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COVID-19

Should I be concerned with side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?

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...

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COVID-19 vaccine: What you need to know

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...

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COVID-19 tests: diagnostic vs. antibody

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”...

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Why telehealth is quickly becoming a more common way to visit the doctor

Posted September 01, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting

Amidst an ongoing pandemic, telehealth is perhaps more important than ever before. It’s a great option to still get the care you need, while staying safe in the comfort of your own home and avoiding exposure and the potential spread of COVID-19.

And while many people are finding themselves working from home, telehealth is increasingly becoming a popular option.

Telehealth enables patients to conveniently connect with providers using electronic communications and...

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How to stay active and safe this summer

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,...

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SummaCare offers resources to help combat stress and anxiety, especially in these uncertain times

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:

  • Excessive worrying or fear that...

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COVID-19 health-plan response: SummaCare’s top priority is the health and safety of its members

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...

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