COVID-19

Getting COVID-19 testing and vaccines can help protect you, your family, and your community from communicable diseases. At A.L.M.S Community Health Center in Grand Prairie, Texas, Sharan Allen, AGNP-C, and the team offer all standard vaccinations for children and adults, including COVID-19. To schedule your in-person COVID-19 test or vaccine, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus caused by SARS-CoV-2. It causes symptoms that are similar to the common cold or flu, such as fever and chills, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. 

What are COVID-19 vaccines?

COVID-19 vaccines, or immunizations, are preventive treatments that trigger your immune system’s natural ability to ward off the infectious disease.

The immune system protects your body against foreign pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, and toxins. By activating your immune system, COVID vaccines can help prevent the spread of disease at home and within your community.

What are the types of COVID-19 tests available?

COVID-19 testing is currently the only way to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection. 

There are three main types of COVID tests include:

Rapid antigen testing

Antigen tests detect COVID proteins within just 10-15 minutes.

PCR testing

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is considered the gold standard for COVID-19 testing. Unlike rapid antigen testing, a PCR test detects the virus’ specific genetic material for the most accurate results possible.

Antibody testing

If you’ve had COVID in the past, your immune system remembers the virus and produces antibodies to protect you against it in the future.

Your provider at A.L.M.S Community Health Center takes a swab sample from your nostrils. The entire test only takes a few minutes.

How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

COVID vaccines introduce a small amount of a weakened or dead pathogen into your body. Once your immune system recognizes the pathogen, it activates when it comes in contact with that virus again to prevent infection. 

As a result, vaccines can stop you from contracting the communicable disease or significantly reduce your symptoms.

Why are vaccines important?

Many vaccines protect you and your family against diseases that currently have no cure, such as COVID-19. Without vaccines, these diseases and viral infections can cause severe complications.

Vaccines also minimize the spread of disease within communities. As people continue to seek immunizations, it diminishes the virus’ ability to find new hosts.

To get your COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, call A.L.M.S Community Health Center or book an appointment online today.