Answers to COVID-19 Questions: Testing, Quarantine & More
We understand that our patients have questions on COVID-19 testing, quarantine and isolation, and more. Find answers to COVID-19 questions here.
COVID-19 Treatment: What Are the Options?
Patients who contract COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe disease may benefit from treatment from a health care provider. Read about COVID-19 treatments at BILH.
Placebo effect accounts for more than two-thirds of COVID-19 vaccine adverse events, researchers find
In a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled COVID-19 vaccine trials, researchers at BIDMC compared rates of adverse events reported by participants who received the vaccines to the rates of adverse events reported by those who received a placebo injection containing no vaccine. While the scientists found significantly more trial participants who received the vaccine reported adverse events, nearly a third of participants who received the placebo also reported at least one adverse event, with headache and fatigue being the most common. (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, January 18, 2022)
Hospitals are doing their part on COVID-19; we ask the public to do theirs
In this opinion piece co-authored by Boston healthcare leaders, including Kevin Tabb, MD, CEO of Beth Israel Lahey Health, the public is urged to do their part in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by wearing a mask, getting vaccinated and getting a booster if eligible. “We are here for you and your families, whether you have been vaccinated or not,” the leaders wrote. “We will do our part; we ask that you do yours.” (Boston Globe – January 6, 2021)
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics
Beth Israel Lahey Health is offering COVID-19 vaccination clinics in our community. No insurance information is required. Find details about our clinics, including vaccines and doses available.
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Beth Israel Lahey Health answers frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States. Read more.
Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
Patients of Beth Israel Lahey Health vaccination clinics can request written confirmation of their COVID-19 vaccination. Find details on your clinic here.
Massachusetts doctor discusses sharp decline of COVID-19 infections in Northeast
Richa Tandon, MD, of Mount Auburn Hospital, answered COVID-19 questions and discussed the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. (WCVB, January 24, 2022)
For some, ‘mild’ illness from Omicron feels like anything but
Richard Schwartzstein, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, discussed the strain on the hospital system’s impact on the spread of Omicron infections noting how with positive cases and quarantines thinning already overstretched staff, health care systems are bearing the brunt of the crisis. (Boston Globe, January 21, 2022)
Many COVID-19 vaccine side effects caused by placebo effect: Study
A study led by Julia Haas, PhD, and Ted Kaptchuk, both of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and published in JAMA Network Open shows more than two-thirds of the common side-effects people experience after a COVID-19 vaccine can be attributed to a negative version of the placebo effect rather than the vaccine itself. In view of their results, the researchers argue that better public information about nocebo responses may improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake by reducing the concerns that make some people hesitant. (ABC News, January 20, 2022)
“Lo más importante es la salud y la familia”
In this first person piece, Leonor Fernandez, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, shares that by informing and protecting ourselves, we can help protect our loved ones, and also support our health care workers who are working hard to give the best care possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. (El Mundo, January 17, 2022)
Video: Has surge of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts peaked?
Robert Duncan, MD, MPH, of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, discussed early signs of infection rates dropping in the Northeast and said those are promising signs that the region is “coming off the peak” but does not mean it’s over. Dr. Duncan also discussed hospitals’ capacity and how healthcare workers remain committed to taking care of patients and are doing everything they can. (WCVB, January 17, 2022)