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

With the COVID vaccine slowly being rolled out to the public, we know many people have questions about the vaccine and its safety. 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?
Currently, vaccines have been expanded to Phase 1B, Tier 1 which includes adults 70 and older, patients who are on dialysis, patients receiving home health services, ambulatory healthcare workers including pre-hospital emergency medical personnel (EMS) and fire personnel, and schools of allied health employees and faculty.

Vaccine quantities are still limited, but we are encouraged by this step and hopeful that the vaccine will be expanded 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.

I am over 70 but not an Ochsner Lafayette General patient. Can I get vaccinated?
While vaccine quantities continue to be limited, Ochsner is beginning this phase of vaccinations starting with existing patients. Qualified patients include those who are age 70 and older and who have seen an Ochsner provider within the last three years.

Ochsner plans to expand vaccination criteria as more supply becomes available and following the recommendations of the state and Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). LDH is also working with approximately 100 local pharmacies across the state to provide the vaccine on a limited basis. Information on those locations and how to schedule will be available at covidvaccine.la.gov.

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 fall into Phase 1B, Tier 1. 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 for my age group?
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.

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