COVID & Vaccines Updates

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Please check back here regularly for updates. Please note that information is rapidly changing so refer to the most current updates.

COVID Boosters

September 13, 2021

We know people are anxious to hear about when boosters may be available for the general population. We are currently providing boosters to those who are immunocompromised. But, for all other adults, we are awaiting guidelines from the State of Connecticut regarding the COVID vaccine booster. This is subject to authorization by the FDA and recommendation by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

The FDA is conducting an independent evaluation to determine the safety and effectiveness of a booster dose of the mRNA vaccines. ACIP will decide whether to issue a booster dose recommendation based on a thorough review of the evidence.

Starling will post more information on September 20^th and vaccine clinic dates. In the meantime, if you are immunocompromised, talk with your doctor or call our vaccine hotline at (860) 368-2285.

Testing

August 27, 2021

COVID PCR testing is available at 300 Kensington – M,W, F, 7:45am-3:45pm. An appointment is required; talk to you provider who can send over an order for testing. Call (860) 368-2285 to schedule your test.

Lose your vaccine card?!

August 25, 2021

If you have lost or need access to immunization records, including the COVID-19 vaccine, you can go online to CT WiZ Public Portal. You can view, download, and/or print your records or the records of a dependent.

Click here to go to the CT Wiz portal.  You must use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox.

Know the facts about the COVID vaccine!

August 24, 2021

Thank you to everyone who has done their part by getting the COVID vaccine. We know some people still have concerns. In this video, hear 4 of our doctors discuss the facts, address common myths, and share why they think the vaccine is so critical at this point in time.

August 23, 2021

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

“The FDA’s approval of this vaccine is a milestone as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. While this and other vaccines have met the FDA’s rigorous, scientific standards for emergency use authorization, as the first FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine, the public can be very confident that this vaccine meets the high standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality the FDA requires of an approved product,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “While millions of people have already safely received COVID-19 vaccines, we recognize that for some, the FDA approval of a vaccine may now instill additional confidence to get vaccinated. Today’s milestone puts us one step closer to altering the course of this pandemic in the U.S.” 

CDC Authorizes Booster for the Immunocompromised

August 17, 2021

On August 13, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine for moderately and severely immunocompromised individuals under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization.

Below the FDA acting commissioner explains why:

“The country has entered yet another wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the FDA is especially cognizant that immunocompromised people are particularly at risk for severe disease. After a thorough review of the available data, the FDA determined that this small, vulnerable group may benefit from a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna Vaccines. This action allows doctors to boost immunity in certain immunocompromised individuals who need extra protection from COVID-19…Other individuals who are fully vaccinated are adequately protected and do not need an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine at this time. The FDA is actively engaged in a science-based, rigorous process with our federal partners to consider whether an additional dose may be needed in the future.”

Connecticut COVID-19 vaccine providers may now provide a third dose to immunocompromised patients who have completed a primary series of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

This third dose is recommended for the immunocompromised is an additional vaccine dose when the initial immune response following a primary vaccine series is likely to be insufficient or has waned over time.

This includes people who have:

• Active treatment for solid tumor and hematologic malignancies
• Receipt of solid-organ transplant and taking immunosuppressive therapy
• Receipt of CAR-T-cell or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (within 2 years of transplantation or taking immunosuppression therapy)
• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome)
• Advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids (i.e., ≥20mg prednisone or equivalent per day), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, and other biologic agents that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

The current recommendation only applies to the immunocompromised. The need for and timing of a COVID-19 booster dose for the general population have not been established but recommendations should be coming soon.

Patients can contact the place where they received their first vaccine or can check with local pharmacies or clinics. The recommendation is to stay with the same vaccine (i.e. Modern or Pfizer) you originally received.

Click here for the CDC announcement.

Unvaccinated individuals are getting much sicker!

August 16, 2021

Vaccinated individuals, even those with preexisting conditions, fare much better than the unvaccinated. Below are two illustrations that show the differences. Some vaccinated individuals, especially those with pre-existing conditions, do get sick from COVID breakthrough cases. But, overall, they are much less likely to be in the ICU on need ventilators. Take the following 3 examples:

Texas:

Georgia:

California:

Vaccine Safety for Of Child-Bearing Years

August 12, 2021

Dr. Peter Doelger is a practicing OB/GYN who has served Greater Hartford for over 35 years. Below he shares some
thoughts on questions and concerns about the COVID vaccine for women of childbearing years and who are pregnant.

Is pregnancy a risk factor for COVID complications?

Pregnancy is a risk factor for COVID. I explain to my patients that half of the baby is not them, and the way that the body doesn’t reject the baby is that the immune system has to be decreased. So pregnancy is an immune-suppressed state, and that’s why pregnant women get colds more often, and why they last longer.

Pregnant women are definitely at greater risk for getting COVID. More importantly, they’re at greater risk for getting sick, being admitted to the hospital, ending up on the respirator, and dying.

Below are some frightening statistics:

• Over 100,000 pregnant women in the U.S. have been diagnosed with COVID
• 18,000 have been admitted to the hospital
• Over 100 pregnant women have died

Can you or your baby die from COVID?

Unfortunately, the answer to this is yes! At our hospital we had a patient with COVID who had to be intubated, and at 22 weeks of pregnancy we did an emergency C-section in an attempt to save the mother’s life. The baby died and two days later the mother died. I had to call the husband and tell him that his baby and his wife died. I hung up the phone and I sobbed like a baby.

We’re at a point now where a story like that is totally unnecessary. So please, please consider, for yourself, for your loved ones, for the people around you, please consider getting this vaccine.

Is the vaccine safe for women who are pregnant, nursing, or thinking of getting pregnant?

Based on what we know about this vaccine, and the studies that we have in pregnant women, the recommendation we give women who are considering getting pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant and breastfeeding, is to strongly recommend getting the vaccine. One of the added benefits of the vaccine is we now know that the antibodies the vaccine produces will pass to the baby, and our hope is that this will also prevent babies from getting the COVID virus.

We know that this vaccine does not interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. We know this vaccine does not increase miscarriage rate. We know this vaccine does not increase birth defects.

Why is getting the vaccine so important at this point in time?

We’re feeling particularly urgent at this period of time because of the new Delta virus, and unfortunately, this virus is much more contagious and dangerous than the previous strains of this virus. We are seeing a gigantic uptick, almost more than doubling every week, in younger patients and pediatric patients, and there are now newborns that are needing to be intubated because of this disease. And I do tell my pregnant patients that not only will they be protecting themselves, but their babies, by getting the vaccine.

Does the vaccine cause infertility?

The vaccine in no way interferes with a woman’s ability to get pregnant. I know it’s difficult if you’re thinking about getting pregnant, and you’ve heard a lot of misinformation about this vaccine. There is absolutely no data at all that this is true.

Before you get pregnant, it’s very important to be as healthy as you can be. We do talk to people about good nutrition, exercise, getting enough sleep, and definitely, women do not want to do anything to increase the chance of adversely affecting their pregnancy.

We know that this vaccine does not interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. We know this vaccine does not increase miscarriage rate. We know this vaccine does not increase birth defects.

When is the right time to get the vaccine during pregnancy?

We usually recommend that people get the vaccine after the first trimester, and the reason we recommend this is that the normal reaction to the vaccine can include a slight elevation in temperature, and that’s something we usually like to avoid during the first trimester. Talk to your provider about the optimal timing for you.

Can I get the vaccine if I am breastfeeding?

Yes! We now know that the antibodies that the vaccine produces are passed to the baby through breast milk, so it’s a way of protecting a child that’s too young to receive the vaccine. So not only does the vaccine protect the mother, but it protects the baby too.

Do I need the vaccine if I already had COVID?

There is some protection if a patient has had COVID in terms of getting it again. But, with this new variant, the studies have shown that you have 10 times the antibody response from the vaccine than you do from actually having had the disease. So even though you’ve had COVID,  you are much more protected if you go ahead and get the vaccine.

Questions/Concerns About the Vaccine

Can I trust the vaccine?

I think this is a difficult issue for a lot of patients, and I think that’s quite understandable. I can definitely understand people not having 100% faith in the pharmaceutical companies, the government, and even the medical profession. I don’t think we have always earned the trust that we ask of our patients. So I do understand the hesitancy about this vaccine, and I just want to take time to share some of the facts, and some of the concerns that I’m hearing from my patients.

There’s never been a vaccine that we have more experience with than this vaccine.

Was the vaccine rushed?

There’s a question about the vaccine in terms of how quickly it was developed because it came out much quicker than any vaccine in the past. There’s a concern that it was rushed, it wasn’t appropriately tested, and that it’s new technology.

This technology is not new. We’ve been using this technology for 20 years. We’ve been using this technology to teach your cells to fight cancer cells. And what they were able to do, using this technique, is to teach your cells to fight the SARS virus.

People talk about this being a new vaccine, but this vaccine has been received by over 350 million people in the United States and by over 4 billion people around the world. There is nothing new about it at this point.

Does this vaccine stay indefinitely in your body?

There’s a concern about putting something foreign in your body, which is very understandable. There’s a concern about how long the vaccine is in your body. I would like to point out that once it hits your bloodstream, it very quickly disappears. And this technology  teaches your cells to produce a protein so if you ever get the SARS virus, it will be able to remove it from your body. We have studies in pregnant women showing that, within one to three days after getting the vaccine, there is no vaccine found in their breast milk. So we know that the vaccine is in your system a very, very short period of time.

Are there side effects of the vaccine?

You’re definitely going to get some side effects from the vaccine. I got my vaccine and had a headache and some nausea. Being a male, I really felt it was the end of the world – it wasn’t – so I took some medication and I was fine. You want to get a little bit of a reaction after the vaccine, that’s a sign that you’re getting an immune response. So that’s something that you actually should expect, and again, almost always it’s pretty minimal.

Is the vaccine really 100% safe?

The risk of getting COVID during pregnancy is much greater than in the general population. Pregnant women who get the COVID vaccine are at much greater risk for severe complications. Patients often tell me, “Well, I’m concerned about this vaccine, no one knows 100% if it’s safe,” and that’s true – no one knows if anything’s 100% safe.

I point out to them the growing body of evidence about adverse health effects after having COVID. COVID is a disease that affects all the vessels in your body, and we’re seeing people now having significant respiratory issues, kidney issues, lung issues, we have young people having heart failure due to the fact that they’ve had COVID. And some people are sick for months or even a year after having this disease. So it’s not only getting the disease, but it’s possible to have side effects afterwards.

*******

We’re incredibly lucky to have this vaccine. This vaccine is over 95% effective. That’s amazing. Some years the flu vaccine is only 20% effective. It’s truly a miracle of modern science. We’re so lucky to be in a society where we have this offered. Please think about getting this vaccine; do it for yourself, do it for your children, do it for your loved ones, do it for your coworkers, do it for your patients. Do it for the nation. If we had a better vaccine response, we’d be back to normal by now.

Covid Live Updates: C.D.C. Firmly Urges Vaccinations During Pregnancy, Citing New Data

August 11, 2021

Federal health officials on Wednesday bolstered their recommendation that pregnant people be vaccinated against Covid-19, pointing to new safety data that found no increased risk of miscarriage among those were immunized during the first 20 weeks of gestation.

Earlier research found similarly reassuring data for those vaccinated later in pregnancy.

Until now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the vaccine could be offered during pregnancy; the recent update in guidance strengthens the official advice, urging pregnant people to be immunized.

The new guidance brings the C.D.C. in line with recommendations made by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other medical specialty groups, which strongly recommend vaccination.

“At this time, the benefits of vaccination, and the known risks of Covid during pregnancy and the high rates of transmission right now, outweigh any theoretical risks of the vaccine,” Sascha R. Ellington, an epidemiologist who leads the emergency preparedness response team in the division of reproductive health at the C.D.C.

The risks of having Covid-19 during a pregnancy are well-established, she said, and include severe illness, admission to intensive care, needing mechanical ventilation, having a preterm birth and death.

So far, there is limited data on birth outcomes, she added, since the vaccine has only been available since December. But the small number of pregnancies followed to term have not identified any safety signals.

Pregnant women were not included in the clinical trials of the vaccines, and uptake of the shots has been low among pregnant women. The majority of pregnant women seem to reluctant to be inoculated: Only 23 percent of pregnant women had received one or more doses of vaccine as of May, a recent study found.

Dr. Adam Urato, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Framingham, Mass., who counsels patients about the vaccine almost daily, said pregnant women are very wary of exposure to synthetic chemicals and want more solid scientific evidence that the vaccines are safe.

“The one question my patients ask me all the time is, are we absolutely sure that these vaccines won’t affect my baby?” he said.

If you have questions about the COVID vaccine and pregnancy, talk to your Starling OB/GYN.

Source: New York Times, August 11, 2021

Update on COVID Vaccine & Testing for Pediatric Patients

August 10, 2021

We are proud to offer the vaccine to children age 12 and up. You do not need to be a Starling patient. Here is how to call and schedule:

Patients of our Starling pediatric practices in New Britain, Plainville, Newington, and members of the community:

• Vaccine by appointment, Tues-Friday mornings
• Vaccines are given in New Britain office at 300 Kensington Avenue
• Call (860) 224-6282

Patients of our Starling practice in Vernon and members of the community:

• Vaccine by appointment
• Vaccines are given in our Vernon office at 375 Hartford Turnpike
• Call (860) 871-2102

Covid testing for our pediatric patients:

Testing is available in each of our offices, but you must be a patient. Call the office directly to schedule.

New Britain:  (860) 224-6282

Plainville:  (860) 747-1132

Newington:  (860) 666-5167

Vernon: (860) 871-2102

Younger, Sicker, Quicker

August 4, 2021

Many doctors on the front lines say unvaccinated patients in their 20s and 30s are becoming more severely ill, and more quickly.

Doctors have coined a new phrase to describe them: “younger, sicker, quicker.” Many physicians treating them suspect that the Delta variant of the coronavirus, which now accounts for more than 80 percent of new infections nationwide, is playing a role.

As of Sunday, more than 80 percent of Americans ages 65 to 74 were fully vaccinated, compared with fewer than half of those ages 18 to 39, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The vaccines are powerfully effective against severe illness and death after infection with any variant of the virus, including Delta. A vast majority of hospitalized patients nationwide — roughly 97 percent — are unvaccinated.

Starling continues to offer the vaccine. Call and schedule a vaccine today: (860) 368-2271

Source: New York Times 8.3.21

Vaccine Safety: Fertility and Pregnancy

Click on image below to view larger.

Update from Connectiut Department of Health

August 2, 2021

The CDC issued a Health Advisory to notify public health practitioners and the public about the urgent need to increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Increasing vaccination coverage is especially urgent in areas where current coverage is low. Unvaccinated persons account for the majority of new COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Currently COVID variants of concern, especially the highly infectious Delta variant, are accelerating the spread of infection. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people should practice all recommended prevention measures until fully vaccinated. In areas with substantial and high transmission, CDC recommends that fully vaccinated individuals wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of Delta and help protect others.

Connecticut cases are on the rise

COVID-19 case rates are rising in Connecticut. As in-person interactions increase and variants of concern are on the rise, the risk of COVID spread remains, particularly among unvaccinated individuals.

• Studies indicate that vaccines authorized for use in the United States are effective against this variant after the full course (all doses) of vaccination.
• The DELTA strain is now the most dominant variant in CT.
• There is increasing evidence to show that the Delta variant spreads more easily and more quickly than previous variants. Even with the circulation of the Delta variant, only a small proportion of fully vaccinated individuals have breakthrough infections and symptoms tend to be mild.
• Preliminary datasuggests that fully vaccinated people who do become infected with the Delta variant have higher viral loads than with previous variants. This may mean fully vaccinated individuals infected with the Delta variant might be infectious and can potentially spread the virus to others.

With the Delta variant circulating, vaccination is more urgent than ever

• The highest spread of cases and severe outcomes are happening in places with low vaccination rates.
• COVID-19 vaccines are safeand effective against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
• A growing body of evidenceindicates that people fully vaccinated with one of the two mRNA vaccines are less likely than unvaccinated persons to acquire COVIDor to transmit it to others.
• The risk for COVID breakthrough infection in fully vaccinated people cannot be completely eliminated as long as there is continued community transmissionof the virus.

How to stay safe

To reduce the risk of becoming infected with the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others, CDC now recommends that fully vaccinated people:

• Wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission.
• Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
• Isolate if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days
• Get tested 3-5 days after exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days after exposure or until they receive a negative test result

Anyone with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should get a viral test for COVID-19.

Do your part – get vaccinated!

Any one of the three currently available COVID-19 vaccines approved remain our best defense against preventing the spread of COVID-19, including the Delta variant. If you have not received your vaccine, call our vaccine line and schedule an appointment today!  (860) 368-2271

Vaccine Clinic August 5th

We will be holding a COVID vaccine clinic on August 5th from 2:30pm-5:00PM at 300 Kensington Avenue in New Britain. We will provide the Moderna vaccine. Call (860) 368-2271 to schedule an appointment. You must be age 18 and above.

Vaccine & Testing Update

July 16, 2021

Vaccines Available: We have doses available of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.  We can provide vaccines, upon request and also will be offering clinics. Call our vaccine hotline at (860) 368-2271. We offer vaccines to anyone in the community, age 12 and above. Those 12 and above will receive the Pfizer vaccine and will need a guardian present. 

Testing: COVID PCR testing is available at 300 Kensington – M,W, F, 7:45am-3:45pm. An appointment is required; please call (860) 368-2285 to schedule.  

Reminder about Masks

Upcoming Vaccine Clinic

June 23, 2021

We will be holding a COVID vaccine clinic on July 15th from 2:30pm-5:00PM at 300 Kensington Avenue in New Britain. We will provide Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Call (860) 368-02271 to schedule an appointment. You must be age 18 and above to receive either of these vaccines.

Update on COVID Testing & Vaccines

June 4, 2021

Starling continues to be your go-to resource for testing and vaccinations.

COVID PCR testing is available at 300 Kensington – 5 days a week. 8am-3:45pm. An appointment is required, please call 860-368-2285 to schedule.

We have doses available of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Limited days available due to demand. We can provide vaccines, upon request, on other days and times. Call our vaccine hotline at (860) 368-2271

We offer vaccines to anyone in the community, age 12 and above. Those 12 and above will receive the Pfizer vaccine and will need a parent present.

We Still Require Masks

May 21, 2021

On May 19, Connecticut lifted the mask mandate for people when they are outside and people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer need to wear masks in several places.

For our patients, we will continue to require masks because we are a Health Care Facility.  If you do not have a mask, please ask our staff to provide you with one.  

Below is some information regarding mask usage from the CDC.

Wearing a face mask has already become part of the daily routine for many Americans, with 97% saying they wear one at least once in a typical week. As more businesses continue to reopen or bring their employees back to the office over the next several months, face masks will likely remain an important preventative measure — especially since both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend that employers encourage workers to wear them in the workplace to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

MASKS NOT REQUIRED:

• Masks will no longer be required outdoors

MASKS REQUIRED FOR ALL:

• Masks will continue to be required in some places, whether you are vaccinated or not. Here is where they will be required:
• Health care facilities
• Facilities housing vulnerable populations
• Public and private transit
• Correctional facilities
• Schools
• Childcare facilities

IF YOU ARE NOT VACCINATED:

For people who are not vaccinated, masks will be required:

• Inside
• Health care facilities
• Facilities housing vulnerable populations
• Public and private transit
• Correctional facilities
• Schools
• Childcare facilities

IF YOU ARE FULLY VACCINATED:

Vaccinated people will not be required to wear masks indoors in several settings, but there are some exceptions.

Masks will be required in the following settings:

• Health care facilities
• Facilities housing vulnerable populations
• Public and private transit
• Correctional facilities
• Schools
• Childcare facilities

Businesses, state and local government offices, and events may choose to require universal masking.

Now Vaccinating Those Age 12 and Above

May 12, 2021

Our Pediatrics practices in Vernon and New Britain are now offering the Pfizer vaccine for those age 12+. You do not need to be a patient.

Vernon:

Vernon Pediatrics will run drive-up Pfizer clinics. Clinics will be held on May 18, 19, 20, and 21 starting at 5:30 pm. Please call to schedule an appointment: (860) 871-2102. A legal guardian must be in attendance, or a Minor Consent Form must be completed prior to the appointment time.

New Britain: 

Our pediatrics practice in New Britain is also be offering the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments will be scheduled during business hours. Call (860) 224-6282.

Guard Your Card!

Let’s Get Control of COVID!

May 5, 2021

If you haven’t gotten your vaccine yet, now is the time!

Call our vaccine line at (860) 368-2271 to set up an appointment.

Update on Vaccines for Adult Population

April 28, 2021

We are now offering Johnson & Johnson, as well as the Moderna vaccine for those age 18 and above. You do not need to be a Starling patient. For those ages 16-17, see the message below about details on our pediatric clinics administering the Pfizer vaccine.

On Wednesday, May 5th, we will be holding a Johnson & Johnson clinic from 2:30pm-5:30pm. Enjoy the convenience of one shot and done!

To schedule an appointment, please call:(860) 368-2271.

Message from Our Pediatrics Team

April 27, 2021

If you have children or know children who are 16 or 17 years of age, our Pediatrics Department would like to offer to vaccinate your children, even if they are not a Starling patient.

Starling Physicians Pediatric Department at 300 Kensington Ave will be holding Pfizer Covid Vaccine Clinics next week:

• Tues, April 27 through Friday, April 30, 2021. Please call their office at (860) 224-6282 to schedule your appointment.

Vernon Pediatrics at 357 Hartford Turnpike Vernon will be doing drive-up Pfizer clinics:

• Tuesday 4/27, Wednesday 4/28, Thursday 4/29, Friday 4/30 starting at 5:30pm each day. Please call to schedule an appointment: (860) 871-2102.

These clinics are only for 16 and 17 years old’s.  Appointments are necessary.  Please note, a legal guardian must be in attendance, or a Minor Consent Form must be completed prior to the appointment time.

Now Offering Vaccine Clinics for Age 16 & 17

April 23, 2021

Starling’s Pediatric Department is now offering Pfizer Vaccine Clinics.

he most recent posts.  

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized by the U.S. FDA for Emergency Use

February 28, 2021

U.S. regulators have formally approved the single-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) coronavirus vaccine, the third vaccine to be authorized in the country.

The vaccine is set to be a cost-effective alternative to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and can be stored in a refrigerator instead of a freezer.

The new vaccine’s 72% efficacy rate in the U.S falls short of the roughly 95% rate found in Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. However, across all trial sites, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed 85% percent efficacy against hospitalization and death.

President Biden’s chief medical adviser, Dr. Anthony Fauci, advised people to take the Johnson & Johnson shot, when asked about its effectiveness compared with the other two approved vaccines.

Dr. Fauci told NBC: “All three of them are really quite good, and people should take the one that’s most available to them. If you go to a place and you have J&J, and that’s the one that’s available now, I would take it.”

We Will Soon be Offering the COVID Vaccine

February 24, 2021

We are planning to get state clearance within days to begin administering the vaccine.

What You Need to Know:

• Vaccine will be offered at:
  • 1260 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield
  • 300 Kensington Avenue, New Britain
• Vaccines are only available to patients of Starling providers. Appointments are required.
• In the beginning, we will be vaccinating on weekends. We then will begin gradually vaccinating during the week.
• If you signed up to receive the vaccine through our website, a Starling employee will call you to make your appointment. Your second vaccine will be scheduled prior to leaving after your initial first dose. Please call (860) 368-2271 with questions.
• We will be delivering the Moderna,  as well as the Pfizer and possibly Johnson and Johnson vaccine at this time. You will not have a choice on which vaccine you receive.
• You must be in an eligible phase to schedule your appointment. No exceptions can be made. Identification will be required upon check-in.
  • March 1: Teachers and childcare providers of all ages; patients ages 55-64
  • March 22: Ages 45-54
  • April 12: Ages 35-44
  • May 3: Ages 16-34
• We ask that you arrive 5 minutes prior to your vaccine appointment, but no earlier. After you receive the shot, you will be asked to remain in our facility for 15 minutes to ensure that there is no adverse reaction or 30 minutes if you have a history of anaphylaxis.
• We now offer a Vaccine Hotline for updates and questions. Please do not contact your provider’s office about the vaccine. Visit https://www.starlingphysicians.com/covid/ or call our hotline for the most current information.
• If you have registered for our Vaccine Wait List and are no longer interested, please call our Vaccine Hotline and leave your name and date of birth and we will remove you from our list.

Roll Up Your Sleeves

No. This form just lets us know you are interested once the vaccine becomes available in our offices. Completing this form is not a guarantee of an appointment.  You will still need to book a vaccine appointment once we provide more information around scheduling.

Double Masking

February 17, 2021

There has been recent news about double masking. Because layering masks reduces the ability of germs to make it through face coverings, it’s more likely to do a better job of protecting you from infectious respiratory droplets. This is especially true with cloth masks which, depending on the material, number of layers, and fit, may be better with an additional layer of protection.

Some may wonder why our providers are not double masking. First, our providers wear medical grade masks that are secure and fit properly. Second, many of our providers are vaccinated. Third, our providers are extremely focused on hygienic and safety measures. If we thought our masking policy for providers in any way posed a risk to our patients, we would re-evaluate.

Here is a helpful article on double masking and when it may be appropriate for the general public.

COVID Testing for Starling Patients

February 16, 2021

We now offer COVID testing for Starling patients at 300 Kensington. A physician referral is required. If you believe you need a COVID test, please contact your provider’s office.

Be Prepared for These Screening Questions

February 12, 2021

We continue to screen patients prior to appointments and upon arrival. Please be prepared to address the following questions before seeing your provider.

COVID Vaccine Update

January 12, 2021

Connecticut is currently in Phase 1a of our statewide rollout plan.

• Healthcare Personnel
• Long-Term Care Facility Residents
• Medical First Responders

According to the Govenor and the State of Connecticut website, we will soon be entering Phase 1b in mid January. Three primary groups will be eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1b:

• Front line essential workers
• Individuals and staff in congregate settings
• Individuals 75 years of and older (please see additional info below)

Information about scheduling a vaccination for those 75 and older is coming soon, and will be  CT’s main COVID-19 Vaccination Portal. Click here for details.

To schedule an appointment through Hartford Healthcare, click here.

Please do not contact your Starling provider and we are not distributing the vaccine, handling appointments, or keeping a waiting list.

For all others: The COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group will next meet on January 14th. We will have more information for employers and other individuals following this meeting. Please visit our Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccination Portal regularly for all the latest updates.

Phase 1c 

Updated information will be coming soon!

COVID Vaccine Safety

January 6, 2021

In the coming weeks, we hope that the vaccine will continue to become more readily distributed throughout Connecticut.  We will keep you updated as details are known.

Some people may have questions about the vaccine safety. Here are some things to consider:

• The vaccines were well-tested in multiple countries and with numerous investigators, researchers, and governmental organizations going over the data.  There is universal agreement.
• Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were proven to be about 95% protective in clinical trials.
• Side effects are typical for vaccines, local discomfort and mild systemic symptoms.
• More severe allergic reactions are quite uncommon. There is a significant amount of misinformation circulating about this.
• Remember that a vaccine, or any medication, doesn’t have to have a perfect, zero side-effect record to be a good idea. It is clear that the chance of harm from the vaccine is far, far lower than the chance of harm from COVID-19.  That’s what you have to measure it against.

Historically, all of the serious side effects associated with vaccination occur within 6 weeks of a dose. All of the trials that have been done have mandated at least a 2 month follow up. So we can now say that the vaccines don’t cause a serious uncommon side effect. But 10,000 people isn’t 10 million people. So we can’t yet say the vaccine doesn’t cause a serious rare side effect. But in the US, now more than 4 million people have been vaccinated. No serious permanent side effects so far. The virus, on the other hand, as we have seen can lead to a serious and fatal disease.

So, these are some of the facts to weigh as you consider your options.

Dr. Walker Interview on Channel 3

December 16, 2020

Dr. Scott Walker talks with Channel 3 about COVID-19 symptoms, testing, and when to contact your doctor or seek care.

COVID Updates On Safety & Testing

December 11, 2020

Connecticut’s positivity rate continues to rise state and nation-wide. Here is some information to help you stay safe and know when to seek care.

• Symptoms of COVID-19:
  • People with COVID-19 can have mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus. Symptoms most commonly emerge within 3-5 days of exposure.
  • Symptoms can include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever or chills, muscle or body aches, sore throat, headache, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose or stuffy nose, fatigue, and recent loss of taste or smell.
  • Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.
  • Some people have no symptoms at all – but can still be contagious to others.

• When to get tested:
  • If you have fever or chills, new cough, or new shortness of breath, you should stay home and arrange to be tested for COVID.
  • If you have had a known close contact exposure to someone with COVID, you should be tested, even if you have only one mild symptom or no symptoms at all; you also should quarantine until test results are back.

• • In certain situations, it is recommended that you be tested – even if you do not have symptoms – if you are a health care worker, first responder, work in a facility such as a nursing home, or live in communities at high risk. Some of these situations include being exposed to someone with COVID-19 without adequate protection, or detection of asymptomatic spread during an outbreak.

•  Types of tests:
  • There are three types of tests available for COVID-19:
    • nucleic acid (PCR test);
    • antigen (rapid) tests, used to diagnose a person with current infection with the SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19; and
    • antibody test, that helps determine if someone was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the past.
  • If you are having symptoms for COVID-19, or are not sick but have had unprotected prolonged close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should have a nucleic acid (PCR) diagnostic test.
  • Testing is not a free pass and is only an indicator at a moment in time that you are not infected. You still need to practice safety measures including masks, social distancing, and limiting social interactions.

• Quarantine guidelines:
  • The government has now shortened the mandatory quarantine guidelines from 14 days to 7 days with a negative PCR test and no symptoms, or 10 days without a test. However, it is important to check with work or school to determine what their criteria is for return.
  • These are the minimum guidelines and it still is very important to self-quarantine if you believe you have been exposed. Symptoms can still emerge up to 14 days after exposure.
  • If traveling, which we do not advise, it is important to check guidelines for entering/ returning from different states.
  • Visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel for Connecticut’s guidelines.

• When to call the doctor:
  • If you think you have COVID-19 and feel like you have symptoms, you should first call your primary care provider to talk about your symptoms.
  • Call your doctor for a fever that does not go down with fever-reducing medicine, for any severe symptoms, or for symptoms that get worse over time.
    • Do not use aspirin, as it is not advised for influenza; use Tylenol instead; Tylenol is also recommended for COVID.

• Where to get tested:

• • If you think you have COVID-19 and feel like you have symptoms, you should first call your primary care provider to talk about your symptoms.
    • At Starling, we will be testing patients on a limited basis, starting in mid-December in our Glastonbury location.
    • Patients will be pre-screened and will only be tested if they meet certain criteria.

• Testing is available in many locations throughout Connecticut, free of charge. To find a location near you:
  • You can find a testing site by visitinggov/coronavirus, typing your zip code into the box that says “Find a Testing Site Near You” and clicking “GO.”
  • You can visit 211ct.org to locate the nearest testing site.
  • Click here for a list of sites that our staff have compiled to assist you find testing sites for adults and children.
  • You can call 2-1-1.

• Staying Safe: These messages continue to be repeated but cannot be emphasized enough.

• • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If you use a hand sanitizer, make sure the alcohol content is above 60%.
  • Inside your home, if someone is sick at home, the person should be isolated as much as possible, they should wear a mask and anyone else in the house should also wear a mask.
  • Outside your home, allow 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
  • Everyone should wear a mask in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
  • Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow, and do not spit.
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19. This is especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.

• A vaccine is coming:
  • A vaccine is almost here, which is great news. First phase will be for healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities.
  • After that, vaccines will be rolled out to high risk individuals, the elderly, and then to all members of the community.
  • Please don’t call your provider at this time to request a vaccine. We will be working closely with state officials and will ccommunicate with our patients as soon as we have information to share.

• Holidays:
  • We know it is tempting to spend holidays with large groups of friends and family. Please DO NOT gather with large groups this year.
  • Connecticut is at a manageable point, but that can quickly change if people do not follow state guidelines.
  • With a vaccine on the way by late spring/ early summer, everyone who wants a vaccine should be able to get vaccinated.
  • Hang in there, and thank you for partnering with us to keep yourself and everyone around us safe.

• For more information:
  • https://portal.ct.gov/ has a wide range of information on testing and other important state-related COVID information.
  • https://www.cdc.gov has useful information on safety protocol and guidelines.

Is it Cold, Flu, Allergy or COVID?

December 10, 2020

 Now is a difficult time of year and it’s hard to distinguish. Consider the following:

• • Cold symptoms are mild, and the common cold tends not to be associated with fever or headache. Congestion/ runny nose is common for the common cold and would be uncommon to be the only symptom for influenza. Congestion/runny nose can be a symptom of a COVID infection and might be the only symptom in mild cases.
  • Flu symptoms are often of rapid onset. COVID symptoms can be of rapid or more gradual onset.
  • One symptom that is more unique to a COVID infection is the loss of taste or smell.
  • Winter allergies to dust, mold, and animals can also cause symptoms that can be confused with other ailments. Starling has an Allergy team and now is a good time for allergy testing to determine common triggers and get relief. Click here to learn more.
  • Click on the link below for a helpful chart that shows different symptoms for cold, flu, allergies, and COVID.

Click here for helpful chart on symptoms >

Where to Get Tested

December 9, 2020

We know if can be difficult to know where to turn for COVID. Testing is available in many locations throughout Connecticut, free of charge. Some sites, however, will require a medical visit which may entail a charge.

Some helpful options to find a location near you include:

• You can find a testing site by visitinggov/coronavirus, typing your zip code into the box that says “Find a Testing Site Near You” and clicking “GO.”
• You can visit 211ct.org to locate the nearest testing site.
• You can call 2-1-1.

Click read more for a list of sites that Starling staff put together that may be helpful. Due to rapidly evolving situation, it is important to confirm information prior to your visit and this list is not exhaustive. Please note that some sites will not test children under 10.

Testing Locations>

Beware of COVID Scams

December 4, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General continues to alert the public about fraud schemes related to COVID-19.

Fraudsters are using telemarketing calls, text messages, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits to perpetrate COVID-19-related scams.

These scammers use the coronavirus pandemic to benefit themselves, and beneficiaries face potential harm. The personal information collected can be used to fraudulently bill federal health care programs and commit medical identity theft.

Protect yourself and your loved ones from potential scams. 

• Be aware that scammers are pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers or are contacting people unexpectedly to offer COVID-19 tests and supplies. Do not respond to calls from or engage in visits with unknown individuals.
• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal, medical, or financial information.
• Be vigilant and protect yourself from potential fraud concerning COVID-19 vaccines. You will not be asked for money to enhance your ranking for vaccine eligibility. Government and State officials will not call you to obtain personal information in order to receive the vaccine, and you will not be solicited door-to-door to receive the vaccine.

If you suspect COVID-19 health care fraud, report it immediately online or call 1-800-447-8477.

For more information, visit OIG.HHS.GOV.

No Visitors Please

November 18, 2020

Please be aware that no family members or guests are allowed with patients to visits unless absolutely necessary for translating or help with walking or mobility. We continue to strive to keep our patients and staff safe and appreciate your cooperation.

Office Safety Guidelines

September 1, 2020

We continue to take every precaution to make Starling a COVID-19 safe environment for our patients, our providers, and our staff. For patients that are high-risk or are not comfortable coming to the office at this time, we still offer Telemedicine visits.

Please note the following procedures:

• We take the temperature of all patients and staff before entering our offices.
• We screen patients and staff for symptoms prior to visits or work; patients with any symptoms will be asked to return to their car. The medical assistant will talk to the physician and a telemedicine visit may take place instead of an office visit or the office visit will be rescheduled for a later date. Staff will be sent for testing and remain at home until the results are received.
• In many locations, we will minimize the time in the waiting room by texting patients in their car when it is time to enter the office.
• Patients, staff, and providers, are required to wear masks in our office.
  • If you cannot wear a mask, we ask that you schedule a telemedicine visit. If you require oxygen, we ask that you wear it under the mask.
• Exam rooms and waiting areas are thoroughly cleaned pre- and post-patient visits.
• Social distancing is required in all areas. Our waiting rooms have been revamped to make this possible.
• We strongly discourage visitors at appointments. For patients requiring assistance, we are limiting to one guest.
• Observe travel-related restrictions: Connecticut has travel restrictions requiring 14-day self-quarantine of visitors or returning residents from states with a daily new average of 10 percent or higher COVID-19 positive test rates over a rolling 7 day period. Please refer to https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel for the most current list of states, as well as frequently asked questions about travel policies. As of September 1, this list includes 33 states. Both patients and staff are required to observe this mandatory 14-day self-quarantine before coming to the office.

Thank you for partnering with us so we can continue to deliver the highest quality care in the safest manner.

What to Know About Contact Tracing

August 20, 2020

If you’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, you may be contacted by a contact tracer or public health worker from your state or local health department in an effort to help slow the spread of the disease. Here’s what to know if you get a call:

• A contact tracer may call to let you know you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. All information you share with a contact tracer, like who you’ve been in contact with and your recent whereabouts, is confidential.
• You may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. This means staying home, monitoring your health, and maintaining social distance from others at all times.
• You may be asked to monitor your health and watch for symptoms of COVID-19. Notify your doctor if you develop symptoms, and seek medical care if your symptoms worsen or become severe.

Be aware of scammers pretending to be COVID-19 contact tracers. Legitimate contact tracers will never ask for your Medicare Number or financial information. If someone calls and asks for personal information, like your Medicare Number, hang up and report it to us at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Back to School Concerns

August 10, 2020

Now, more than ever, going back to school is a stressful time! Starling pediatrician, Dr. Jonathan Reidel, shares some helpful articles from physician leaders at Connecticut’s Children Hospital.

• Should you send your child back to school? A checklist to help you decide.
  Click here 

• Is it safe to send children back? A message from Connecticut’s Children’s Physician-in-Chief.
  Click here

• Is it safe to send my child if he/she has asthma or other conditions? What to consider.
  Click here 

Please keep in mind that information is rapidly changing.  For example, children under 12 are capable of spreading COVID, whereas originally that was not thought to be the case.

Returning to in-person instruction is a personal decision. Our goal is to provide you with resources to help you determine what is right for you and your family.

Proper Use of Hand Sanitizer

July 17, 2020

CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands. But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
However, it is very important to use hand sanitizer properly. Here are some recommendations.

To use hand sanitizer correctly, the CDC recommends applying the gel to the palm of one hand, then rub your hands together while ensuring that the gel covers the surface of your hands and fingers until the gel is dry. Doing this for 30 seconds is the best way to get rid of germs, per the study’s findings.

It’s important to note that hand sanitizer does not rid of all germs, and “may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy,” per the federal agency. Additionally, “hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals,” it added.
In other words, handwashing with soap and water should be your go-to, when possible.

We are a COVID-19 Safe Environment

June 8, 2020

We have instituted every precaution to make Starling a COVID-19 safe environment. For patients that are high-risk or are not comfortable coming to the office at this time, we continue to offer Telemedicine visits.

Safety continues to be our top priority. Please note the following procedures.

• We take the temperature of all patients, staff, and vendors before entering our offices.
• We screen patients and staff for symptoms prior to visits or work; patients with any symptoms will be asked to return to their car. The medical assistant will talk to the physician and a telemedicine visit may take place instead of an office visit or the office visit will be rescheduled for a later date. Staff will be sent for testing and remain at home until the results are received.
• In many locations, we will minimize the time in the waiting room by texting patients in their car when it is time to enter the office.
• Patients, staff, and providers are required to wear masks in our offices.
• Exam rooms and waiting areas are thoroughly cleaned pre- and post-patient visits.
• Social distancing is required in all areas. Our waiting rooms have been revamped to make this possible.
• We strongly discourage visitors at appointments. For patients requiring assistance, we are limiting to one guest.

We thank you for strictly adhering to these policies. Together, these measures will keep you, our team, and other patients safe.

Resuming Office Visits

May 29, 2020

We are pleased to announce that we are resuming in-office visits for routine care. We also continue to offer Telemedicine visits. We are committed to maintaining a COVID-19 safe environment and have instituted numerous safety measures including: prescreenings, temperature taking, enhanced cleaning, mandatory masks, and enhanced social distancing in offices.

See below for a helpful video from our Chief Medical Office, Dr. Michael Posner to discuss the new standards of care:

Covid-19 and Children

May 13, 2020

 We’re still learning about the coronavirus and the impact on children. Far fewer cases of the virus have been reported in children, and it seems to usually cause a milder infection in them than in adults and older people. But some kids have developed more serious symptoms.

Many parents wonder what to do if their child gets sick. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus can cause:

• a fever
• a cough
• sore throat
• fast breathing
• chills
• shaking with chills
• muscle pain
• headache
• a loss of taste or smell

Some kids are having symptoms caused by inflammation throughout the body, sometimes several weeks after they were infected with the virus. Research is currently underway to learn more about this condition.

Symptoms of this inflammatory condition may include:

• a fever that lasts several days
• belly pain
• vomiting or diarrhea
• a rash
• red, cracked lips
• red eyes
• swelling of the hands or feet
• joint pain
• dizziness
• vision problems
• a headache
• looking pale

What Should I Do if My Child Has Symptoms?

If your child has any of the symptoms:

• Do your best to stay calm.
• Talk to a health care provider. You can:
  • Call your Starling pediatrician. Your doctor knows your child’s health history and will know if your child has any special risks. The doctor will ask how your child is doing and if they’ve been around someone with known or suspected coronavirus. Your doctor’s office will tell you what to do next and whether you need an in-person visit.

    or

  • Schedule a telehealth visit.
    During office hours, a Starling healthcare provider can see your child at home via video using a device such as a cell phone or laptop. They can then give you guidance on how to manage your child’s symptoms.

• Help your child get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids.
• Watch for signs that your child might need more medical help. Go to the ER if your child:
  • • looks very sick to you
    • has breathing problems. Look for muscles pulling in between the ribs or the nostrils puffing out with each breath.
    • is confused or very sleepy
    • has chest pain
    • has cold, sweaty, pale or blotchy skin
    • is dizzy

Call 911 if your child is struggling to breathe, is too out of breath to talk or walk, or turns blue or has fainted.

How Can I Keep My Family Safe if My Child Has Symptoms?

• Keep your child home. This keeps your child away from other germs. It also helps prevent your child from spreading the illness to others. If the doctor thinks your child might have coronavirus, the whole family will need to stay home.
• Keep other people and pets in the house away from your child as much as possible.
• Try to have one person only care for the sick child so others are not exposed.
• If your child is over 2 years old and can wear a face mask or cloth face covering without finding it hard to breathe, have them wear one when the caregiver is in the room. Don’t leave your child alone while they’re wearing a mask or cloth face covering. If your child can’t wear one, the caregiver should wear one when in the same room. To see how to put on and remove face masks and coverings, clean them, or make your own cloth face covering, check the CDC’s guide.
• If possible, have your sick child use a different bathroom from others. If that isn’t possible, wipe down the bathroom often.
  Everyone in your family should wash their hands well and often. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer and rub your hands for at least 10 seconds.
• Use regular household cleaners or wipes to clean things that get touched a lot (doorknobs, light switches, toys, remote controls, phones, etc.). Do this every day.

How Do Doctors Test People for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Testing for COVID-19 is changing. Doctors, hospitals, commercial labs, local health departments, and the U.S. Public Health Service are working together to help get tests to the people who need them.

To test someone for coronavirus, doctors put a long Q-tip into the nose (called a nasal swab) and send it to a lab. If the person coughs up mucus, doctors might send that for testing too. Some areas offer drive-thru testing, which lets people stay in their car during the test.

If you think your child has symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor or local health department. They will give you the most up-to-date information on testing.

How Is Coronavirus (COVID-19) Treated?

Doctors and researchers are working on medicines and a vaccine for coronavirus. Most people with the illness, including children, get better with rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medicine. Some people with more severe symptoms need treatment in the hospital.

What Else Should I Know?

Keep doing these things to keep your family healthy:

• Wash hands well and often.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid contact with other people, especially those who are sick.
• Make sure kids get all recommended vaccinations for other infections, like the flu and measles.
• Masks are helpful to keep germs behind a barrier. This prevents those germs from spreading to others around you. 

Source: Adapted from kidshealth.org with input from Starling Pediatrician Dr. Noelle Leong.

Updates on Care Delivery

May 4, 2020

As Connecticut prepares to reopen, Starling remains focused on providing the highest quality care in the safest manner.

• We continue to conduct Telemedicine visits and Telemedicine phone calls with your provider.
• We offer patients with chronic health issues or concerns the ability to schedule an office visit.
• Please be advised some departments are beginning to reschedule appointments that were postponed till June. However, this does not apply to all departments. Please contact your provider’s office for more information.

We continue to have numerous safety measures in place to keep our patients and staff safe. This includes the following.

• We take the temperature of all patients, staff, and vendors before entering our offices.
• We screen patients and staff for symptoms prior to visits or work; patients with any symptoms will be asked to reschedule and staff will be asked not to come to work.
• Patients are required to wear masks in our offices; staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Exam rooms are thoroughly cleaned pre- and post-patient visit.
• Social distancing is required in all areas.
• We strongly discourage visitors at appointments. For patients requiring assistance, we are limiting to one guest.

Our coronavirus hotline is available 7 days a week from 8:30am-4:30pm. Call 860-368-2271.

Please note that our lab hours and locations have recently been updated. Visit https://www.starlingphysicians.com/lab/ for details.

Thank you to our wonderful patients who continue to share their gratitude during this time. To hear what our patients have to share, please visit: https://www.starlingphysicians.com/hereforyou/.

Please stay safe and know we are here for you.

New Symptoms Associated with COVID-19

April 27, 2020

Face Coverings/Masks Now Required

April 20, 2020

Update on Labs Stations and Hours

March 30, 2020

Effective March 31, we will temporarily close our lab draw stations in Bloomfield, Glastonbury, Plainville, and Southington until further notice. We will continue to operate our draw stations in Newington, Wethersfield, Enfield, and New Britain (Lake St. and 300 Kensington) but hours may change.

Please click here for a letter from our lab management >

Click here for our current lab hours and locations >

Loss of Smell and Taste

March 28, 2020

Loss of smell and taste is now added to the list of symptoms that may indicate someone is harboring the coronavirus – even you experience no other or minor symptoms. If you experience this symptom, it important to stay-at-home to prevent the spread of the disease and you should let your doctor know.

Click here for for an article on this topic.

Helpful advice for daily living during coronavirus

March 27, 2020

This is an extremely challenging time.  We have created a new web page designed to help people manage stress by providing useful tips to help with everyday living. We include updates on how to clean your home, grocery shop, and ideas for stocking your pantry.

Click here to visit our new page >

Hear the Latest Updates

March 26, 2020

Starling’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Posner, talks with WTIC1080 about the latest coronavirus news including symptoms, testing, research, and when to stay home >

Update on Our Pediatrics Department Hours & Locations

March 23, 2020

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

March 21, 2020

We know that there are a lot of questions and concerns about how to handle the coronavirus. Please be aware that our call volume has dramatically increased. Before calling our office or on-call service, please review the advice below:

• If you have significant shortness of breath, you need to be evaluated in an emergency room.
• If you are concerned about the coronavirus but not currently sick, please see our more detailed question and answers below for complete information about the virus.  You do not need to speak to a physician at this time.
• If you are in close proximity to a person with known or suspected coronavirus, you should try to minimize your contact with them and all persons in the house. Frequently wash hands, clean surfaces, avoid being within 6 feet of each other, and quarantine from the general public.
• If you have mild viral symptoms, most notably fever and cough, you should stay at home and quarantine yourself as above.  You do not need to be seen in an emergency room at this time, and you can call back during normal business hours to update us on your progress if you are concerned.  If you get significantly worse, consider being seen in the emergency room.

Now Offering Telemedicine Visits

March 20, 2020

We remain focused on the health and safety of our patients, staff, and the community. Our providers are now offering Telemedicine visits and providing health consultations by phone or by telehealth/video. We are rescheduling routine office visits or conducting these visits by videoconference or phone. Most specialties and services are available in select locations to care for patients with chronic health issues or urgent health needs.

Important Changes in Our Delivery of Care

March 19, 2020

As the coronavirus and its effect continue to evolve and impact our state, we remain focused on the health and safety of our patients, staff, and the community.

• At this time, we will no longer see routine well-patient visits in our offices. We ask that you call and reschedule 8-10 weeks from now.
• We are now offering Telemedicine visits. Our staff will set it up for you and your provider will call or video conference you to provide a health consultation.
• Medicare , Medicaid and most other insurance companies are providing insurance coverage for Telemedicine visits. You may have a co-pay or co-insurance.
• Some specialties and services will still be available in select locations. We will continue to see patients who have chronic health conditions including heart, lung, and kidney issues, diabetic management, and cancer care.
• Patients who require urgent care, unrelated to coronavirus, will still be seen in select locations.
• If you believe you have symptoms of coronavirus, call us first and our team will advise you on next steps.

____________

March 17, 2020

Below are some common questions that people have about the coronavirus and answers from the CDC. Please keep in mind that this information is rapidly evolving and we will inform you of ongoing updates.

Questions & Answers

Other Important Information

Emergency Warning Signs

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Stay home except to get medical care

• Stay home:People who are mildly ill with COVID-19 are able to recover at home. Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you feel worse or you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation:Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation

• Stay away from others:As much as possible, you should stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home. Use a separate bathroom, if available.
• Limit contact with pets & animals:You should restrict contact with pets and other animals, just like you would around other people.
  • Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people with the virus limit contact with animals until more information is known.
  • When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick with COVID-19. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with them. See COVID-19 and Animals for more information.
    

If you or someone in your home is sick

Call ahead If you have a medical appointment, call your doctor’s office or emergency department, and tell them you have or may have COVID-19. This will help navigate your care over the phone.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office.
• If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live in the home should stay in a different room. When caregivers enter the room of the sick person, they should wear a facemask. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.

Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Cover: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Dispose: Throw used tissues in a lined trash can.
• Wash hands: Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean your hands often

• Wash hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry.
• Soap and water:Soap and water are the best option, especially if hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching:Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Clean and disinfect

Routinely clean high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom. Let someone else clean and disinfect surfaces in common areas, but not your bedroom and bathroom.

• If a caregiver or other person needs to clean and disinfect a sick person’s bedroom or bathroom, they should do so on an as-needed basis. The caregiver/other person should wear a mask and wait as long as possible after the sick person has used the bathroom.

High-touch surfaces include phones, remote controls, counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.

Monitor your symptoms

• Seek medical attention, but call first: Seek medical care right away if your illness is worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing).
  • Call your doctor before going in: Before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do.
• Wear a facemask: If possible, put on a facemask before you enter the building. If you can’t put on a facemask, try to keep a safe distance from other people (at least 6 feet away). This will help protect the people in the office or waiting room.
• Follow care instructions from your healthcare provider and local health department: Your local health authorities will give instructions on checking your symptoms and reporting in
• Don’t panic: Patients with mild viral syndrome symptoms do not need to come to the offices or ERs to be checked for coronavirus, only those with more severe disease. In the absence of high fevers and/ or more significant respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, staying home/isolation with supportive care is recommended.

How to discontinue home isolation

• People with COVID-19 who have stayed home (home isolated) can stop home isolation under the following conditions:
• If you will not have a test to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  • You have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
    AND
  • other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
    AND
  • at least 7 days have passed since your symptoms first appeared
• If you will be tested to determine if you are still contagious, you can leave home after these three things have happened:
  • You no longer have a fever (without the use medicine that reduces fevers)
    AND
  • other symptoms have improved (for example, when your cough or shortness of breath have improved)
    AND
    you received two negative tests in a row, 24 hours apart. Your doctor will follow CDC guidelines.

In all cases, follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and local health department. The decision to stop home isolation should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider and state and local health departments. Local decisions depend on local circumstances.

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New Procedures to Maximize Your Safety

March 16, 2020

Please note the new procedures below. We also have signs on our entry door alerting patients of these procedures.

Required Pre-Visit Check-In:

For the safety of our patients and staff, pre-visit check-ins are now mandatory prior to being seen. If you have an appointment, you are now required to check-in for your appointment before coming to the office.

 We offer two ways to complete this check-in:

• Respond to the pre-visit communication received via text and email. Once you have completed the check-in, you will be alerted to either call the office or proceed with your appointment.
• Call the office and answer the necessary screening questions.

If one of these steps is not completed, you will not be able to be seen by your provider and will be asked to return to your car to complete the mandatory pre-visit check-in process. No walk-in visits will be allowed at this time.

One Guest Per Visit:

We encourage patients to come alone or limit guests to one. This will be part of our ongoing effort to reduce the possibility of spreading the virus by limiting the number of people that come to the offices. We request that patients sit apart from one another in waiting rooms.

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Please know that we are here for you!  Visit www.starlingphysicians.com/coronavirus for frequent updates based on CDC guidelines.

As the number of coronavirus cases has increased in the United States, we want to let you know that we are actively preparing to deliver care to the community and to our patients who may be affected.

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Preparing for Coronavirus in Connecticut

March 12, 2020

We have been actively preparing to treat patients who may have coronavirus symptoms, while keeping our patient population safe.

Preparations Underway at Starling:

• Stocking up on the necessary protective equipment
• Monitoring the CDC’s communications
• Working with the medical community including our hospital affiliates, to try to keep care coordinated
• Developing procedures and protocols on where to direct people based on symptoms and risk factors

When to Contact Us / Seek Care:

• Call your doctor’s office immediately if:
  • you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath and you or someone you have been in contact with has been exposed to the coronavirus
• If you are ill and wish to seek care, please call ahead. We want to ensure we can provide safe care for all of our patients. We may need to make special accommodations to limit the spread of the virus.
• If you experience a medical emergency, dial 9-1-1

When to Stay Home:

• Patients with mild viral syndrome symptoms do not need to come to the offices or ERs to be checked for coronavirus, only those with more severe disease. In the absence of high fevers and/ or more significant respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, staying home with supportive care is recommended.
• Do not go to work, school, or public places if you are ill.

Measures to Stay Safe:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you cannot access water, use an alcohol-based sanitizer with a 60% alcohol content. We know these can be hard to purchase but are increasingly available for use in stores and public places.
• Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with cleaning spray or wipes.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Know the Symptoms:

Coronaviruses cause respiratory illnesses, ranging from common cold symptoms to pneumonia. The virus can spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
The elderly, those with cardiac or lung disease, and diabetics are especially at risk of more severe disease.

Where to Find More Information:

To read more about preventing the spread of COVID-19, click here.

If you are planning any travel outside of the U.S., click here for the CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage for the latest travel and health notices.

Information adapted from the CDC. To read more on the CDC website, click here.

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What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

March 5, 2020

General background: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, and they are common sources of infection in humans, generally causing mild disease such as the common cold. This particular variant is new in humans and this novel strain has been named SARS-CoV-2 (not the same as the prior “SARS”). The disease itself is called COVID-19.

Coronaviruses also cause disease in multiple other species. Sometimes these animal viruses can spread to humans, which is currently thought to be the case with this outbreak. MERS and SARS were examples of this.

Method of transmission: The Coronavirus is thought to be spread mainly by person-to-person transmission, which is understood at this time to be by close proximity (6ft or less) and/ or by droplet transmission from coughing or sneezing. It is also possible that one can become infected by touching surfaces or objects containing the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.

It is currently thought that people are most contagious while symptomatic, but there are reports of persons likely spreading the disease prior to significant symptoms, as well. Certain viruses are spread more easily than others. It is currently thought that the Coronavirus spreads fairly easily, meaning more easily than influenza, although not as easily as highly contagious viruses such as measles. It can sustainably spread in the community.

Quarantine: This is recommended for cases of Coronavirus. Strict guidelines about release from quarantine have not yet been determined. At a minimum, the following criteria should be met:

• free from fever without the use of medication to lower fever (e.g. Tylenol, aspirin, Motrin, etc.)
• no longer symptomatic, including cough-free; and
• test negative on two consecutive respiratory specimens

Current recommendations for post-exposure quarantine is two weeks, which is thought to be the incubation period for this disease based on other coronaviruses.

Symptoms: Illness can vary significantly from nonspecific or mild symptoms to severe illness or death. Some patients have had no symptoms. The mortality rate is not known because the number of cases (the denominator in any calculation) isn’t accurately known. The range is from tenths of a percent up to 2%.

Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure and usually include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Severe cases can progress to severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and septic shock with mortality. It is not currently understood which segment of the population is at higher risk for severe manifestations.

Treatment: At this point, treatment is purely supportive. There are no currently available vaccines or antivirals for this virus. Clinical trials are underway.

Specific Recommendations at Our Starling facilities:

Notify us if you are at risk: If you believe you are at risk, have been exposed, or have coronavirus symptoms including cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please contact your provider or let our front desk know when you arrive.

Triage:

• For urgent/ sick patients, if you are significantly short of breath with viral syndrome symptoms, you will be directed to the ER, as opposed to an office visit.
• For milder symptoms, if you have a fever and respiratory symptoms, you can be seen but will be instructed on practice appropriate hand/ contact/ droplet hygiene.
• We will ideally ask sick patients to maintain a distance of 6 feet or more from other patients in the waiting area, or be otherwise sequestered. You may be asked to wait in your car and we will communicate by cellphone if significant suspicion exists and the waiting area does not permit sequestration.

Disinfection: Rooms will be carefully wiped with standard disinfectants after visits.

Use of masks: Providers will wear masks with any suspected infection and practice good hand/ contact/ droplet hygiene. Patients with suspicion for Coronavirus or flu will be given a mask, if available, upon entering the clinical space.

Testing for coronavirus: Labs in Connecticut are now fully capable of conducting diagnostic testing for COVID-19.

Click here to know if you are at risk and safety measures you can take.

Click here to learn more about the coronavirus and CDC updates.