Information presented here is for informational purposes only and is in no way meant to substitute for advice from your healthcare professional. Due to the changing nature of COVID-19, some of the information below may have changed. To stay up to date on COVID-19, visit coronavirus.gov. For West Virginia specific information, visit coronavirus.wv.gov.

COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Vaccination is the most effective way to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. There are safe, effective COVID-19 vaccinations available in the United States, and we recommend that everyone receive a vaccine.

More Information About the COVID-19 Vaccine

Use the link below to visit the CDC’s website and learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. VaccineFinder is a great tool to locate other providers who may have the COVID-19 vaccine near you.

Coronavirus Testing

It’s important to receive a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms or had close contact with someone with COVID-19. MCHC provides testing services 5 days each week. Testing is covered by insurance, Medicare, Medicaid. Call us to schedule an appointment to receive your test.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 stands for coronavirus disease 2019. It is caused by the new coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019. There are many types of coronavirus, some of which cause diseases in people.

Isn’t this just another flu?

COVID-19 is similar in many ways to the flu. They have similar symptoms, spread in a similar way, and most people will fully recover from either disease. COVID-19 comes from a different type of virus than the flu and has a significantly higher rate of death or serious complications. There is currently no vaccine COVID-19 and treatments continue to be limited and expensive.

How can I protect myself and my family?

Because COVID-19 spreads easily, the most important thing you can do is stay at home and only travel when necessary. By limiting the number of people we interact with, the virus will spread more slowly. When you do need to go out, make sure you frequently wash your hands, wear a mask, and limit close contact with others. Keep yourself and others safe by:

• Get vaccinated. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is safe and the most effective way to combat the pandemic.

• Social distance. Limit your activities in public places to those that are necessary. Keep at least 6 feet from those around you where possible.

• Wear a mask any time you’re in a public setting, especially indoors where social distancing can’t be accomplished.

• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently.

• Use reduced contact options when paying, getting deliveries, and other activities.

What COVID-19 guidelines should I follow now that I’ve been vaccinated?

The COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be highly effective at reducing illness due to the coronavirus, however no protection is 100% effective and more information is being collected about whether vaccinated people can spread COVID-19. The CDC has published guidelines for beginning to return to normal once you’re fully vaccinated. Remember, you’re not fully vaccinated until two weeks after your final dose. Once you’re fully vaccinated:

• You can gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask

• You can gather indoors with low-risk, unvaccinated people from a single household without wearing a mask.

• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.

You should continue to take other steps to protect people from COVID-19 including:

• Masking and social distancing in public

• Avoiding large gatherings

• Limiting travel

• Watch out for COVID-19 symptoms, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. Get tested and stay home if you develop symptoms of COVID-19.

What should I do if I think I’m sick with or have been exposed to COVID-19?

The most important thing to do if you think you may be sick with or have been exposed to COVID-19 is to self-isolate. That means staying home and away from other people. Call your healthcare provider to schedule test for coronavirus. Mountaineer Community Health Center has testing for patients daily. Follow the CDC’s guidelines (summarized below) for self-isolating. If you receive instruction from your local health department or other authority, please follow those directions.

CDC Self-Isolation Guidelines as of August 11, 2022

If you think or know you had COVID-19 and you had symptoms, you can be with others after

• At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared and

• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication and

• Other symptoms of COVID-19 are improving. (Loss of taste and smell may persist for weeks or months after recovery and need not delay the end of isolation​.)

If you tested positive for COVID-19 but never develop symptoms, you can be with others after

• 10 days have passed since the date you had your positive test.

Some people with severe COVID-19 infections or weakened immune symptoms, you may need to isolate for longer periods of time. Please consult with your healthcare provider or local health department to determine when you can be around others.

What is Mountaineer Community Health Center doing?

We are following protocols based upon the weekly COVID-19 Community Level as published by the CDC.

• There are 3 Community Levels: High, Medium, Low.

• The current Community Level will be posted at our entrance with recommended actions.