Important Update

Children 12-15 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Learn how to get your child vaccinated.

Updated: May 24, 2021 — Please check back often as information may change quickly.

Loma Linda University Children’s Health is committed to providing your child safe, exceptional care for any healthcare needs as we navigate this challenging time together.

While many healthcare appointments may be managed through telephone and video visits, you can feel safe when your child needs to come in for care. Strict safety measures are in place to help keep you and your child safe during appointments at our hospitals and clinics.

Information and Resources

Safety Measures

The safety of our patients, employees and community is our highest priority. Our hospitals and clinics are using appropriate infection prevention measures to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

  • Temperature checks and screening questionnaires are being administered at the entry points into all of our facilities.
  • We are limiting visitors in our hospitals and clinics.
  • All visitors and staff are required to wear masks.
  • Patients are tested for COVID-19 upon admission and before any surgeries.
  • We have separate units for COVID-19 patients, which use strict care plans to avoid the spread of infection.
  • We have implemented appropriate cleaning procedures in our facilities.
  • Our providers are prepared with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) that is recommended for your child's care.
  • We are encouraging physical distancing and are staggering appointments so there is reduced occupancy in our waiting rooms.

We remain committed to using every resource available to provide appropriate care needed for our community and those we serve during this critical time. In accordance with state and local guidelines we have adopted the California Pandemic Crisis Care Guidelines (PDF).

Appointments
Visiting the hospital is safe. Delaying your child's care isn't.
Hospitals have stricter safety measures than almost any other public place. If your child needs care, don't wait — schedule an appointment today.
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COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids

Kids and teens ages 12-17 are eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

What's Open and What's Closed?

Open Facilities and Services

  • Children's Hospital: Our hospital is open and safe for your child.
  • Clinics: All clinics are open and ready to serve patients.
  • Emergency and urgent care: If your child needs immediate medical attention, our emergency department is open and safe. Urgent care facilities are also available. Avoiding care for serious issues puts your health at risk.
  • Labs, Pharmacies and Imaging: Most of our labs, pharmacies and imaging centers are open. Before visiting, view your location’s webpage for updates to business hours and availability.

Closures and Limitations

  • Entrance closures: The front, or east, entrances of the Children’s Hospital is closed until further notice
  • Patient entrance and exit: Patients must enter and exit the hospitals through parking structure P3. Patients may also be picked up in P3.
  • Dentist appointments: Loma Linda University School of Dentistry's clinics are providing limited and emergency coverage only.
  • Valet service: Valet service is suspended until further notice

Visitor Restrictions

Our visitation guideline continues to be modified based on prevalence of COVID-19 cases within our region as reported by regulatory bodies and state-driven mandates. Exceptions for certain circumstances may be made by unit leadership and nursing leadership.

Hospital visitors: Two visitors (18 years or older) may visit a child's bedside at a time — only one visitor may stay overnight.

NICU: Two designated visitors (18 years or older) may visit a child's bedside at a time — only one visitor may stay overnight. Visitation is restricted to these two visitors for the duration of a child's hospital stay.

Labor & Delivery: Patients may have two support persons present.

  • Antepartum: Patients may designate only one support person to visit from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Nobody but this designated support person may visit.
  • Postpartum: Patients may have one support person present.

COVID-19 patients: One designated visitor (18 years or older) may visit a COVID-19 patient's bedside at a time. Patients may have up to two designated visitors for the duration of admission — the visitors may switch once per day. The designated visitor may not leave the room unaccompanied — a staff member will escort the visitor when they leave. The visitor may return once in a 24-hour period and may not visit hospitality spaces like the cafeteria or gift shop.

Faculty Medical Clinics: One parent is allowed during a child's appointment. For adult patients, visitors are not allowed at the clinic unless the patient needs translation or help getting around.

Patients and Appointments

We're here if your child needs care for any reason. In-person appointments are still safe and available as needed. To help keep your child healthy at home, many appointments are also available as telephone or video visits.

Read: Tips to help you decide where to take your child for care during COVID-19

We’re asking that only one caregiver accompany children

If a child in your care has an appointment, we ask that only one adult caregiver accompanies them. If you’re also caring for siblings and no other childcare is available, please contact the clinic for options. 

Patients and families need to self-screen before appointments

Before visiting our hospitals and clinics, families should consider the following screening requirements. Contact your child’s primary care physician by phone or MyChart before coming in if they have:

  • Shown symptoms of respiratory infection, like fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
  • Been in close contact with someone diagnosed or quarantined for COVID-19 (coronavirus).
  • Traveled outside the United States in the last 14 days.

When you and your child arrive, you'll need to be screened

To help protect kids, families and staff, both patients and visitors will be screened at the entrances of our hospitals and clinics. You'll also need to be screened when you enter your hospital unit. We’ll take temperatures and ask about symptoms, recent travel and exposure risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most common questions we’ve heard from our patients and families. If you don’t find the answer you need, please don’t hesitate to call us at 909-558-5545.

Download more information about coronavirus and protecting your family.

Parents and Visitors

Is it safe to go to the hospital?

Yes. Hospitals are actually among the safest public places during COVID-19. That's because:

  • Hospital staff go through rigorous training for infection prevention. There are always measures in place to prevent the spread of diseases like COVID-19, and those measures are expanded significantly during any outbreak.
  • We screen every person that comes through our doors, and we quarantine anyone who has COVID-19. So, unlike at other public places, you're automatically separated from the people who have the highest risk of spreading infection.
  • Social distancing measures are stricter at hospitals than most other places. We've significantly reduced the number of visitors at our facilities, and many appointments have been moved online or rescheduled. We've also spread out patient appointments so fewer people are in a waiting room at any time.
  • There's no shortage of resources or space for your child's care. Our hospitals have more than enough beds, medical personnel and personal protective equipment (PPE) for both COVID-19 patients and anyone else who needs care. 
  • Hospital cleaning standards are much higher than at most other public spaces. During COVID-19, we're cleaning and disinfecting even more and on a stricter schedule. Everyone, including providers, nurses and support staff, is helping keep the hospital clean and safe.

Has your hospital cancelled any events?

Out of extra precaution, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel events until until further notice. Please view our events calendar page for the latest updates.

What do I do if I was exposed to someone who has now tested positive?

Please follow the CDC guidelines for home and self-decontamination. Follow social isolation guidelines to limit your exposure to others in the event that you are contagious. If you develop symptoms, contact your primary care provider or schedule a visit using Mychart.

Vaccines, Pregnancy and Kids

Can my child get a COVID-19 vaccine?

If your child is 12-17 years old, they can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are only available to individuals 18 and older.

In the clinical setting for 12-15-year-olds, the vaccine was shown to be 100% effective in preventing COVID-19.

There’s not yet enough data for a coronavirus vaccine to be approved for kids 11 and under. Scientists are continuing to test vaccine safety for children. As is the case for other vaccines, FDA approval for kids usually takes longer because research takes more time to complete.

Can kids get other vaccines alongside the COVID-19 vaccine?

According to the CDC, kids and adults can get COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as other vaccines. You don't have to wait 14 days between the COVID-19 vaccine and your child's important routine immunizations.

Does my child need a vaccine if they already had COVID-19?

Yes, getting the vaccine has been proven to provide teens additional, significant protection from getting COVID-19 again. Recovering from COVID-19 is less likely to provide long-term immune protection, especially if your child had very mild symptoms or none at all.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?

Every vaccine goes through rigorous safety testing before becoming available to the public. However, the COVID-19 vaccines are still being studied for safety in pregnant women. Clinical trials haven’t yet included pregnant or lactating individuals, so vaccine safety is unknown for these groups. The FDA, CDC and manufacturer are continuing to monitor safety in a few study participants who became pregnant shortly after receiving the vaccine.

What we do know is that COVID-19 can put both you and your baby at serious risk during pregnancy. Even if you don’t get seriously ill, the long-term effects of the virus on a fetus are still unknown. If the following apply to you, ask your doctor whether getting vaccinated is the right choice for you:

  • You’re pregnant or lactating
  • You live in an area where COVID-19 transmission is high
  • Your work puts you at increased risk of infection

I’m pregnant or lactating. Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

If you are pregnant or lactating, you should consider the following and talk to your doctor before deciding to get vaccinated:

  • The level of COVID-19 community transmission. High transmission means higher risk.
  • Risks of exposure from your job or other activities.
  • Personal health factors that may increase risk for severe illness, including obesity, hypertension or diabetes.

While scientists are still studying COVID-19 vaccine safety for women who are lactating, the risks are extremely low for inactivated vaccines. Because these vaccines don’t contain any live virus, we do not believe they will cause harm to infants who are receiving breast milk. 

Do professional groups for mother and baby health recommend the vaccine?

The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine (SMFM) state the following: “COVID-19 vaccines should not be withheld from pregnant individuals who meet criteria for vaccination based on Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended prioritization groups.”

In other words, pregnancy should not prevent vaccination for someone who would otherwise be recommended to receive a vaccine.

If I get the vaccine while pregnant, will it protect me from COVID-19?

The two coronavirus vaccines approved for emergency use are about 94-95% effective in clinical trials. Pregnant women were not included in these clinical trials. Unless a vaccine is proven to be 100% effective for everyone, there’s no guarantee you won’t contract COVID-19. However, the more effective a vaccine is and the more people get it, the lower the chance for anyone to be infected.

Is my baby safe if I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

We do not know for sure whether a vaccine will cause harm to a fetus, but it appears unlikely. 

The vaccine will very likely prevent you from getting sick from COVID-19, which could put both you and your fetus at serious risk. Even if you don’t have a severe form of the virus, we do not yet know the effects of the virus on pregnancies and fetuses as the pregnancy progresses after a COVID-19 infection. 

Because vaccines don’t contain any live virus, we do not believe they will cause harm to infants who are receiving breast milk. 

If all of the following apply to you, ask your doctor whether getting vaccinated is the right choice for you:

  • You’re pregnant or lactating
  • You live in an area where COVID-19 transmission is high
  • Your work puts you at increased risk of infection

Is there any benefit to my baby if I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. The vaccine will very likely prevent you from getting sick from COVID-19, which could put both you and your fetus at serious risk. Even if you don’t have a severe form of the virus, we do not yet know the effects of the virus on pregnancies and fetuses as the pregnancy progresses after a COVID-19 infection. 

Certain vaccines are both safe and beneficial during pregnancy. Inactivated vaccines (those with no live virus, like flu or Tdap shots) protect both mother and baby when received during pregnancy. COVID-19 vaccines are also inactivated, but it’s not yet known if immunity passes from mother to baby if vaccinated during pregnancy.

 

Dr. Maulin Soneji, pediatric infectious disease physician, answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

Note: The information in this video may have changed since its filming in December 2020.

Coronavirus, Testing and Pregnancy

Do I need to be tested before giving birth?

You'll need to be tested either before labor and delivery or when you arrive for delivery. Testing helps us provide the best possible care for you, your child and all the other moms and babies at our hospital.

Most pregnant women recover from COVID-19 with rest at home. If you recover from COVID-19 before delivery, your pregnancy and labor will most likely be unaffected. If you test positive while pregnant, ask your doctor what's best for your unique needs.

Learn more about pregnancy and coronavirus.

Can I have my support person with me during labor?

Yes, two support persons are allowed to stay with you during labor and delivery. For antepartum visitation, you may designate only one support person to visit from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Nobody but this designated support person may visit. For postpartum visitation, may have one support person present.

Is it safer to give birth at home during COVID-19?

It's still safe to give birth at the hospital, and giving birth at home still has serious risks to consider. Hospitals not only have stricter safety measures than almost any other public place, but also have the ability to treat any complication that happens during childbirth. In case of an emergency, it's safer for you and your child to have immediate access to medical attention. 

Do pregnant women have a higher risk of COVID-19 or its complications?

Currently, there is limited information about how susceptible pregnant women are to COVID-19. According to the CDC, women are generally more at risk of contracting viral respiratory infections because of changes in their bodies during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, COVID-19 increases your risk of severe illness leading to ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death. Pregnant women who have other conditions (like diabetes and heart, lung or kidney disease) are considered to be high-risk if they contract the virus.

COVID-19 infection may increase risk of adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, cesarean section, and neonatal ICU admission depending on the severity of prematurity. More concerning is that long-term effects of COVID-19 infection during pregnancy for the fetus and mother are unknown. 

Can pregnant moms transmit COVID-19 to their babies?

So far, there is no evidence of the disease being passed through the cord blood or amniotic fluid of infected moms to their babies. Dr. Courtney Martin says that, during a vaginal delivery, the virus can be detected in maternal blood and feces. In many cases, babies can be exposed to these at the time of birth. “Because of this,” Dr. Martin says, “our OB-GYNs at Children’s Hospital are taking extra precautions to ensure the baby is safe from this exposure.” 

What extra precautions should pregnant women take?

Pregnant women should be as careful as possible to avoid COVID-19 and follow all guidelines the CDC has in place for the general public. Mainly, avoid unnecessary travel, public gatherings and contact with others who have any type of illness. It’s also critical to continue your prenatal care — including appointments with your OB-GYNs.

Learn more about pregnancy and coronavirus.

Is it safe to breastfeed?

Physicians still recommend breastfeeding your baby. However, you should take precautions if you have COVID-19, are experiencing symptoms or were exposed. Wash your hands thoroughly before breastfeeding your baby and wear a mask while you feed them.

Read more about keeping your baby safe during COVID-19.

Coronavirus and Kids

How dangerous is COVID-19 for an infant?

Usually babies who test positive for COVID-19 have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Babies who were born prematurely or have underlying conditions may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

How do I get my child tested for COVID-19?

If you feel your child needs to be tested, please contact your primary care provider. They will screen your child for symptoms, determine if a test is needed and give you further instruction.

What should I do if my child has symptoms?

Call your pediatrician or family doctor if your child is experiencing symptoms and may have been exposed to COVID-19. Your doctor will help you take any necessary precautions before coming in for care.

Do kids have the same symptoms as adults?

Yes. Children usually have mild cold-like symptoms, including fever, runny nose, cough or difficulty breathing. At this time, there isn’t evidence to suggest COVID-19 symptoms are much different for kids.

How can I prevent my child from getting sick?

The most effective ways to prevent infection are handwashing and limiting contact with others. View our coronavirus fact sheet (PDF) for more prevention tips.

Are children more at risk of infection or serious illness?

No. Most cases of COVID-19 currently involve adults, and severe illness is uncommon for both healthy adults and children. If your child has other health conditions, he or she may be more at risk.

Should my child wear a facemask to prevent COVID-19 infection?

The CDC recommends wearing a cloth facemask in public areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Surgical masks and N-95 respirators are critical supplies and must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers.

How can I learn more about COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

Learn about risks, symptoms, treatment and prevention.