Asheville Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates, P.A. (828) 255-7733 Access Patient Portal

Read Important Coronavirus/COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 vaccines for Asheville Pulmonary patients

There are now three COVID vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) that are approved for use in the United States. These vaccines are proven to be safe and effective among over 100,000 patients in published studies. These vaccines are thought to be critical to control the COVID pandemic. Our recommendation is that our patients receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available for them, unless you have a history of severe allergic reactions (such as widespread hives or anaphylactic shock) to other vaccines.

The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines require two separate doses, approximately 3-4 weeks apart. Your second vaccine should be from the same manufacturer as your first vaccine (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna). The Johnson and Johnson vaccine requires only one dose.

You CANNOT get COVID from the COVID vaccine. Side effects of the vaccines include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, chills, body aches, and mild fever. These side effects occur more frequently in younger patients, patients with prior COVID, and after the second vaccine dose (if taking Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna).

If you have already had COVID, it is still recommended that you get the COVID vaccine once it becomes available to you.

Though these vaccines are very effective at preventing one from contracting COVID or experiencing severe health consequences of COVID infection, vaccinated patients should still wear masks, wash their hands, and practice social distancing precautions to further reduce their chance of catching COVID.

For further information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.

Buncombe County is now administering vaccines. Visithttps://www.buncombecounty.org/covid-19/default.aspx to register or for more information. Appointments for Buncombe County can be also made by calling 828-250-5000 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For finding other vaccine locations and to check availability, please visit https://myspot.nc.gov/

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Patient Education and Support Resources

These resources have been reviewed and recommended by the physicians of Asheville Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates, P.A.

Education

Click on a Resource to Read More.

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a specialized form of bronchoscopy that is used to evaluate enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. READ MORE.

When a patient is suspected of having a serious infection, bronchoscopy is performed to get better samples from a particular area of the lung. These samples can be looked at in a lab to try to find out the exact cause of the infection. READ MORE.

American Cancer Society’s “Guide to Quitting Smoking” gives smokers comprehensive information on kicking the habit–from the physical and mental aspects of nicotine addiction to an overview of smoking cessation methods and tips on how to quit for good. READ MORE.

American Thoracic Society’s Patient Information Series includes short fact sheets on various lung and critical care topics for adults and children. New topics and updates are added regularly. READ MORE.

The American Lung Association works to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. ALA’s areas of emphasis are asthma, tobacco control, environmental health, research and professional education, and advocacy. READ MORE.

The CHEST Foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians creates educational programs, supports research, and raises public awareness about diseases of the chest. READ MORE.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers a comprehensive look at sleep disorders & treatments, including the latest on sleep studies & sleep in the news, message boards & forums for patients, and a variety of sleep evaluation tools. READ MORE.

Mission Hospitals Sleep Center provides service in the evaluation and treatment of all types of sleep disorders. Located in Asheville, NC, it is one of approximately 600 sleep programs accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in the United States. READ MORE.

The American Sleep Apnea Association promotes education and awareness about sleep apnea and serves people affected by this common disorder through a network of support groups, research and continuous improvement in care. READ MORE.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to support the cure and control of cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. Through the organization’s website, patients can find the latest on research and treatments, and information on living with CF. READ MORE.