Important Updates About COVID

The Gastro Clinic continues to follow all CDC guidelines to ensure safe care for all of our patients and to help minimize exposure within the community.

The health and well-being of our patients are our highest priority. To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines.

The Gastro Clinic COVID Precautions

Wear a Mask – All employees, patients and visitors must wear face masks while in our facilities.
Visitors Restricted – Out of the safety of our patients and staff, visitors are not allowed to accompany patients to their appointments, with few exceptions.
Telehealth is Available – Virtual telehealth appointments are available and covered like regular office visits by most insurance providers.
Feeling Ill? – If you have fever or other respiratory symptoms, please call your primary care physician or visit your nearest urgent care facility before coming in.

Information about COVID vaccine

Effective Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the State of Louisiana has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to include people who have health conditions that may result in a higher risk of disease. If you are between the ages of 18 and 64 (or 16+ if receiving the Pfizer vaccine) and have one of the conditions listed here, you are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. If you are pregnant, regardless of age, you are also eligible.

For the most recent information regarding the COVID vaccine, please check these sites for important updates:

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) COVID-19 Vaccination Information
Ochsner Lafayette General COVID-19 Vaccine

Please note that The Gastro Clinic is not involved in the administration of vaccines.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Who can get the vaccine?

Effective Tuesday, March 9, 2021, the State of Louisiana has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines to include people who have health conditions that may result in a higher risk of disease. If you are between the ages of 18 and 64 (or 16+ if receiving the Pfizer vaccine) and have one of the conditions listed here, you are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. If you are pregnant, regardless of age, you are also eligible.

Vaccine quantities are still limited, but we are confident that the vaccine will continue
expanding to more members of the public soon.

How can I schedule?

Ochsner Lafayette General patients meeting the current criteria will receive direct communication via email and/or text with information about how to schedule their vaccinations. More information can also be found on the Ochsner Lafayette General website here.

What if I don’t have an appointment, can I still get the vaccine?

Patients must have a scheduled appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

I don’t meet the vaccine eligibility requirements. When will I get my vaccine?

We are hopeful that the vaccine will be available to more members of the public soon.

We encourage community members and patients to visit LafayetteGeneral.com/vaccine or ldh.la.gov/coronavirus for the latest information and resources.

Is the vaccine safe?

Following guidelines from the FDA emergency use authorization (EUA), no one is excluded from receiving the vaccine as there are no medical contraindications except for a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine or any of its components.

Because the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, we will schedule the second dose at the same location with the appropriate length of time (19-23 days) between visits. You must be able to attend the second appointment in order to schedule the first.

For more updates on the COVID vaccine, we encourage you visit
LafayetteGeneral.com/vaccine or ldh.la.gov/coronavirus for the latest information and resources.