COVID-19 FACTS
Your COVID-19 Testing answers and updates

YOUR TESTING EXPERTS: WSS is committed to providing the knowledge your team needs to create a safer workplace.

COVID-19 updates

We know business owners are faced with unprecedented challenges from COVID-19. We're here to support you with COVID-19 Vaccinations, Booster shots, and COVID-19 testing services. 

Bookmark these pages—the CDC updates them regularly.

For any questions concerning travel:

All research indicates that if you follow recommended safety guidelines, you can keep employees safe without compromising productivity.

COVID-19 News & Updates
New: Adults 50 years and older are eligible for a 2nd booster 4 months after the last booster!
 
Janssen COVID-19 primary series non immunocompromised note update!
 
Adults ages 18–49 years: A first booster dose is recommended at least 2 months after the single primary series dose, for a total of 2 doses. mRNA vaccines are preferred for the first booster dose. In addition, people who received Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine as both their primary series dose and first booster dose may receive a second booster dose using an mRNA vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose, for a total of 3 doses.
Adults ages 50 years and older: A booster dose is recommended at least 2 months
after the single primary series dose for a total of 2 doses. mRNA vaccines are
preferred for the first booster dose. A second mRNA booster dose could benefit people ages 50 years and older, as they are at increased risk for severe COVID-19. People ages 50 years and older may choose to receive a second booster dose using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the first booster dose, for a
total of 3 doses.
 
 
Immunocompromised patients:
 
If you are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), you are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness and death. Additionally, your immune response to COVID-19 vaccination may not be as strong as in people who are not immunocompromised. As with vaccines for other diseases, you are protected best when you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines as described below.
 
You can self-attest to your moderately or severely immunocompromised status. This means that you do not need any documentation of your status to receive COVID-19 vaccine doses wherever they are offered.
 
Pizer- BioNTech:
 
12 years and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system): Primary series = 3 doses; 2nd dose 21 days after first dose, 3rd dose given at least 28 days after 2nd dose,
Booster 1: given at least 3 months after 3rd dose.
Booster 2 optional: given at least 4 months after 1st booster
 
Moderna:

18 years and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system): Primary series = 3 doses; 2nd dose 28 days after first dose, 3rd dose give at least 28 days after 2nd do


Booster 1: given at least 3 months after 3rd dose.
Booster 2 optional given at least 4 months after 1st booster
 
J&J/Janssen:
 
18 years and up who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system): Primary series = 2 doses; 2nd dose- Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna given at least 4 weeks after dose 1 with J&J Booster 1: given at least 2 months after 2nd dose (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna preferred).
For those choosing J&J/Janssen vaccine
 
Vaccine recipients must be informed of the risks and benefits of J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination. The J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered in some situations, including for persons who:
  • Wants to get the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine despite the safety concerns.
  • Had a severe reaction after an mRNA vaccine dose or who have a severe allergy to an ingredient of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines).
  • Would otherwise remain unvaccinated for COVID-19 due to limited access to Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines).
 
SEE TEACHING ON ADVERSE EFFECTS.
 
In most situations, Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for primary and booster vaccination due to the risk of serious adverse events.  As of March 31, 2022, more than 18.5 million doses of the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the United States. CDC and FDA identified 60 confirmed reports of people who got the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine and later developed TTS.  CDC has also identified nine deaths that have been caused by or were directly attributed to TTS following J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination. Women ages 30-49 years, especially, should be aware of the increased risk of this rare adverse event VS To date, four confirmed cases of TTS following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination (3 after Moderna, 1 after Pfizer-BioNTech) have been reported to VAERS after more than 541 million doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines administered in the United States. Based on available data, there is not an increased risk for TTS after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
  • After more than 18.5 million J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, there have been around 312 preliminary reports of GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome) identified in VAERS as of March 31, 2022. These cases have largely been reported about 2 weeks after vaccination and mostly in men, many in those ages 50 years and older. Based on the data, the rate of GBS within the first 21 days following J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination was found to be 21 times higher than after Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines). After the first 42 days, the rate of GBS was 11 times higher following J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccination. Analysis found no increased risk of GBS after Pfizer- BioNTech or Moderna (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines).
  • Myocarditis and pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. Most patients with myocarditis or pericarditis after COVID-19 vaccination responded well to medicine and rest and felt better quickly. As of March 31, 2022, VAERS has received 2,332 preliminary reports of myocarditis or pericarditis among people ages 30 years and younger who received COVID-19 vaccines. Most cases have been reported after receiving Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) particularly in male adolescents and young adults. Through follow-up, including medical record reviews, CDC and FDA have verified 1,407 reports of myocarditis or pericarditis.

 

Many conditions and treatments can cause a person to be immunocompromised (having a weakened immune system). People are considered to be moderately or severely immunocompromised if they have:

 

  • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

 

 

Federal COVID-19 Guidelines & Mandates

Mandates:

Recommendations:

  • get the COVID-19 & flu vaccines
  • wear a mask 
    • unvaccinated and vaccinated, with weakened immune systems- wear a mask when you are in indoor public spaces
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Texas State COVID-19 Guidelines & Mandates

Recommendations:

  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Texa Department of State Health Services recommends everyone vaccinated

 

Mandates:

  • Oct 11, 2021
    no entity in Texas can compel receipt of a COVID-19 vaccination by any individual, including an employee or consumer, who objects to such vaccination for any reason of personal conscience, based on a religious belief, or for medical reasons, including prior recovery from COVID-19
Houston COVID-19 Guidelines & Mandates

Recommendations:

Are there still restrictions on Foreign Travelers entering the U.S.?

As of November 8, 2021 all US travel restrictions for Fully Vaccinated foreign travelers, are lifted.

Foreign nationals (not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents):

  • Will need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the World Heath Organization (WHO) or U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  • Are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 when you travel to the U.S. by air.
  • You must wear a mask over your nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (including airports) traveling into, within, or out of the U.S.

 U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents:

  • When you travel to the U.S. by air, you are required to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before you board your flight.
  • You must wear a mask over your nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (including airports) traveling into, within, or out of the U.S.
Are the COVID-19 Vaccines Safe?

Though the COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, all steps were taken to make sure they are safe and effective.

  1. Scientists have been working to develop vaccines to fight similar viruses for many years
  2. In the US, all vaccines go through three phases of clinical trials to ensure they are safe and effective.  The COVID-19 vaccines were approved for use faster because they overlapped the three phases to speed up access to the public
  3. Before any vaccine is made availiable in the US, the FDA assesses the findings of all clinical trials.
  4. The US government used substantial resources to get the vaccine manufactured and distributed as soon as the FDA authorized their use.
  5. The COVID-19 vaccine safety monitoring had been the most thorough and comprehensive in US history,  allowing the CDC and FDA to continuously update information on the  safety of these vaccines.
  6. Hundreds of millions of Americans have received one of the COVID-19 vaccines, allowing the Scientific and medical community to verify the safety and efficacy of the three authorised vaccines
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

Updated: November 3, 2021

 

On October 19, 2021, the FDA issued an EUA (emergency use authorization to allow for the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in individuals age 5 to 11 years old.  On November 2, 2021 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously recommended that children ages 5-11 be vaccinated against COVID-19, with the Pfizer vaccine.

Is it the Same as the Adult Vaccine?

No - Pfizer's pediatric vaccine is a different product than the vaccine used for adolescents and adults.

 

Why should I get a COVID-19 Booster shot?

Updated: October 24, 2021

If you are fully vaccinated you should still have strong protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19, but immunity against infection can wane over time: this is why we have to get a flu shot every year.  Because the Delta Variant is more virulent, the CDC wants to make sure immunocompromised people have the strongest protection possible

U.S. health authorities want to ensure people with higher risks have the strongest protection possible protection in at-risk people who were vaccinated months ago — although the priority remains getting the unvaccinated their first shots.

Can I get a Booster Shot?

Updated: November 19, 2021

On November 19, the Food and Drug Administration authorized COVID-19 booster for all adults 18  years or older, at least 6 months after they received their initial shots, with the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-A9 vaccines.    It now must be approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's advisory committee, before going being implemented.

 

Pfizer-BioNTech: 

  • 65 years and older:
    Recommended -  people 65 years and older and residents in long-term care settings
    (at least 5 months after first series of doses)

  • 50–64 years old:
    Recommended -  people 50–64 years old with underlying medical conditions  
    (at least 5  months after first series of doses)

  • 18–49 years old:
    (conditionally recommended) -  people 18–49 years old with underlying medical conditions - based on their individual benefits and risks.
    (at least 5 months after first series of doses)

  • 18-64 years old:
    (conditionally recommended) - people 18-64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting - based on their individual benefits and risks.
    (at least 5 months after first series of doses)

 

Moderna:

  • 65 years and older: Recommended -  people 65 years and older or residents in long-term care settings,
    (at least 5 months after first series of doses)
  • 18 years and older:
    (conditionally recommended) - people 18-years or older who are immunocompromised or are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting - based on their individual benefits and risks.
    (at least 5 months after first series of doses)

 

J&J/Janssen:

  • 18 and older:
    Recommended -  all people 18 and older regardless of age or other factors
    (at least 2 months after first series of doses)
Is it safe to mix Vaccines?

Updated: October 24, 2021

If your first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if from Pfizer or Moderna, you should receive your second dose using the same type of vaccine.

After you receive your two shots of Pfizer or Moderna, you may receive a booster of any approved vaccine after the suggested amount of time has passed.

(See "Can I get a Booster Shot?" for specifics to see if  and when you would be approved for a booster shot.)

Is it safe for a Pregnant Women to be vaccinated?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
  • Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy has been growing. These data suggest that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine outweigh any known or potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.
  • There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems in women or men.
  • Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people.
  • Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19.
 
 
What should I do if I am asymptomatic?
  • The CDC states that after a minimum of 5 days have passed since you first tested positive, you may end isolation and quarantine, as long as you have remained asymptomatic
  • The CDC recommends that after leaving isolation or quarantine, asymptomatic individuals, continue social distancing and wearing a mask when around others, for at least 5 days

 

Employer Guidelines Concerning COVID-19?

Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:

  • Social distancing and protective equipment
  • Temperature checks
  • Sanitation
  • Use and disinfection of common and high-traffic areas
  • Business travel

Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms.

Employees who have symptoms or test positive, should immediately isolate and should not return to work without a negative COVID test or at least 5 days after symptom onset.

Is the FMCSA waiver still in effect?

As of February 28, 2022, the FMCSA waiver is no longer in effect.

What are the changes to the I-9 verification?

Updated: September 1, 2021

The following changes have been extended until April 30, 2022.

"Effective April 1, 2021, DHS is also providing the following update to its Form I-9 flexibilities guidance.

The flexibility announcement issued on March 20, 2020, notes that DHS will evaluate certain COVID-19-related Form I-9 completion practices on a case-by-case basis as they relate to the physical inspection of Form I-9 documentation. Accordingly, as of April 1, 2021, the requirement that employers inspect employees’ Form I-9 identity and employment eligibility documentation in-person applies only to those employees who physically report to work at a company location on any regular, consistent, or predictable basis."

Temporary policy for Expired List B Documents-

  • Beginning May 1, 2022, Employers will no longer be able to accept expired List B documents.
More guidance from the DOT on COVID-19?
COVID vaccine facts & myths from the CDC

Questions about the vaccine? Visit the CDC's dedicated vaccine page

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