COVID-19 vaccine booster
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant and recently pregnant people up to 6 weeks postpartum receive the new bivalent omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine booster, as pregnant individuals are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection Researchers have identified that the vaccine is 99% effective at preventing hospitalization. Data shows that COVID-19 vaccines are both safe and effective when administered during pregnancy. We at The Women’s Group of Northwestern strongly encourage our pregnant patients to be vaccinated and boosted, including with the new bivalent omicron-specific booster.
Dear WGON Patients,
The Women’s Group of Northwestern, through our dedicated physicians, practitioners, nurses, and medical staff, strives to provide high-quality care to all of our patients regardless of their personal beliefs and political perspectives.
WGON holds shared decision-making at the core of its values. We believe shared decision-making derives from respect for peoples’ expertise in their own bodies, respect for personal life choices, and respect to their clinicians’ expertise in science and medicine. Together, to preserve your decision-making rights.
We remain committed to helping you make the reproductive choices that are best for you. Our services include but are not limited to comprehensive birth control, abortion, pregnancy care, and well-woman care. Please know that the full spectrum of reproductive services, including obstetrical care, contraception, and abortion all remain safe and legal in Illinois.
More information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other professional societies can be found below.
Thank you,
Your WGON Physicians, Practitioners, and medical staff
Helpful Link:
- American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) – https://www.acog.org/news/news-releases/2022/06/acog-statement-on-the-decision-in-dobbs-v-jackson
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) https://www.abog.org/about-abog/news-announcements/2022/06/24/abog-reiterates-support-for-ob-gyns-and-reproductive-health-rights
- American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) –Birth Control https://www.acog.org/womens-health/healthy-living/birth-control
Current COVID19 policies and updates
UPDATED VISITOR POLICY (10/2022): “The Women’s Group of Northwestern adopted a no visitor policy in March of 2020 at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to preserve the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors. As result of declining COVID-19 cases, effective Monday, October 10th, 2022, WGON is very pleased to announce that we will be permitting one visitor over age the of 18 to accompany our patients to their visits. Visitors must be without covid symptoms or any illnesses. Patients, visitors, and staff are still required to wear a mask at all times in the WGON clinic. WGON understands the importance of loved ones being part of your healthcare journey, which is why WGON is extremely excited to bring this option back to our patients.”
Chicago and all of Lake and Cook counties are now in the high community level for Covid. The guidance is now strongly urging everyone to wear masks in indoor public settings and advising against non-essential indoor gatherings for people who are at high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.
Please remember to call us before you come to the office for an appointment if:
- You have any covid symptoms
- You have an exposure to anyone with covid
- You have anyone sick at home
- You have traveled out of the country (regardless of vaccination status)
- You have traveled within the US if you are not fully vaccinated and boosted x1 (if eligible for booster). See travel advisory below .
As a reminder covid symptoms can include any of the following (even if only 1 symptom or only mild symptoms): fever, chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, fatigue, body aches, headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6/10/2022 – The Women’s Group of Northwestern requires masks for all people (patients, staff and outside vendors) entering our office, regardless of vaccinations, until further notice.
Given the increased contagiousness of the omicron variants, a cloth mask may not provide enough protection. An N95, KN95, or KF94 offer the best protection from infection. Next would be a surgical mask with a cloth mask on top, and then a well fitted surgical mask.
It is important to check that it fits snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html
Thank you for your continued cooperation keeping everyone safe!
Physicians and Staff of The Women’s Group of Northwestern
Travel Advisory – Chicago Department of Public Health Removes Seven States From its Travel
In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Advisory applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.
The City of Chicago is recommending that Illinois residents, use this link www.zocdoc.com/vaccine to register for a vaccine appointments.
FEATURED CONTENT – CDC Recommends COVID-19 Vaccination for Pregnant Women
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued recommendations on the vaccination of pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant.
As of September 29th the CDC and the Illinois department of public health are urging pregnant women to be vaccinated against Covid 19, see the link below:
Patient Forms:
We are now requesting that all patients fill out their registration forms via our online portal https://tinyurl.com/ycm8jcnw prior to coming to your appointment. Filling out your forms ahead of time will reduce your check in time and exposure at the front desk. Please call our office if you have difficulties filling out the necessary forms.
This year has been challenging for everyone in different ways. Please know that we are here every day as your partner to help, you stay healthy and safe. Be well and enjoy the good weather. The physicians and staff of The Women’s Group of Northwestern.
For our obstetrics patients:
The Lavin Pavilion is now prepared to complete pre-procedure Covid-19 testing for our patients with scheduled inductions and cesarean sections. Patients will be contacted by the central scheduling and registration team and directed to present to Lavin the day of or day prior to their procedure.
PRENATAL VISITS SCHEDULE DURING COVID 19:
| Prenatal Visits | Weeks |
| NOB (OFFICE VISIT) | 8-12 weeks |
| Genetics (OFFICE VISIT) | 12 |
| 16 week appointment (OFFICE VISIT) | 16 |
| 20 week appt (ULTRASOUND AND TELEHEALTH) | 20 |
| 24 week (TELEHEALTH) | 24 |
| 26 weeks appt (1 hr GLUCOSE) OFFICE VISIT | 26 |
| 30 week appt in (OFFICE VISIT) | 30 |
| 32 week appt (TELEHEALTH VISIT) | 32 |
| 34 week appt (OFFICE VISIT) | 34 |
| 36 Week (OFFICE VISIT) | 36 |
| 37 Week (OFFICE VISIT) | 37 |
| 38 Week (OFFICE VISIT) | 38 |
| 39 Week (OFFICE VISIT) | 39 |
| 40 WEEK + Ultrasound (OFFICE VISIT) | 40 |
The Women’s Group of Northwestern was founded in 1989 as the city’s first all-female medical practice specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Since 1989, our services have centered around providing comprehensive medical care to women in a friendly and professional manner. To accomplish this, we maintain a state-of-the-art facility and provide the latest in medical innovation and technologies in a comfortable setting.
To meet your health care needs efficiently, we offer a broad range of services right in our office. These services include but are not limited to preconception counseling, OB/GYN ultrasounds, colposcopy, LEEP, hysteroscopic sterilizations, treatment of heavy periods with endometrial ablations and hereditary cancer risk reduction counseling.
The Women’s Group of Northwestern consists of eleven physicians: Elena M. Kamel, Anita Levin, Linda S. Katz, Pamela A. Lui, Julie Ericson, Julie Levitt, Kamaljeet Murthy, Stephanie W. Lau, Jordan Sheran, Adrienne Adams and Jessica G. Gelman. All are committed to providing /you the most advanced medical care available.
Our practice employs Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants as part of your health care team. These women have been formally trained in women’s health to provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative health care services, as well as many office procedures.
Our triage nurses are another important part of your health care team and are available by telephone from 9 to 4:30 Monday through Friday to answer your medical questions.
As an all-female practice, we have a vested interest in women’s health issues. Whatever your needs, you can expect to receive attentive care and medical expertise from women who understand your needs from both a personal and professional point of view.
On behalf of our entire staff of The Women’s Group of Northwestern, we welcome you to our practice!
