COVID-19 Services
Important COVID Booster Update
Due to the recent FDA deauthorization of the current mRNA vaccine for boosters we are unable to give the Moderna/Pfizer to anyone over 12 years-old as a booster. We're currently working to obtain the new vaccine and will be happy to reschedule you once they have arrived. In the meantime, you may want to reach out to your local pharmacy and see if they have it available.
How is BA.2 different from other variants?
BA.2 is a subvariant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and the CDC has identified it as a variant of concern. Because it’s a sub-variant of Omicron, BA.2 spreads more easily than earlier variants of the virus.
Does the booster protect against this variant?
COVID-19 vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19 and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. This includes primary series, booster shots, and additional doses for those who need them.
Scientists are still learning how effective COVID-19 vaccines are at preventing infection from BA.2. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the BA.2. However, breakthrough infections in people who are vaccinated are likely to occur. People who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get COVID-19 are less likely to develop serious illnesses than those who are unvaccinated and get COVID-19.
Can you test for the new strain?
Great question! Our lab partners have assured us that our testing is sensitive enough to result positive or negative for all variants of COVID-19. However, the sequencing to determine which variant of COVID-19 you personally have is not being done by consumer labs at this time. Therefore, we cannot say if you have the BA.2 Variant, the Omicron Variant, or a different strain of COVID-19.
Why is it taking longer for my results to come back?
Our typical turnaround time for lab/test results is 3-5 days, but at times of peak volume (often during case surges) the turnaround time can take longer.
When can I get boosted after being infected?
You should consult with your primary care physician about when you can get boosted.
When can I leave the house after testing positive?
Current CDC guidelines state you should isolate at home for at least 5 days and isolate 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.
If –after 5 days– you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and your symptoms are improving (or you never had symptoms), you may end isolation after day 5. Regardless of when you end isolation, avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11. You should wear a high-quality mask through day 10.
If your COVID-19 symptoms worsen after you've ended isolation, restart your isolation at day 0. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about your symptoms or when to end isolation.
Avoid being around people who are at high risk. If you were severely ill with COVID-19 –or are immunocompromised– you should isolate for at least 10 days and consult your doctor before ending isolation.
Please don’t travel until it’s been a full 10 days after your symptoms started (or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms).
When can I go back to work after leaving the house?
You should consult with your primary care physician about when you can go back to work.
When can I go back to work after testing positive?
You should consult with your primary care physician about when you can go back to work.
Can receiving the booster result in a positive test?
Per the CDC: None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines can cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.
I just had COVID a few months ago, is this positive result accurate?
COVID-19 reinfections are rare, but they do happen. Consult with your primary care physician if you think this might’ve happened to you.
Can I get the same variant twice?
Reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 means a person was infected, recovered, and then later became infected again. After recovering from COVID-19, most individuals will have some protection from repeat infections. However, reinfections do occur with COVID-19.
If I test positive and the other members of my household aren’t fully-vaccinated, should I isolate myself away from them?
The CDC recommends isolating away from other members of the household if you can. If you can’t isolate away from other household members, please wear a well-fitting mask when around them.
Can my pet spread Covid from one person to another in the house?
According to the CDC, the risk of animals spreading the virus to people is low. However, it’s been noted people with COVID-19 can spread the virus to animals during close contact. As a result, the CDC recommends people who’ve tested positive and are isolating should avoid contact with household pets if they can.
How do I get my Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record (DCVR?)
If you're in California, you can get a digital copy of your vaccine records that you can save on your phone.
To get this, head over to the state's DCVR site and follow the instructions.
Where can I get a COVID test?
Rapid testing is offered at our main Travel Clearance clinics and some urgent care locations. It is not guaranteed that you’ll receive a rapid test at our urgent care clinics unless you pay for a travel clearance rapid NAAT test. The second type of test is a RT-PCR send out test. The PCR send-out test is offered at our main travel clearance clinics.
What are the different types of COVID tests available to the public?
There are two main categories of tests that are used to diagnose COVID-19 infections.
Nucleic acid amplification Tests (NAAT). Also known as molecular tests, this is considered the most accurate type of test, NAATs amplify and detect genetic material of the virus. PCR is the most common subtype of NAAT, though not all NAATs are PCR tests. NAAT is usually more expensive and takes longer to result. Antigen Tests identify viral proteins and have the highest yield if used when a person is most infectious, which is 2 days before symptom onset up to 5 days into symptom course. They’re less sensitive than NAATs, though, so increasing the frequency of testing can improve accuracy. The benefits of antigen tests include low cost and faster result times, which can mean quicker identification and isolation of an infected individual.
What are the different types of COVID tests Carbon Health offers?
Carbon Health offers four types of tests: Same-day NAAT, same-day antigen, same-day RTPCR, and next-day RTPCR.
What required documents do I need for my COVID test?
If this is your first appointment at Carbon Health, you’ll need to bring the following:
- Government issued ID (ex. California ID or driver's license or passport)
- Health insurance card
- If your appointment was made by one of our Central Support Specialists, please make sure to log into your account before your appointment to complete the appointment registration, including:
Medical history questionnaire
- Insurance or payment information
How long does it take to get COVID test results?
It depends on the type of test you received. If it is a normal molecular covid test administered at our urgent care clinic, results will be available within 3-5 days. If you're visiting a travel clearance location our RT-PCR comes back the next day by 2pm and the rapid test comes back within 3 hours!
How will I get my COVID test results?
It will be provided to you on your patient account at patient.carbonhealth.com.
Can I get a COVID test for my child?
Absolutely, children are more than welcome to get a COVID test. However, for your child to get their results, they will need to have their own account and appointment. If you book one on the same day, both the parent and child can show up and get tested at the same time.
Can I come in for a test if i've been exposed to COVID?
If you have been exposed to COVID, accuracy for asymptomatic patients is more accurate after 5-7 days and that’s when we recommend coming in for a test. Tests obtained prior to this timeframe are more likely to be falsely negative and we’ll recommend that you return for the test later in the week.
I'm traveling internationally, what COVID test should I get?
If you’re traveling internationally it is recommended to receive the PCR send out test- not rapid testing. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to confirm with the country and/or airlines which testing is required.
I need to get a COVID test and have my results as soon as possible.
If you need a PCR test within 72 hours, you must test at our travel clearance clinics. Travel clearance appointments are by appointment only- walk-ins are not accepted.