IMPORTANT UPDATES

Boy wearing face mask sitting in chair at Egleston hospital

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

Most children with COVID-19 have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, some children can get severely ill from COVID-19, especially babies under 1 year old and children with underlying medical conditions. 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 Mar. 22, 2023

As of Wednesday, March 22, 2023, we have updated our masking policies.

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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

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has been expanded to all Georgians 6 months and older.

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.

COVID-19 Training Resources for Families

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 March 22, 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 who is at high risk for infections.
    • A guardian or visitor of a patient who is at high risk for infection.
    • Our clinical team members and employees during direct patient care in our hospitals and clinics.
  • Please ensure that a well caregiver is bringing the child in for services. If not possible, please notify the clinical team before your arrival for options.
  • Family members, visitors of patients and caregivers with potentially contagious illnesses should not visit Children’s facilities. If there is an issue, please notify the clinical team immediately.

Learn more ways we're keeping patient families safe.