Coronavirus Update
Testing
If you are sick, or require a PCR test for travel or return to work purposes, you may get tested at our
Urgent Care Main,
Urgent Care South or
XpressCare Highlands locations. Rapid and PCR testing is available. Otherwise, we encourage patients to utilize the
at-home test kits that are readily available at local pharmacies. Watson Clinic no longer offers appointment based COVID-19 testing.
Please note: There are out-of-pocket and lab processing fees associated with return to work and travel-related testing.
Vaccination
Watson Clinic offers the COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax from Moderna to established patients who
qualify.
Spikevax is available exclusively from Nurse Clinic Main on the 1W floor of Watson Clinic Main at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland. The
vaccine is available every weekday from 8 am to 4 pm. Check in at the 1W
Reception desk. Walk-ins are welcome, of if you’d prefer to schedule an
appointment, please call 863-680-7570.
Patients aged 65 years and older who have
received one dose of any updated Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or Novavax COVID-19
vaccine should wait at least four months before receiving their first dose of
Spikevax vaccine. For information on eligibility requirements for other age
groups, please speak to your child’s pediatrician or your primary care
provider.
What is COVID-19?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infection that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness.
The Signs and Symptoms of Coronavirus are:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, we encourage you to visit our walk-in care locations (Urgent Care South, Urgent Care Main or XpressCare Highlands) for testing and care. In the absence of severe symptoms, you may be encouraged to self-isolate. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other potentially life-threatening issues, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Prevention
To prevent illness, the CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures:
- Voluntary Home Isolation: Stay home when you are sick and avoid contact with individuals who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people as much as possible when out in public.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
- Environmental Health Action: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects daily.
Treatment
There is an incubation period of two - 10 days.
Available Brochures:
For more information:
The Department of Health has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage (
floridahealthcovid19.gov/) for all of the most recent updates on the virus. This is the most up-to-date resource for information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida.
For any other questions related to COVID-19 in Polk County, residents can contact the Polk County Department of Health in Bartow by calling
863-519-7911 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
Additional Links:
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida Department of Health