We continue to monitor the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations across our communities, our workforce and our system.
Highly transmissible COVID-19 variants combined with the peak of the flu season and other circulating respiratory illnesses have made for a somewhat challenging winter in the communities we care for, but we remain confident in our ability to meet the needs of our patients, families and team members.
We’re prepared for this, and part of that preparation means taking simple yet effective steps to help stop the spread of winter illness.
Reminders to fight contracting and spreading germs
Masking. While masking remains optional, we recommend you consider masking at work, particularly in shared spaces or patient settings. In the community, consider masking, particularly in crowded areas. Masks are strongly encouraged for those with high-risk conditions. Please note that masks are widely available at Texas Children’s hospital campuses and care locations at building entry points.
Hand hygiene. Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly to protect yourself and your patients. Clean your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer. Follow the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene ENG|ESP.
Schedule your free updated COVID-19 vaccine
Updated vaccines provide more current and complete protection. Texas Children’s strongly advises team members to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccines. All team members (including BCM faculty and staff) can click here to schedule a free vaccine appointment through Employee Health at Medical Center, West, Woodlands and Austin Specialty Mopac.
Additional resources
Stay home if you feel sick and get tested if you have respiratory symptoms compatible with COVID-19 or Flu. Note that antiviral treatments are effective if administered early enough for Flu or COVID-19. Early diagnosis and treatment also reduce spread of viruses in the workplace. Click here to review the COVID-19 Return to Work process. For non-COVID-19 related illnesses, click here to review the Illness in the Workplace Policy.
All team members can access the Employee Health Virtual Assistant from any device, any time, on or off the Texas Children’s network for COVID-19 exposure, symptom or illness related guidance and support.
If you have any questions about COVID-19 or vaccines, you can contact Employee Health at (832) 824-2150, option 4, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Team members can also email emphealthcovid19@texaschildrens.org.
For Flu or non-COVID-19 related illness questions, please contact Employee Health at (832) 824-2150, option 2, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours for any emergencies (i.e., needle sticks, splashes, work related injuries), please page the on-call nurse through the page operator at (832) 824-2099. Team members can also e-mail emphealth@texaschildrens.org.