Coronavirus Updates

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine: First Dose

The Moderna vaccine is recommended for people ages 18 years and older.

This is a 2-shot series, the second dose will be administered 28 days after the first dose.

At this time, we have temporarily suspended vaccine administration to focus on inpatient/clinical needs. For vaccine appointments please contact The Medina County Health Unit.

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine: Booster

Moderna Boosters available for anyone 18 years or older.

CDC booster recommendations allow for a "mix and match" booster dose.

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, those 18 years or older are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their primary series.

For individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those 18 and older who were vaccinated 2 or more months ago.

At this time, we have temporarily suspended vaccine administration to focus on inpatient/clinical needs. For vaccine appointments please contact The Medina County Health Unit.

Additional Information

Vaccine Phone Line: 830.426.7921

We are now referring all Pediatric Pfizer vaccines to Medina Health Unit at 830.741.6191

It is important to note that Medina Healthcare System is not a drive through testing site.

To receive a COVID-19 test at the Medina Healthcare System, it will require a visit with a provider and a provider’s order.

During the most recent surge, same day appointment slots book quickly. While the clinics strive to see as many patients as possible the demand has far exceeded capacity within the clinics.

As a result, the phone lines have been overwhelmed with calls looking for testing options. Please see below options for drive through testing centers within the region.

https://covid19.sanantonio.gov/What-YOU-Can-Do/Testing

If a physician's order is obtained, the following COVID-19 tests are available through our laboratory:

Molecular Testing:

We are proud to announce that the Medina Healthcare System has purchased a molecular testing unit for the hospital that will test to the highest level of specificity for COVID-19. This unit will be used for patients that present with severe symptoms and have a risk of hospitalization. The Polymerase Chain Reaction test is currently the gold standard for testing for COVID-19 and we are happy to offer this service to qualifying patients.

Antigen Testing:

We now offer the rapid diagnostic test known as antigen testing at all Rural Health Clinic locations with a provider order. This convenient test is completed with a nasal swab and results are available in about an hour. The antigen test detects the presence of the virus when a patient is most infectious. You may be asked to take this test for secondary confirmation or your provider may order a molecular test based on your results and symptoms.

Antibody Testing:

Medina Healthcare System possesses the capabilities to accurately test for antibodies related to COVID-19. This antibody test will be completed through the system’s molecular testing unit in the hospital lab and will provide accurate results related to antibodies. As has been noted in the news, knowing whether one has recovered from COVID-19 is almost as important as knowing if one has it. The antibody test assists in the ability to know a patient’s status, assists researchers in understanding the disease prevalence, to include why some people are more severely impacted than others. This test also provides determination of whether one is a candidate for convalescent plasma therapy or can assist in the development of a future vaccine.

Planning for Flu Season:

The most important thing one can do when planning for the upcoming flu season is to have a flu shot. The Medina Healthcare System will begin offering flu vaccines for all ages on September 15th and established patients can walk in for a flu shot during office hours. Follow Medina Healthcare System on Facebook for updates, or visit the website for information related to services provided. For additional questions or to schedule an appointment at one of Medina Healthcare System’s rural health clinics, dial 830-426-7444. If you have additional concerns, please consider calling our 24 hours nurse line before coming to the emergency room (830.426.7400).

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Antibodies are proteins that exist in our bodies as part of our immune system to recognize and defend against harmful viruses and bacteria. Monoclonal antibodies are made in a laboratory and designed to target a specific virus or bacteria.

How do monoclonal antibodies work against COVID-19?

Monoclonal antibodies against COVID-19 attach to the virus to block it from entering human cells. The monoclonal antibody protein also “marks” the virus to be broken down by the immune system and cleared from the body.

How is monoclonal antibody treatment done?

Treatment involves a one-time intravenous (IV) infusion of a monoclonal antibody product. Currently, Medina Healthcare System uses Casirivimab/Imdevimab, made by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and
available by FDA Emergency Use Authorization. The infusion takes about 2 hours to complete.

What are the benefits and risks of monoclonal antibody therapy?

For people at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, monoclonal antibody treatment given early can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 disease and needing hospitalization. The treatment can also shorten the duration of COVID-19 symptoms. Most people tolerate monoclonal antibody infusions very well. Some people may experience infusion-related side effects, such as nausea and dizziness that are short-lived and go away on their own. As with any medication, there is the potential for mild or more severe allergic reactions, which are uncommon.

What does the infusion cost?

Currently, the medication used for COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment is free of charge, but infusion service fees to administer the drug may apply. If you have insurance, these fees will be billed to your insurance company and are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans (individual plans may differ).

How do I schedule an infusion?

Appointments are required and walk-ins are not accepted.
The Infusion Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 12:00-5:00 and Saturday from 9:00-12:00. There are no services on Sunday. Please talk to your Medina Healthcare Provider to schedule an appointment.

Visitation guidance is designed for the safety of all patients and employees in the interest of limiting exposure to respiratory illness and containment of the COVID-19 virus while balancing patient needs for family support. Visitation provides patient comfort and emotional support which is an essential part of a healing environment.

Upon entry to the building, visitors will be screened for respiratory symptoms and exposure to COVID-19. Visitors will follow universal masking guidelines at all times. This guidance will remain in place until further notice.

Please keep in mind, visitation may be restricted based on patient volume and acuity.

As of October 2021:

Two visitors will be allowed in the following patient care areas:

• Med/Surg Department
• Labor & Delivery Department
• Obstetrical Ultrasounds
• Transitional Care / Swingbed

One visitor will be allowed in the following patient care areas:

• Emergency Department
• Outpatient Surgery

Visitors must:

• Be at least 10 years of age
• Have no known close contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19 within the last 14 days
• Have no signs or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (per the screening guidelines)
• Wear a mask at all times, in and outside the patient room. Visitors who refuse to comply will be escorted from the facility.
• Follow social distancing guidelines at all times. Visitors who refuse to comply will be escorted from the facility.

Tobacco Use: As recent health studies have found, tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. As a healthcare organization, Medina Regional Hospital is taking a lead role in addressing this major health issue. Smoking and the use of chewing tobacco, or any other tobacco-related products, is not permitted at any Medina Regional Hospital facility or within the Medina Healthcare System by patients or visitors. Tobacco use can be a serious physical and emotional addiction, and Medina Regional Hospital offers support to its patients. Visitors may not use tobacco on hospital property.

The leadership and staff at the Medina Healthcare System are committed to ensuring patients remain safe and healthy during these uncertain times.

Our facilities are thoroughly sanitized several times throughout the day to safeguard against the spread of disease.

Telemedicine visits for sick appointments are offered in our Medical Clinics in Hondo, Devine, and Castroville. In addition, in-person sick visits are being scheduled from 3:00 to 4:00 pm on Monday through Thursday and from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Friday.

Telemedicine Requirements:

• Device with camera
• Microphone
• Speaker
• Reliable internet access

Our providers are here to help you feel better, please call 830.426.7444 to schedule your appointment.

If you are scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccine you will be asked to fill out the consent form below and bring it with you to your scheduled appointment.

Moderna Consent Form

Janssen Consent Form