Category Archives: Preventative Care
Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness
March is Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society recommends regular screening starting at age 45. Even if you have been screened before, you will need to screen again when your healthcare provider recommends. Click here for more information about colorectal cancer screening.
COVID-19 Vaccines: To Get or Not to Get, That Is the Question
By: RAFEENA BACCHUS, M.D., MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Vaccine hesitancy, whether due to vaccine fatigue, misinformation or genuine concern for side effects, is very common these days. Headlines from trusted news sources and even not-so-trusted sources come at us fast and can be misleading. So how do you know if the vaccine is right for you?
First and foremost, know that your concerns are valid and that these concerns should be discussed with your trusted physician. There are many reasons why the vaccine is important for some to receive and other times when the benefits may not outweigh the risks and therefore should be avoided.
So, let’s address some of the common concerns providers have heard.
- Blood Clots
The largest global study recently published by the Global Vaccine Data Network, after just shy of 1 million doses of vaccines given, showed a statistically significant increased risk of a type of blood clot in the brain after immunization with viral-vector vaccines such as the one developed by the University of Oxford and made by AstraZeneca. It showed that these vaccines were linked to a threefold increase in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a type of blood clot in the brain; identified in 69 events, compared with an expected 21. This vaccine was never given the U.S. In the same study, mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) showed as small increase in observed ration of blood clots related to low platelet counts but not to statistically significant levels.Several smaller studies have investigated the potential link between mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and have also not found any clear associations.
- Heart Conditions
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle and has been seen with both mRNA and viral-vector vaccines in several studies. Though cases are rare, they are mostly seen in adolescent and young males. The severity of myocarditis can vary; however, most will have resolution of symptoms. The risk of myocarditis is 5-10 per million vaccine doses. The rate of myocarditis with COVID-19 infection is 40-80 cases per million people infected with COVID. - Neurological Disorders
In the same study done by the Global Vaccine Data Network referenced above, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a syndrome that affects the nerves, was observed to occur at a statistically significant increase in cases with viral vector vaccines. This was NOT observed with mRNA vaccines. However, inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord was observed after both viral-vector and mRNA vaccines. Seven cases of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after vaccination with the Pfizer mRNA vaccine were observed, versus an expectation of two.
As with any vaccination, there are many potential side effects. However, it is important to note that severe side effects are very rare. In some cases, your provider may recommend against vaccination due to an underlying medical condition. On the other hand, for those in the majority, these vaccines are safe, effective, and lifesaving. Be sure to discuss with your MPCP provider when making these important health care decisions. We are here to support you any way we can.
Article Sources
K. Faksova et al., Vaccine, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.100
CDC. Clinical Considerations: Myocarditis after COVID 19 Vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/myocarditis.html. February 24, 2024
Dr. Bacchus is a MPCP partner and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. She sees patients in the Columbia office and serves as MPCP’s Medical Director.
Flu, Covid-19, RSV: Which vaccines do you need?
By: RAFEENA BACCHUS, M.D.
As fall arrives, it’s not just time for cozy sweaters and holiday preparations—it’s also a critical time to think about seasonal health protection. This year, the flu, COVID-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines are essential tools to keep you and your loved ones safe.
At Maryland Primary Care Physicians (MPCP), we make vaccination easy with convenient scheduling through our Patient Portal and supportive care from our dedicated team. Let’s walk through what you need to know this season to stay healthy.
Why Get Vaccinated for Flu, COVID-19, and RSV?
These three viruses—flu, COVID-19, and RSV—are known for causing severe illness, especially in young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions. Vaccination offers a proven way to reduce your risk, lessen symptoms, and protect your community. Here’s how each vaccine can help:
- Flu: Protects against the most common flu strains, reducing severity and risk of hospitalization.
- COVID-19: Protects against the latest variants, helping avoid severe symptoms and complications.
- RSV: Especially important for seniors and infants, who are at higher risk of RSV complications.
At MPCP, we focus on preventive care and compassionate support for all patients. Our experienced providers are here to help you make informed vaccination decisions and answer any questions along the way.
Schedule an appointment to get vaccinated in your patient portal.
Who Should Get Vaccinated? CDC Recommendations
The CDC offers specific guidance on who should get each vaccine, based on age, health status, and other risk factors:
Flu Vaccine
- Recommended for: Everyone 6 months and older.
- Especially Important for: Adults 65+, children under 5, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women.
- When to Get It: Early fall, as flu season peaks in winter.
COVID-19 Vaccine
- Recommended for: Everyone 6 months and older.
- New Variant Coverage: The latest COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against current variants, like EG.5.
- When to get it: Fall, with annual boosters available for continued protection.
RSV Vaccine
- Recommended for: Adults 60+ (especially those with chronic conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immunity).
- Additional Protection: For infants at high risk, long-acting antibody treatments are also available.
When to Get It: Any time during RSV season, which often overlaps with flu season in fall and winter.
Can You Get All Three Shots Together?
You may be able to streamline your vaccination schedule by getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. However, because the RSV vaccine is newer, health experts recommend receiving it separately. Here’s what you should know:
- Flu & COVID-19: Generally safe to get these vaccines together. Just let your healthcare provider know so they can guide you.
- RSV: Consult with your MPCP provider if you’re considering getting this vaccine with others, especially if you have a health condition.
Your MPCP provider will work with you to plan the best timing and combination for these vaccines, tailored to your health needs and lifestyle.
FAQs: About Flu, COVID-19, and RSV Vaccines
- Why do I need these vaccines every year? Viruses like flu and COVID-19 mutate, creating new strains each year, and immunity from previous vaccinations fades over time. Annual vaccines ensure you’re protected against the latest strains
- Are these vaccines safe to take together? Yes, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can usually be taken at the same time, saving you a trip while keeping you protected. If you’re also getting the RSV vaccine, your doctor may advise taking it separately for the best immune response.
- What are the possible side effects? Most people experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, fatigue, or a low fever, which usually resolve within a day or two and are signs that your body is building protection.
Why Choose MPCP for Your Vaccination?
At MPCP, we make it simple to manage your health. Our Patient Portal lets you:
- Schedule appointments online for all your healthcare needs, including vaccinations.
- Access your medical records anytime, so you stay informed about your vaccination history and health.
- Message your provider directly, a helpful option if you have follow-up questions or health concerns after your visit.
Our team emphasizes a personalized approach to healthcare. We’re here to listen to your concerns, answer questions, and deliver high-quality, compassionate care.
Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Don’t wait — get ahead of the season by scheduling your flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines with MPCP today. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, and MPCP is here to make the process easy and comfortable whether you’re scheduling for yourself or a loved one.
Take Action Today: Contact your MPCP healthcare provider or log into the Patient Portal to schedule your vaccines and ensure you and your family are prepared for a healthy season!
Dr. Rafeena Bacchus sees patients at MPCP’s Columbia office. She received her medical degree from SUNY at the Buffalo School of Medicine and completed her residency program in Internal Medicine at the University of Maryland. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Should I Be Worried About Heart Disease?
By: SERINA J. LEWIS, M.D.
Do you know if you’re at risk for heart disease? It’s the #1 cause of death, but many people have no clue if they’re at risk for it. In this case, ignorance isn’t bliss, it could be deadly.
When it comes to your risk for heart disease, there are things you can’t control and things you can.
What you can’t control
- Being male: Sorry, guys. While both men and women suffer from heart disease, men tend to be at higher risk and get it at a younger age. That doesn’t let women off the hook, though; men and women tend to develop heart disease at nearly the same rates.
- Older age: No surprise here. Adults 65 and older are more likely than younger people to suffer from cardiovascular disease.
- Family history of heart disease: While you get your good looks from your parents, you can also inherit genes that put you at greater risk for heart disease. In fact, the condition tends to run in families.
- Being postmenopausal: Menopause doesn’t cause cardiovascular disease, but certain risk factors begin to increase around the time of menopause.
- Race: African American, Native American, and Mexican American people are more likely to have heart disease.
What you can control
Some things you can’t change, but many things you can. Heart disease is greatly influenced by lifestyle factors, such as:
- Smoking
- Unhealthy cholesterol numbers (see video below)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Physical inactivity
- Obesity (having a BMI greater than 25)
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Stress, including depression and anger
- Poor diet
- Alcohol use
Any of these factors, or a combination of them, greatly increases the chances you will get heart disease.
Bottom line: Control what you can
Research shows your risk for heart disease can be significantly lowered by making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, improving your diet, and losing weight. Your MPCP healthcare provider can assess your blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol levels, and help you create a plan for managing them. Making these changes will not only reduce your heart disease risk, but you’ll generally be healthier and feel better.
Watch this video to learn how “knowing your numbers” can help lower your risk for heart disease.
Dr. Lewis earned her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and is certified by the American Academy of Family Physicians. She sees patients in MPCP’s Bowie office.
