 Vaccinations?

You are considered up to date if you have completed a primary series and received the most recent booster dose recommended for you by CDC. CDC recommends that people:

Under 6 years old

·         Moderna (authorized for 6 months-5 years): Receive all COVID-19 original (monovalent) primary series doses (2 doses), plus an updated (bivalent) booster.

·         Pfizer (authorized for 6 months-4 years): Receive all COVID-19 original (monovalent) primary series doses (3 doses). No booster is currently recommended for those children who have completed the 3-dose series. Those who have not completed or are in the process of completing their primary series will receive the bivalent booster as their third dose.

6 years old and up

·         Receive all COVID-19 original (monovalent) primary series doses (2 doses) and get a bivalent booster.

You can check if and when to get COVID-19 boosters with CDC’s COVID-19 booster tool.

Vaccine recommendations are based on your age, the vaccine you first received, and the time since the last dose. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines 

***People who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, are encouraged to speak with a medical professional. For additional help individuals can call Louisiana’s COVID-19 Support Hotline at 1-855-453-0774 or go to covidvaccine.la.gov.***

Q: Where can I find the updated bivalent boosters for myself and my children?

LDH encourages parents and caregivers to contact their child’s pediatrician to find out if they offer the COVID-19 booster and to make a plan, as some providers may not receive their initial shipments until next week. Or, visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you, then call or visit the provider’s website to make an appointment. For a person younger than age 18, parental/caregiver consent is needed to get the shot. LDH has developed a consent form that can be found on its website at ldh.la.gov/Covid-19K-12.

Children and Vaccines

Q: Are young children under 12 eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine? What about children under 5?

All Louisiana children ages 6 months and up are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, following the CDC’s approval and FDA’s authorization of the three-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the two-dose Moderna vaccine.

CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) recommend that all eligible children receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and their families. The COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe for children ages 6 months and up and help guard against severe COVID-19 outcomes, including certain heart conditions, long-term complications, hospitalization and death.

Q: Are children eligible to get a booster shot for COVID-19?

Yes, Effective December 13, 2022 Louisiana children ages 6 months and older are now eligible to receive the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster, after the CDC endorsed the FDA’s authorization expanding the ages eligible for the new booster.

Q: Are doses for children 5-11 years of age the same size as adult doses?

No. Children ages 5 to 11 will receive a third of the dose given to teens and adults. That’s 10 micrograms per shot for youngsters, compared to 30 micrograms per shot for everyone 12 and older. Like everybody else, the younger kids will get two shots, three weeks apart.

For Children under 5 years to 6 months:

Q: Where can I go to have my child vaccinated?

Q: Why should you consider getting your child vaccinated?

Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescents and adults in the United States. Vaccinating children will help protect them from getting COVID-19 and therefore reducing their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications.

Getting your children vaccinated can help protect them against COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities by helping curb community transmission.  

Please contact your child’s pediatrician for any questions/concerns.

Q: Are COVID vaccines for children safe?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe for children ages 6 months and up and help guard against severe COVID-19 outcomes, including certain heart conditions, long-term complications, hospitalization and death.

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

Studies have shown vaccination confers additional protection even for those who have previously been infected. While most children experience only mild symptoms from COVID-19, unfortunately some do get quite ill. As it has for adults and older children, vaccination of younger children will save lives.

Please contact your child’s pediatrician for any questions/concerns.

Q: How long should my child be observed after getting their COVID-19 vaccination?

CDC currently recommends the following observation periods after vaccination:

Q: How easily can children spread the COVID virus?

Recent studies have shown that children who are infected with the COVID virus have as much, or more, coronavirus in their upper respiratory tracts as infected adults, suggesting they could be capable of spreading the infection.

Q: What is the risk of COVID-19 to children?

COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalization, death, and other complications.

Since March 2020, Louisiana has tragically lost 25 children to COVID-19, all of whom were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, LDH has confirmed 331 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) – a serious condition associated with COVID-19 in which different parts of the body become inflamed.

Please contact your child’s pediatrician or the COVID-19 Support Hotline at 1-855-453-0774 for any questions/concerns.

Q: What are the symptoms of MIS-C?

If your child develops any of the following symptoms within a week of vaccination, seek medical care:

Call the doctor if your child develops any of these symptoms, particularly if their fever lasts for more than a couple of days.

Q: Can children die of COVID-19?

Yes. Since March 2020, Louisiana has tragically lost 25 children to COVID-19, all of whom were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition, LDH has confirmed 331 cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) – a serious condition associated with COVID-19 in which different parts of the body become inflamed.

For additional questions please contact your pediatrician or the COVID-19 Support Hotline at 1-855-453-0774.

Q: Can parents use LA Wallet for accessing their children’s vaccination status?

Yes, Parents and guardians now have access to their child or dependent’s vaccination status via the LA Wallet app. Families can add a digital SMART Health Card to the LA Wallet app which will give them immediate access to their child or dependent's COVID-19 vaccination information from the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH).

How to add a Dependent SMART Health Card:

Users must have their Louisiana driver’s license or State ID added to the app and their name must be listed as a guardian on their child or dependent’s vaccination record on file with the Louisiana Department of Health. The child or dependent’s healthcare provider can update the listed Guardians on their record.

For more information about LA Wallet, visit lawallet.com.

WORKFORCE QUESTIONS

Q: When can I return to working in the office?

Individual businesses are making decisions about when and how their workforce can return. Check with your employer for specific guidance about your job. The Louisiana Department of Health has developed guidance for employers and employees of essential businesses about safely returning to work. The guidance is on www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Click on Guidance & Resources.

Q: Does my employer have access to my vaccination records?

No, vaccination records, like all medical records, are available only to the patient, the individual’s healthcare provider and to select other public health officials.

Q: When can someone who had COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive return to work?

People should check with their employer about their COVID-19 company policies about staying home and returning to work for employees with COVID-19 symptoms and/or positive test results. It is recommended that a  person who has COVID-19 symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and/or consult with a healthcare provider and wear a mask while awaiting test results.   

Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed at work? How should employees communicate with other employees that they may have been exposed because of another employee without violating HIPPA?

If you think you’ve been exposed at work please check with your employer about their COVID-19 company policies. The CDC is no longer recommending quarantine for people exposed to COVID-19, but recommends that people wear a well-fitting mask for 10 days and get a test 5 days after exposure. If the person develops symptoms before 5 days then they should test themselves sooner and isolate from others while awaiting test results.    

Any person can self-report their own health status to others. People who tested positive or are aware of a known or suspected exposure to a person who tested positive to COVID-19 should notify their close contacts so they can be tested and/or consult with their physician and also quarantine if they are not vaccinated. However, people should refrain from discussing the health status of others. Medical professionals cannot discuss another person’s health status without being in violation of privacy laws.

Q: What do I do if my employer demands I get tested for COVID-19 if I was sick?

There are different rules/laws for private and public employers. In state government, an employee may be placed on sick leave and be required to stay home if he/she is ill for any reason. In the private sector, the employee should follow the directive of their employer.

Q:  How do I file for an unemployment claim?

Visit www.louisianaworks.net/hire or call the Claim Center at 1- 866-783-5567

Q: What is the updated guidance to private early learning centers?

The Louisiana Dept. of Education provides COVID-19 FAQs for Early Childhood Providers at this link: COVID-19 FAQ for Early Childhood Providers

Q: Is it a responsibility of employers to report positive test results of employees to LDH?

No. Test results do not need to be reported to LDH by employers.

Q: What can a business do if an employee is refusing to return to work?

Individual businesses are now making decisions about when and how their workforce can return. Check with your employer for specific guidance about your job. Employees follow the directives of their employer. In a situation in which an employee is refusing to return to work, the employer can make a report to the Louisiana Workforce Commission using the online form found at: https://www2.laworks.net/CARESact/UI_ROW_Create.asp?fbclid=IwAR2jzevs2ao-_aSoXiHvECs8As3wyBLU7wh801wLob1VkBTQI1RVDo2EODQ        

Q: Are employers required to notify employees if one employee tested positive for COVID-19?

No, there is no law or CDC guidance that requires an employer to notify others that someone else has tested positive for the virus. Each business can implement their own policies and reporting requirements for their employees.

Q: Are employers required to pay employees who must isolate due to testing positive for COVID?

The decision to pay or not pay employees or require them to use sick or annual leave for time off to isolate is at the discretion of each individual employer. Please check with your company for their policy.

Q: I want to file a complaint about a business with sick employees working:

Q: What is the LDH guidance for medical providers to request PPEs?

A link to guidance can be found at the top of the LDH Coronavirus webpage.

Here is the link for medical providers:

http://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/providers/PPEforweb.pdf

SCHOOLS QUESTIONS

Q: What is the status of schools in Louisiana and in-person classes?

State Level Information: For the most up-to-date information about schools and education-specific questions at the state level, the Department of Education has established a special email address: LDOECOVID19Support@la.gov

Local School Districts: We encourage you to contact your child’s school or school district for the most up-to-date local information.

Q: When can my child or when can I as a teacher/staff return to school after being exposed, having symptoms or being sick with COVID-19?

Parents, teachers and staff should discuss and follow the specific guidelines of your school.

The Louisiana Department of Education has developed extensive guidelines for in-person learning for the 2021-2022 school year. The guidelines are listed at this link: Ready to Achieve 2021-2022 School Operational Guidelines that is found on the Louisiana Department of Education’s website Louisiana Believes. All of the information about when to stay home and when to return to school due to COVID-19 are outlined.

Q: What about a child who was exposed to their parents who are COVID positive, but the child is unable to isolate in the home. What is the guidance in this situation regarding quarantine and return to school?

Please check with your school and/or school district about their current quarantine/isolation policy and recommendations. See above questions for contact information.

Q: Does the mask mandate apply to all K-12 Schools – public and private?

No. As of 2/15/2022, school students, teachers and staff are no longer required to wear masks.

However, local governments, school districts and businesses may choose to require masks as they see fit, based on the level of COVID in their communities.

Q: What is the updated guidance to private early learning centers?

The Louisiana Dept. of Education provides updated COVID-19 FAQs for Early Childhood Providers at this link: Child Care Guidelines.

Q: Will the COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory for school children or childcare?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine will not be added to the schedule of immunizations required for school and child day care entry.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or MIS-C

Q:  What is Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, or MIS-C?

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a condition where different body parts can become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs.

We do not yet know what causes MIS-C. However, we know that many children with MIS-C had the virus that causes COVID-19, or had been around someone with COVID-19. MIS-C can be serious, even deadly, but most children who were diagnosed with this condition have gotten better with medical care.

Q:  Are there any cases of MIS-C in Louisiana?

Yes. As of June 18th, 2022 LDH is reporting that there have been 334 cases of MIS-C in children since the beginning of the pandemic with 102 of those cases were children under age 5.  The Department updates information on MIS-C each Monday on its coronavirus webpage.

Q:  What are the symptoms of MIS-C?

Not all children will have all of the same symptoms. Seek emergency care right away if your child is showing any of these emergency warning signs of MIS-C.

Seek emergency care right away if your child is showing any of these emergency warning signs of MIS-C or other concerning signs:

Q:  Where can I get more information about MIS-C?

The CDC has added information about MIS-C to its coronavirus website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children/mis-c.html:

The CDC has a team that is working with U.S. and international scientists, healthcare providers, and other partners to learn more about this new syndrome. As CDC investigates each new MIS-C case,  information is sent to healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

SYMPTOMS

Q: What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. 

The following are the symptoms according to the CDC:

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: Can you contract both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?

It is possible to have both the coronavirus and the flu at the same time.

Q: Is vomiting a symptom of COVID-19?

Some people who get the coronavirus will, in very rare instances, experience digestive symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. However, the primary symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Q: What should I do if I have lost my sense of smell and taste?

For this and all other medical conditions, the Louisiana Department of Health recommends that you seek advice from your primary care physician.

TREATMENT

Q: Is there now a pill to take to treat COVID-19 if you get infected?

Yes. Right before Christmas the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an emergency use authorization for oral medications from Pfizer (Paxlovid) and Merck (molnupiravir) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease.

The pills are authorized for adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds) with positive results of a COVID-19 test, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. The medications are only available by prescription and are currently in short supply in Louisiana and nationally. People should talk to their doctor about whether or not they qualify for the pills and when they become available.

Q: What is monoclonal antibody therapy?

If you test positive for COVID-19 and develop mild to moderate symptoms you can receive this therapy without having to go to the hospital. Monoclonal antibodies have also been authorized as a preventive therapy for people who have been exposed to COVID-19 and are at high risk of hospitalization or death. In situations where people are unable to get the COVID vaccination, monoclonal antibody therapy can be administered to adults and youth 12 years of age and older. For those who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, getting the shot is the best way to protect against the virus.

Q: Who can receive monoclonal antibody therapy?

Monoclonal antibodies have received FDA authorization for use during the pandemic. They may be used for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients who meet all of the following:

Q: What does “high risk” for progressing to severe COVID-19 or hospitalization mean?

Please consult with your physician to determine if you are “high risk”. The following medical conditions or other factors may place adults and pediatric patients (Age 12-17 years and weighing at least 40 kg) at higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19:

•        Older age (age ≥65 years of age)

•        Obesity or being overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2, or if age 12-17, have BMI ≥85th percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts, https://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/clinical_charts.htm)

•        Pregnancy

•        Chronic kidney disease

•        Diabetes

•        Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment

•        Cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease) or hypertension

•        Chronic lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, moderate-to-severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension)

•        Sickle cell disease

•        Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity (e.g., genetic or metabolic syndromes and severe congenital anomalies)

•        Having a medical-related technological dependence (e.g., tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to COVID 19

Q: How do I find a monoclonal antibody provider/location?

People need to contact and be referred by their doctor or other healthcare provider to a facility that offers monoclonal antibody therapy such as a hospital or an infusion center. The federal government has developed a searchable national map that shows locations of facilities that have received monoclonal antibody shipments. See this link: https://covid-19-therapeutics-locator-dhhs.hub.arcgis.com/  A call center is available to answer questions and provide information related to monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatments at 1-877-332-6585 (English Language); 1-877-366-0310 (Spanish Language).

Q:  Is hydroxychloroquine, the anti-malaria drug, effective in treating COVID-19?

As of June, 2020, based on ongoing analysis and emerging scientific data, FDA has revoked the emergency use authorization (EUA) to use hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine to treat COVID-19 in certain hospitalized patients when a clinical trial is unavailable or participation is not feasible. FDA made this determination based on results from a large, randomized clinical trial in hospitalized patients that found these medicines showed no benefit for decreasing the likelihood of death or speeding recovery. This outcome was consistent with other new data, including those showing the suggested dosing for these medicines are unlikely to kill or inhibit the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result, FDA determined that the legal criteria for the EUA was no longer met.

Q. Is it safe to take ibuprofen to treat symptoms of COVID-19?

CDC is currently not aware of scientific evidence establishing a link between NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) and worsening of COVID 19.

The World Health Organization, CDC and others continue to monitor the situation and will review new information as it becomes available. For those who wish to use treatment options other than NSAIDs, there are other over-the-counter and prescription medications approved for pain relief and fever reduction. Patients should speak to their healthcare provider for individualized management.

Q: Should I go to the ER?  Or, when should I go to the ER?

You should go to the ER if you are seriously ill (difficulty breathing, confusion, dehydrated). If you are sick with typical cold or flu symptoms, call your primary care doctor.

PREVENTION

Q: I have not had COVID symptoms. I will be traveling to visit family and I don’t want to expose them. What should I do?

Q:  Is the Department of Health providing exemptions - a form or letter - to people who do not want to use a mask when going to the doctor’s office or other places that require a face covering?

No, there is no such form or letter from the Louisiana Department of Health. LDH encourages all people to follow the masking and social distancing requirements put in place by any place of business, including medical facilities.

Q: Do masks with valves offer the same protection as standard, cloth face coverings?

Actually, no. Valved masks prevent things from coming in, but don’t prevent things going out. Since we are trying to block the spread of water droplets out, masks with valves do not provide this protection. You must block the valve to have the same protection.

Q: When is someone considered to have recovered or can leave isolation?

A person is considered recovered when it has been:

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q: Will the State be contacting every COVID-19 suspected or confirmed case?

As of February 15, 2022, LDH is no longer conducting universal case investigation and contact tracing. Contact tracers will no longer be calling people, although LDH epidemiologists continue to investigate outbreaks and cases in high risk settings. It is possible an individual may receive a call from a regional epidemiologist’s office, but those instances are rare.

Q: What is social distancing and how does it work?

Social distancing is a public health practice that aims to prevent sick people from coming into close contact with healthy people in order to reduce opportunities for disease transmission.

Recommended distancing is 6 feet.

Social distancing slows the outbreak to reduce the chance of infection among high-risk populations and to reduce the burden on our health care system and workers.

If we do this right, we can reduce the number of people with disease and reduce the number of people needing hospitalization and ventilators at any one time.  

 Q:  What is social distancing (safe zone)?

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:

Q: Are we most concerned about older, high risk people, not young, healthy folks?

While those who are older and those who have underlying chronic medical conditions – meaning lung disease, heart disease and diabetes – are at the greatest risk, everyone, including people who are young and healthy, can be exposed to and spread COVID-19 to others.

Q: Is standard laundry detergent enough to disinfect clothing and prevent spread of the virus?

Yes. You can launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely. Dirty laundry from an ill person can be washed with other people’s items. Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from an ill person and then discard the gloves after each use.

TRANSMISSION

Q. How does COVID-19 spread?

It spreads from an infected person to others through:

Q:  If a person tested positive for COVID-19 can they be re-infected?

Yes, some people have contracted the virus multiple times.

Q: Can pets get COVID-19?

The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is not considered a threat to dogs and cats, and pets do not play a role in transmission of the virus to people.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats. It is rare for an animal to infect people and then spread between people such as with recent outbreaks of MERS and SARS.  

Q: Do mosquitoes carry COVID-19/Can the virus be transmitted through mosquitoes?

No. COVID-19 is not transmitted by mosquitoes.

Q. How long can the virus stay on leather/cloth surfaces?

Studies suggest that coronavirus can survive on metal for up to five days on glass for four to five days, and plastic for up to nine days, according to a recent study by the Journal of Hospital Infection. The same studies show coronavirus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard. The virus may have a shorter lifespan on fabrics than on hard surfaces.

Q: Is it safe to receive a package from an area where COVID-19 has been reported?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, traveled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.

Q: How long can the virus live on food from restaurants?
The coronavirus can be spread in a public restaurant as it can be spread in any public space. If you’re about to eat, wash your hands. Wash your hands after using the restroom. If you’re concerned about the cleanliness of your table, ask the server to wipe it down for you.

Remember that COVID-19 is spread from person to person. If there is an infected person in that space then both person-to-person transmission can occur as well as transmission from a contaminated surface if someone touches it and then touches their face.

Q: Should I wipe down things purchased from stores? How long can the virus live on hard surfaces?

Studies suggest that coronavirus can survive on metal for up to five days on glass for four to five days, and plastic for up to nine days, according to a recent study by the Journal of Hospital Infection. The same studies show coronavirus can survive up to 24 hours on cardboard.

 

It is not clear yet, but the virus may have a shorter lifespan on fabrics than on hard surfaces.

Q: What are the best items to use to clean surfaces and protect from COVID-19?

COVID-19 does not require any unique cleaning chemicals to disinfect surfaces. Soap and water works, and you can use an alcohol-based wipe. Baby wipes may not be effective.

Q: Am I at risk if I go to a funeral or visitation service for someone who died of COVID-19?

There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.

 

The Louisiana Department of Health has posted additional guidance about funerals and the proper handling of decedents who have had COVID-19 at www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus. Just click on Guidance & Resources.

Q. What about women who are pregnant?

Based on what we know now pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant women. Additionally, someone who is pregnant and has COVID-19 might be at increased risk for other adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth.

There might be limitations/additional guidance or mandates for visitors during labor and delivery. We are encouraging hospitals to prepare patients for this ahead of admission. Pregnant women are eligible for and encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Q: Can a breastfeeding mother with COVID pass the virus to their baby?

The transmission of the COVID-19 virus through breast milk and breastfeeding has not been detected. While breastfeeding, a mother should still implement appropriate hygiene measures, including wearing a medical mask if available, to reduce the possibility of droplets with COVID-19 being spread to her infant.

Q: Are people diagnosed with HIV+ also at higher risk for contracting COVID-19?

People with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients and people with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk from the coronavirus.

Q. What precautions are nursing homes and assisted living facilities taking?

Nursing homes, assisted living centers and other similar healthcare facilities have the authority to restrict entry to people, including family members and friends of residents, during this health crisis.

People are advised to contact individual facilities for restrictions and recommendations that have been put in place at that location.

AGING ADULTS AND PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES - FACILITIES AND SERVICES

 

Q: I have questions about the services I receive through the state’s Office of Aging and any changes due to COVID-19. Who do I call or contact for information?

People who have questions can call or email the Office of Aging and Adult Services at:

Phone: 1-866-758-5035

Email:: OAAS.Inquiries@la.gov 

Q:  I receive disability services through the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) and I have questions regarding changes to those services due to COVID-19. Who do I contact regarding this?

 

Email OCDD-HCBS@la.gov, and someone will respond to your question.

 

Call OCDD 225-342-0095 Monday through Friday 8:00-4:30 to talk with someone directly, or leave a message outside business hours.

Q: What do I do if I am homebound and unable to leave my home to visit a COVID-19 vaccine provider?

Anyone who is unable to leave their home for any reason and is interested in getting a vaccination, can schedule a free shot at their home. Call the LDH COVID-19 Support Hotline: 1-855-453-0774 or visit www.ldh.la.gov/inhomeshots         to be added to an in-home vaccination registry.

The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

If you speak Spanish or Vietnamese, call the same toll-free hotline at 855-453-0774 and ask for a translator.

If you are d/Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing, call the Louisiana Commission for the Deaf at 800-256-1523 (voice) or 225-228-1203 (video) or by email lcd@la.gov        

Q: What if I have questions about testing and vaccinations at long-term care and other residential facilities for aging adults and people with disabilities?

Please contact the leaders of each facility to understand how they are conducting testing, vaccinations.Louisiana expects that all nursing facilities will follow the federal CDC and Health and Human Services guidance.

LDH recommends eligible nursing home residents and staff receive a second mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines in late March 2022 with the following guidance for those who are at increased risk for serious COVID-19:

Nursing homes are required to report positive COVID-19 cases to the Department of Health. The Department is working with each individual facility to increase testing of residents with and without symptoms; to minimize infection; and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Q: What if I have questions about visitation at long-term care and other residential facilities for aging adults and people with disabilities? 

Please contact the leaders of each facility to understand their visitation policies, that include mask wearing, testing, and vaccination status of visitors they allow on-site.

CONTRACT TRACING

Q:  What is contact tracing? Is this being done in Louisiana?

Contact tracing is a type of disease investigation. Trained interviewers talk to people who have been diagnosed with the virus and ask questions to determine who else they may have recently been in contact with. Then, they find those people who may have been exposed, and encourage them to quarantine themselves to prevent spreading the disease any further.

As of February 15, 2022, LDH is no longer conducting universal case investigation and contact tracing.

For more information about contact tracing, go to: http://ldh.la.gov/ContactTracing.

Q: I don’t believe that the person calling me is someone employed by the Louisiana Department of Health. What should I do?

If you have any suspicions about the identity of the person you are speaking to, immediately hang up and call 1-855-453-0774 to be connected with the COVID-19 Support Hotline.

STATE Information and Resources

Q. How many confirmed cases and deaths have there been in Louisiana?

Check the Louisiana Department of Health's website for the most up-to-date information: https://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus The website is updated daily, at 12 noon.

Q: How are the number of active COVID-19 cases determined?

Because of several factors and variables, including when a case is identified, when that person becomes symptom-free and because we only know of cases reported to the State, there is not a simple way to determine the number of active cases in a region or statewide at any given time. For these reasons, the Department of Health does not calculate an accurate number for active cases.

Q: Where can people get more information about what the State of Louisiana is doing in response to the COVID-19 Outbreak?

The Governor’s office is constantly updating its website at https://gov.louisiana.gov/ as is the Louisiana Department of Health at https://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus                         

Q: On it’s website, the State calculates cases as “Presumed Recovered.” How     is that determined?

Presumed recovered counts are updated weekly on the coronavirus website. A person is presumed recovered if:

Q: Are "Probable Deaths" included in the "Deaths Reported" total?

No. On the LDH coronavirus dashboard, the numbers listed for deaths are confirmed COVID-19 related deaths. The probable death number is not included and reported separately on the dashboard.

Q: Does "Probable Deaths" represent the total number of deaths awaiting a lab positive result at any given time? Or, is each "Probable Deaths" report in addition to the last report?

The number of probable deaths can change on any day if a death is confirmed as COVID-19 with a positive test, or if a negative test result is received then the death would no longer be considered a probable death. 

Q: How can business access help with their COVID-19 business-related questions?

As of March 27, 2020 Gov. John Bel Edwards and Secretary Don Pierson of Louisiana Economic Development announced the opening of an LED help desk that provides email and hotline support for Louisiana businesses impacted by COVID-19.

For COVID-19 business questions, LED may be reached at LEDbiz@la.gov or via the toll-free hotline, (833) 457-0531. The COVID-19 hotline is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Be aware that high call volumes might result in delays. Callers are encouraged to keep trying, leave a voice mail or contact LED via email.

For Louisiana businesses seeking federal financial assistance, they are encouraged first to contact the U.S. Small Business Administration at SBA.gov/Disaster to apply for COVID-19 disaster aid. The SBA Customer Service Center may be reached at (800) 659-2955, with an additional TTY line for the hearing-impaired at (800) 877-8339.

Q: Of the people who have tested positive so far in Louisiana, how many have needed hospitalization? 

The most up-to-date information about cases, deaths, hospitalizations and other data can be found at the  Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: https://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus

Q: When will the information about the number of patients who have recovered be released to the public?

This information is now available on the  Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: https://ldh.la.gov/coronavirus

Q: For the LDH coronavirus dashboard, Is the Department collecting data by race for people counted in Cases, Persons Tested, Deaths and Persons Under Investigation?

For routine lab tests, both for the State and by commercial laboratories, race is not a collected field. Therefore, the State will not have this data from routine lab testing.

 

However, for more serious cases (such as deaths), as the pandemic progresses and we have reliable numbers, the State is planning to release these statistics.

Q: The number of cases reported in cities and regions appears to change. Why?

The Louisiana Department of Health is working to ensure the accurate reporting of case counts. In some instances, cases that may have been assigned to a certain Parish are later changed based on new information and ongoing investigations by our epidemiologists.

Q: If someone has multiple tests – some are positive and some negative – are all those tests being counted as positive cases or are they looking at the names for duplicates?  

To determine the number of actual people with a positive test, duplicate records are removed. In the situation described, it would be counted as one case but with multiple positive results.

Q: What is the LDH guidance for medical providers to request PPEs?

A link to guidance can be found at the top of the LDH Coronavirus webpage.

Here is the link for medical providers:

http://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Coronavirus/resources/providers/PPEforweb.pdf

Q: What is the number of tests being for COVID-19 in Louisiana?  What percentage have been positive?

For the most up-to-date information about cases in Louisiana, please go to the COVID-19 website: www.ldh.la.gov/coronavirus

Q: Will the State identify COVID-19 patients?

No. Because of patient privacy laws, the Louisiana Department of Health cannot provide any information that might identify patients. This includes name, residence of patient or any other potentially identifying patient information.

Q: Is the State testing patients who are in jail?

Yes, the state is testing patients who are suspected to have COVID-19 and who reside in a correctional facility.

Q: Is everyone who dies being tested for COVID-19?

The only decedents who should be tested for COVID-19 by a coroner are those people who die with respiratory symptoms that are suggestive of a COVID-19, AND who did not have a link to someone with a known COVID-19. There is no need to test those who die of a “COVID-19-like” illness if they have been associated with another case (we’ll consider this a COVID-19 death). In addition, there is no need to test for COVID-19 in a person who did not die of a severe respiratory illness suggestive of COVID-19.

Q:  What determines whether or not a fatality is attributed to COVID-19?

When a death is counted as a COVID-19 death it means there has been a positive test result. It does not necessarily mean it is the cause of death. The cause of death could be a combination of COVID-19 and underlying conditions/complications.

Q: I am looking for access/copies to my medical records but my primary care provider's office/clinic is closed down and no longer operational.  What can I do?

If the caller is asking about records in the possession of a licensed provider such as a rural health clinic or a federal clinic (FQHC) the Louisiana Department may have that information. The caller should provide their information and the name of the clinic they use. Contact LDH’s Health Standards Section by email at HSS.Mail@la.gov or phone: 225.342.0138.

If the records are in the possession of a private physician, the caller should contact the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners at https://www.lsbme.la.gov/ or 504-568-6820

Q:  Can I access free COVID-19 Counseling Services?

Yes, you can access a free crisis text line for confidential support, 24/7 by testing the word REACHOUT to 741741. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear and anxiety related to COVID-19, you can access a special Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline at 1-866-310-7977. This connects you to trained, compassionate counselors who can offer support and who can direct you to mental health and substance abuse counseling services.  Trained counselors available 24/7. All calls are confidential.

Q: Are there any state information and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19?

Yes. There are informational health resources for business posted on this website: ldh.la.gov/coronavirus

For the current status on financial assistance and resources available you can contact Louisiana Economic Development by email or toll-free hotline:

The email is LEDbiz@la.gov                                                                                      Toll-free hotline: 833-457-0531. Staffed 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. M-F.

The Small Business Association (SBA is no longer accepting new applications, increase requests, or reconsiderations for their COVID economic assistance program. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/eidl        

FEDERAL RESOURCES

Q: How can I get the most up-to-date information about the pandemic?

The White House Task Force has established www.coronavirus.gov  as the centralized website for the federal government. The CDC continues to maintain www.cdc.gov/covid19 site

Q: How can I report possible fraud related to COVID-19 products?

The FDA has created an online way to report illegal selling of drugs (for humans and animals), medical devices, biological products, foods, dietary supplements or cosmetics.

https://www.fda.gov/safety/report-problem-fda/reporting-unlawful-sales-medical-products-internet

Q: Is there grant or stimulus money available to families for funeral assistance for certified COVID-19 deaths? 

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 funded FEMA to reimburse individuals and households for COVID-19-related funeral expenses.

FEMA is providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020 for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic.

How to Apply

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Line Number

Applications begin on April 12, 2021

844-684-6333 | TTY: 800-462-7585

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time

Call this dedicated toll-free phone number to get a COVID-19 Funeral Assistance application completed with help from FEMA's representatives. Multilingual services will be available.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the application process, including expenses that qualify, at the FEMA Funeral Assistance FAQ page.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance:

FEMA encourages people to keep and gather documentation for COVID-19 funeral expenses. Types of information should include:

If you are eligible for funeral assistance, you will receive a check by mail, or funds by direct deposit, depending on which option you choose when you apply for assistance.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Q: What are the most current domestic and international travel guidelines?

Current CDC domestic and international travel guidance can be found here: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC  and International Travel | CDC  Given the fast spreading Omicron variant CDC and LDH have additional recommendations to protect yourself and your family if you are planning to travel.

Q:  What is the risk of getting COVID-19 on a plane?

Because of how air circulates and is filtered on airplanes, most viruses and other germs do not spread easily. Although the risk of infection on an airplane is low, try to avoid contact with sick passengers, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Current CDC domestic and international travel guidance can be found here: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC  and International Travel | CDC 

Q:  What should I do to keep from getting sick if I travel?

Avoid contact with sick people.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. ◦It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

Make sure you are up to date with your routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine.

Q:  Is it safe to travel with friends or family?

Current CDC domestic and international travel guidance can be found here: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC  and International Travel | CDC 

Q:  What should I do if I have recently traveled?

Current CDC domestic and international travel guidance can be found here: Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC  and International Travel | CDC 

For answers to your specific situation, you should contact your physician.

Q. What if I feel sick within 14 days after returning to the U.S.?

MONKEYPOX INFORMATION & RESOURCES

Q: Where can I get information about monkeypox in Louisiana? 

LDH has a webpage with the latest information and resources about monkeypox in Louisiana: https://ldh.la.gov/page/monkeypox 

Q: What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a potentially serious viral illness that typically involves flu-like symptoms, swelling of the lymph nodes and a possibly painful rash that includes bumps that are initially filled with fluid before scabbing over.

Most people with monkeypox recover in 2-4 weeks, but the disease can be serious, especially for immunocompromised people, children and pregnant people.

To date, there have been zero confirmed deaths resulting from monkeypox in this recent U.S. outbreak.

Q: How is monkeypox spread?

Monkeypox spreads in different ways. Monkeypox virus is most often spread from one person to another, through direct contact with a rash or sores of someone who has the virus.

It can also spread through contact with clothing, bedding and other shared items used by a person with monkeypox; or via respiratory droplets that can be passed through prolonged face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact including kissing, cuddling or sex.

People who do not have monkeypox symptoms cannot spread the virus to others.

Q: What are the symptoms of monkeypox?

Someone may experience all or only a few of the symptoms of monkeypox. Symptoms of monkeypox can include:

Sometimes people get a rash first, followed by other symptoms. Others only experience a rash. Some cases in the current U.S. outbreak have experienced only isolated rashes in the genital region or other body parts (e.g., hands, chest, face, in the mouth). Lesions are often described as painful until the healing phase when they become itchy (crusts).

Symptoms usually start within two weeks of exposure to the virus but can start up to three weeks later. Within 1-3 days of symptoms beginning, people usually develop a rash or sores.

Please contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you have symptoms and avoid sex or other close, intimate contact until you have been checked out.

Q: What do I do if I think I have been exposed or have symptoms for monkeypox? Where can I get tested?

LDH recommends contacting your healthcare provider immediately and avoid sex or other close, intimate contact until you have been checked out.

Testing for monkeypox is now widely available. If you have symptoms and would like to be tested for monkeypox, contact your healthcare provider. Anyone without a provider or insurance can also be tested at their local parish health unit or community clinic: ldh.la.gov/phu

Testing is free at parish health units. Turnaround time is about 1-2 days or longer over the weekend.Test results are sent to the provider and the provider responds to the patient with the results.

If your test for monkeypox is positive, stay isolated until your rash has healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.

Q: Are there vaccines available for monkeypox in Louisiana? Where can I get the vaccine? Who is eligible? Can I just show up at one of the sites?

Yes, the vaccine for monkeypox is available in Louisiana to eligible groups. The vaccine is two doses, administered 28 days apart. Full protection begins two weeks after the second shot. The monkeypox vaccine is FDA approved and available at no cost to the individual.

List of all locations in Louisiana that have received monkeypox vaccine in Louisiana can be found at this link: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/monkeypox/vaccine-locations/MonkeypoxVaccineLocations.pdf        

LDH recommends you call ahead because at this time vaccine supplies are very limited and not everyone is currently eligible 

The following groups are currently eligible for the monkeypox vaccine. LDH was able to expand eligibility thanks to increased supply. 

The expanded criteria for vaccination include people in Louisiana who meet one of the following:

 LDH has notified providers of this updated guidance, which is effective immediately. If individuals want more details about eligibility before calling a vaccine site they can visit the LDH FAQ website

Important note from LDH: Anyone can contract monkeypox and the current eligibility criteria are only limited to the above groups because they are most at risk based on the diagnoses we have seen. The eligibility criteria will be expanded as additional vaccine becomes available and/or demographics of the current outbreak change.

Q: Can I get a COVID-19 and Monkeypox vaccine at the same time?

LDH says it is ok to get both your COVID and Monkeypox vaccinations at the same time. Both vaccines are often offered at Monkeypox vaccine events. For questions about your individual situation and/or other vaccines please speak with your healthcare provider.

If you are attending the Southern Decadence Festival or in New Orleans this weekend you can also visit the “Southern Decadence Health Hub” for free COVID-19 and Monkeypox vaccines. (See last question below for more details)

Q: How do hospitals or other healthcare providers obtain Monkeypox vaccine for their patients?

Healthcare providers can request Monkeypox vaccines by contacting their LDH Regional Immunization Consultant. If they are unaware of who their consultant is please refer them to Amanda Melancon with the LDH Immunization Program in the Office of Public Health at 504-599-0128 or by email Amanda.Melancon@la.gov