Golisano Children's Hospital / Coronavirus Information for Families
Coronavirus Information for Families
Can My Child Get the Vaccine? 
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID booster is now authorized for adolescents 12 to 15 years old and is now recommended to be given five months after completion of the primary vaccine series, instead of six. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine for some immunocompromised children ages 5-11. Read these FAQs.
- Hospitalized children and families can now discuss receiving the COVID-19 vaccine during their admission with their care teams.
Addressing Common Questions and Concerns
Families with common questions or concerns regarding the vaccine (side-effects, efficacy, etc.) are encouraged to read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages on both the age 12-15 and 5-11 vaccines, which have been updated in light of the Omicron wave.
COVID-19, Myocarditis, and Vaccines
Concerns on Pregnancy, Fertility and the Adult Vaccine
Expectant mothers, and families looking to have children are encouraged to look at the following resources regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy, and fertility:
More Vaccine Resources
Back to School Resources
Back-to-school preparations are never easy, but with COVID still circulating and most schools returning to full-time instruction, many parents and children may be anxious.
Anxiety and Mental Health
Vaccine Distribution
There are a number of options to obtain the vaccine through UR Medicine.
GCH Pediatric Practice (AC6)
For the families whose pediatricians’ office is the GCH Pediatric Practice on AC6:
- Use MyChart to send a message to request an appointment for COVID vaccine
- Call the Pediatric Practice at 275-2821, option 1, to speak with a nurse to schedule a COVID vaccine appointment.
Pediatric Specialists (AC6 and AC1)
For the families that see a Pediatric Specialist at GCH:
- Use MyChart to send a message to the GCH specialist to discuss COVID vaccine options
- Call their GCH Specialist's office to discuss COVID vaccination options
Your child’s pediatrician or family physician may also contact you if his/her practice is administering the Pfizer vaccine to patients.
Visiting Restrictions
As of 2/16/2023, our visitation policies at Golisano Children's Hospital have changed. We appreciate your support.
Read the visitation guidelines for each area of the hospital.
Given the transmissibility of the COVID variants, cloth masks are not permitted in UR Medicine hospitals, on- and off-site ambulatory clinics, clinical labs, and clinical research areas. To keep everyone safe, medical masks must be worn and will be provided upon request.
For Providers
Covid-19 Testing for Families of Pediatric Patients
Some pediatric patients will need to be tested for the Covid-19 virus even if they do not have any symptoms of infection. It's important to know if a patient has active virus before starting some procedures. We've gathered answers to some frequently asked questions about testing.
Read more about testing for Covid-19 »
Returning to Sports
The Golisano Children’s Hospital and Accountable Health Partners give the community a protocol for children returning to sports activities.
Return to Exercise after COVID-19 (K-12) Patients, 9/30/22 »
Self-Assessment for Return to Play After COVID-19 »
Message from Dr. Patrick Brophy, Chair - Department of Pediatrics
“We care for our patients, our families, and ourselves – and those roles are magnified during this time of rapid adaptation.”
~ Dr. Patrick Brophy, Chair - Department of Pediatrics
We Redesigned Our Services!
