COVID-19 Vaccines Update

Updated January 11, 2023

For Children and Adults 12 and older: Alpine Pediatrics is now offering the new Bivalent COVID booster. This new booster includes the Omicron variant. It is recommended for anyone 12 years and older. It replaces the Monovalent COVID booster. Bivalent should not be used as part of the Monovalent primary series. Bivalent should be given 8 weeks after the 2nd dose of the primary series. It is safe to get the Bivalent COVID booster with any other vaccines, including the flu vaccine.

For Children age 5-11: Alpine Pediatrics is currently offering the new Pfizer Bivalent COVID booster for this age group. This new booster includes the Omicron variant. It is a different dose than the Bivalent that is offered for 12 years and older. The spacing for this shot is 8 weeks after the 2nd Monovalent (Primary series dose). Bivalent can’t be used in place of Monovalent for the Primary series. It is still recommended that this age group get two Monovalent shots, 21 days apart. It is safe to get the COVID vaccine with other immunizations, including the flu shot and can be given at your child’s well visit.

6 months to 4 years: Alpine Pediatrics is currently offering the Pfizer Monovalent COVID vaccine for this age group. It is a three-shot series. It is important that the child get the third dose, to reach full immunity. The spacing of the shots is 21 days between doses 1 and 2, and then, 8 weeks between doses 2 and 3. The Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines are not interchangeable for this age group. The COVID vaccine can be given with other immunizations and can be given at your child’s well visit.

If you would like your child to get the COVID vaccine, please call any of our office locations to schedule a nurse visit. We schedule same day nurse visits for the first dose and pre-book nurse visits for future doses. We also offer the COVID vaccine be given when your child is seen in our office by a Provider. If you do not have insurance and want to self-pay for the COVID vaccine, we are unable to bill you for the vaccine and would encourage you to make an appointment for through the UCHD. https://coronavirus.utah.gov/

How to get test results for COVID SALIVA TEST: Click Here to view instructions on how to access your childs test results through the My Health+ app.

CDC updated recommendation on isolation and quarantine period after COVID-19 infection or exposure: Click Here

COVID Testing Update
Obtaining a reliable source of COVID tests has been challenging. In order to provide the most accurate tests and to manage our supply, we are offering COVID testing as follows.

1. If you want a rapid COVID test, you must be seen by a provider and must be exposed or symptomatic with no other tests done.
2. We will offer as many Nurse Visit COVID tests as we can each day, primarily for asymptomatic patients. These will be saliva tests. (nothing in mouth 30 min prior to saliva test) Results in 3-5 days. See the link above to obtain your results.
3. Saliva tests only for adults. No other test will be given to a parent. (Nothing in mouth 30 min prior to salvia test) Results in 3-5 days. See link above to obtain your results
4. Watch for further updates as our supplies are quickly diminishing

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY TO DETERMINE IF YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BILL OR IF THEY WILL COVER THE COST. Among other things, your insurance may need to know if you have symptoms, exposure, or if you are ruling out COVID for travel or other activities. They will use this information to determine coverage.

1. Nurse Visit (99211) $35. Your insurance has negotiated a rate at or below this. Cash pay will be a 25% discount.
2. Lab/COVID Test charge (87635). The actual test will be billed at $80. Your insurance has negotiated a rate at or below this. Cash pay will be a 25% discount or $60.
3. If your child needs to be seen by a Provider at the time of testing, the Nurse Visit will not be billed, but an office visit will be billed along with the lab/COVID Test charge.

Alpine Pediatrics will handle all reporting to the Health Department.