COVID-19 Information

Applies to athletes >12 years old with NO known heart disease.

If your team/school requires a clearance form we are happy to help. We have received a large volume of requests and are trying to accommodate everyone as quickly as possible. To expedite this process, we are offering clearance via a phone visit. You can conference your athlete into the call if they will not be with you during the appointment. We will provide a sports clearance note at the end of the visit. Your insurance will be billed for a phone visit.

During the screening if we determine the severity of disease or symptoms warrant further investigation we will advise you at that time i.e. EKG, office visit, cardiology referral

Antigen testing is the home version, PCR testing is what is done in hospitals and labs

There is NO need to get confirmation PCR if your child was exposed, has symptoms and tested positive on a rapid home test.

Rapid test kits are very helpful if positive.  There are some false negatives.  If you suspect COVID and test negative, it may be necessary to do a second test.  If the second test is negative, you can confirm with PCR testing.

NO FOLLOW UP TESTING IS REQUIRED for COVID infections, except under very specific circumstances.

COVID tests are only as good as the sample, get those swabs way up there!!!

PCR tests can detect viral particles for up to 90 days post infection, this does not mean the individual is contagious, it means they had the disease

Infants and children who cannot wear a mask need to isolate for 10 days if they are sick, the 5 day rule does NOT APPLY

Children with COVID who can mask, are fever free for>24 hours, five days post symptom onset or positive test (if asymptomatic) and improving symptoms may return to school/activities but must be vigilant with mask wearing for 10 days. They may still be mildly contagious.

Here are the CDCs most up to date recommendations.

Unfortunately, there are no uniform standards, please see your school system web site for guidance.

Here is a link to the Darien Public Schools chart which seem to be the most common recommendations.

See our COVID Vaccine Information page for extensive information about vaccines

All children > 5 yo are eligible for COVID vaccine.

Updated: Vaccines for 6 mos – 5 yo may start as soon as late June. We will update as more information becomes available.

Updated: Boosters are recommended for all children > 5 yo.

Boosters are recommended 5 months after completion of the first two doses.

Updated: Boosters are readily available at Stamford Hospital. Use this link to schedule an appointment.

Immunocompromised children 5-11yo should receive a booster 28 days after completion of the first two doses.

If your child has/had COVID they can get the primary series or booster any time after they have recovered but should do so before 90 days post infection. There is no definitive rule about the timing.

Per Yale Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department, there has been no increased rate of post vaccine myocarditis since vaccines were started for 5-12 yo.

For Adults, J&J Booster is 2 months after the first dose.