IMPORTANT UPDATES

Boy wearing face mask sitting in chair at Egleston hospital

COVID-19, or SARS-CoV-2, is a coronavirus that began affecting people in 2019 and quickly spread worldwide. As scientists and public health agencies continue to monitor this virus, it is important to be informed and stay updated.

In the event that a child presents with a known or suspected COVID-19 infection, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is prepared to support diagnosis and management according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Updated Aug. 2, 2023

As of Wednesday, August 2, 2023, we have updated our masking policies.

Learn more

Non-emergent testing

COVID-19 testing is not being offered in our Emergency Departments or Urgent Care locations for patients who do not have symptoms. 

Alternative testing locations

We encourage patients who are only seeking a COVID-19 test to visit a local testing site. View the Georgia Department of Public Health's list of COVID-19 testing locations.  

Pre-surgical testing

We have resumed COVID-19 testing for all patients scheduled for an aerosol-generating procedure at Children’s, regardless of their vaccination status.

Researchers mobilize to fight COVID-19.

Researchers at Children’s and the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics are working together to fight COVID-19 in the lab. These research projects are contributing to the body of knowledge around the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

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Eligibility

Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster.

Vaccination sites

COVID-19 vaccine series are approved for children ages 6 months and older. Individuals can visit the CDC’s vaccine finder to find a location near them.

At Children's, we are taking every precaution to help make sure your patients are safe when visiting one of our facilities. We have taken a number of important steps to make our facilities as safe as possible.

Masking Policy (Updated Aug. 2, 2023) :

  • Masks are recommended.
  • Masks are required for:
    • Anyone over the age of 2 in our emergency departments, urgent care locations and some clinic locations due to a higher possibility of spreading illnesses in these areas.
    • A patient or visitor over the age of 2 if they are showing signs of illness.
    • A patient, guardian or visitor who is at high risk for infections.*
    • Our clinical team members and employees during direct patient care.

*If you are unsure if your child is at high-risk for infections, please ask their care team.

Learn more ways we're keeping patient families safe.