Posted May 06, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
People around the country are lining up to get one of three available COVID-19 vaccines — Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson — that have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to combat the virus.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial step to help guard against severe illness, hospitalization and even death from the virus. It also is an important tool to help stop this ongoing pandemic.
But before you roll up your sleeve, know you...
Posted January 12, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
After nearly a year of interruptions in every aspect of our lives — work, school, entertainment and more — families finally have some good news: a COVID-19 vaccine.
The first vaccine recently approved by the FDA was by drug giant Pfizer and shows a 95% effective rate for preventing a COVID-19 infection. Pfizer developed the vaccine in partnership with the German company BioNTech and Chinese drugmaker Fosun Pharma.
The second frontrunner approved by the FDA was by...
Posted September 21, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
As we wage war against COVID-19, testing is a powerful weapon to help stop the spread of the virus.
Testing can be used to expedite care when needed and potentially identify individuals who require self-isolation. In addition, people they’ve come into contact with can be traced sooner, so those at risk can quarantine and watch for symptoms.
Testing also helps epidemiologists determine how widely the illness has spread; it makes the “enemy”...
Posted July 01, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Now that summer has arrived, it’s time for some much-needed fun in the sun — especially after weeks of stay-at-home orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
From outdoor hikes to swimming to pick-up games at the park, there are many activities to look forward to doing outdoors. Not to mention, these activities are a great way to boost your mental health and keep your family physically active.
But with the gradual reopening of parks, pools and playgrounds,...
Posted June 18, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
In accordance with Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, many hospitals, physician practices and dental offices across the state are resuming health services as cases continue to stabilize and the stay-at-home order has been lifted.
But while we understand the integral part regular checkups, health screenings and management of chronic illness play in our overall health, it’s understandable many members are nervous to step back into the doctor&...
Posted May 15, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
The nonstop news coverage and daily statistics on COVID-19 infections and deaths can leave anyone feeling stressed and anxiety filled, if not depressed. It’s only natural to worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, especially when it comes to a new disease where not much is known.
Fear and anxiety about the recent COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming, isolating and cause strong emotions. You may notice:
Posted April 30, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
SummaCare is here to serve and support our members — especially in this unprecedented time of crisis. As we navigate changes to our everyday lives amid the recent COVID-19 pandemic, know that your well-being and health coverage remain our top priority.
That’s why we are actively monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak as cases continue to increase across the country and putting measures in place to protect our members, while also providing prompt access to...