Are you searching for COVID-19 services in Tuscaloosa? At Crimson Care, Dr. Peramsetty and his experienced team provide several COVID-19 services, as well as primary and urgent care in Central Alabama. Learn more about our updated COVID-19 services so you and your family can stay happy and healthy this year.
COVID-19 Testing
At Crimson Care, our team offers COVID-19 PCR and rapid antigen tests. Whether you need to test for work, have COVID-19 symptoms, or want to make sure you are safe to be around friends and family, we’re here to help with effective COVID-19 testing in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
We offer COVID testing via drive-thru to minimize exposure and maximize safety at our clinic. However, we strongly recommend symptomatic patients come inside to our urgent care for treatment along with their COVID test.
What is a PCR Test?
PCR stands for polymerase chain reaction and it is a test that looks for specific genetic material from an organism. In the case of a COVID-19 PCR test, it is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic, PCR tests have been the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19 since authorized for use in February 2020. They are accurate and reliable, and we offer these tests at Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa if you need one.
What is a Rapid Antigen Test?
Also referred to as a rapid lateral flow test or a rapid COVID test, a rapid antigen test is used to detect protein fragments from the specific virus that caused COVID-19. Rapid tests are ideal for when an individual has symptoms, as it can test if someone is infectious or not. However, while you get the results of a rapid test very quickly, they are not the most accurate COVID-19 tests.
COVID-19 Vaccine in Tuscaloosa
Another COVID-19 service we offer in Tuscaloosa is the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, one of the main vaccines currently available in the United States. Also known as the mRNA-1273 vaccine, the Moderna vaccine helps protect people against COVID-19.
It works by using mRNA that sends the body’s cells instructions for making a spike protein that will train the immune system to recognize it. The immune system will then attack the spike protein the next time it sees one (when the actual virus infects your body).
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be very effective. One study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found the Moderna vaccine to be 96.3% effective in preventing symptomatic illness in health care workers. Another, from the CDC, found Moderna’s effectiveness against hospitalization held steady over a four-month period, while Pfizer’s fell from 91% to 77%.
If you’re ready to protect yourself and your loved ones, schedule your COVID-19 vaccine at Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Note: vaccines are available by appointment only.)
COVID-19 Booster Shot
In addition to the two-part Moderna vaccine, we also offer COVID-19 Booster Shots in Tuscaloosa. As of last November, anyone 18 and older is now eligible to receive their booster.
Furthermore, according to the CDC, it doesn't matter which vaccine type was originally received. If you initially got the Pfizer vaccine but are in need of a booster shot in Tuscaloosa, you can visit Crimson Care for a Moderna Booster and still be optimally protected.
Schedule your COVID-19 booster shot today at our clinic.
Additional COVID-19 Services at Crimson Care
Whether you need to test for COVID-19, get vaccinated, or receive your COVID-19 booster shot, Dr. Peramsetty and his experienced team are here to help with COVID-19 services in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Use our online scheduling portal to book your appointment today! We’re currently offering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 18 and older at our Crimson Care and First Care clinics.