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At Plessen Healthcare, our multidisciplinary team is committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. We work to improve clinical outcomes through educating, empowering, and guiding every individual on their health care journey and providing an experience that improves the quality of life and well-being. We call this the "Plessen Way". Sign Up for Plessen News & Healthcare Tips

Myths & Facts About COVID-19 and Vaccines

August 3, 2021 by Plessen Marketing

As the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus commonly known as COVID-19 continues to spread, vaccination against the COVID-19 virus has become even more important. We know that there is a lot of confusion, misinformation, and questions regarding the virus and the vaccine, so we want you to know facts About COVID-19 and the vaccines. We have compiled answers based on the available science. Plessen Healthcare encourages all persons aged 5 and older to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

Vaccines help to introduce a small piece of COVID-19’s material into our bodies. This allows our immune system to develop a fighting mechanism against the virus, antibodies. When your body has an immune response at the ready, it helps you fight off the virus when you may be exposed to it.

When more people in our community are vaccinated or have recovered from the virus, we begin to develop population immunity. This makes it harder for the disease to spread and can protect those who may not be able to get vaccinated, like young children and newborns or those allergic to a vaccine.

The federal government continues to provide the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status. Vaccines are available for free at COVID-19 Vaccine Center in Sunny Isles on St Croix, US Virgin Islands.

Find a vaccine location near you https://www.vaccines.gov/

If you have questions or concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccination, have an underlying medical condition, or are taking medicines that weaken your immune system, we recommend that you reach out to your medical care provider. New and existing Plessen Healthcare patients are encouraged to call us at 340-715-7720 for an appointment or to set up a Telehealth visit via phone or video application.

Key Takeaways

The Delta variant is currently the most predominant strain in the United States with more than 83% of cases confirmed as Delta.
Delta has been confirmed in the United States Virgin Islands as of July 2021
The Delta variant is as contagious as chicken pox, and far more contagious than the flu and colds
Vaccinated and Unvaccinated individuals can both get the virus and transmit the virus.
Unvaccinated person are 3 times more likely to catch the virus and 10 times more likely to have severe illness requiring hospitalization and possibly death.
Vaccination remains the most important strategy to prevent severe illness and death.
Masks should continue to be worn in indoor public settings and at large gatherings regardless of vaccination status to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

What is the Delta variant?

A variant is a mutation of the originally identified “wild” virus. Variants of the COVID-19 virus have been named using the Greek alphabet. The official designation of the Delta variant first identified in India is B.1.617.2 – Delta is much easier to say. The first variant of the COVID-19 virus, originally identified in the UK is known as Alpha.

From our understanding of the current data, the Delta variant is one of the most contagious known viruses. It is as contagious as measles and chickenpox and far more contagious than the flu or colds. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that unvaccinated individuals are ten times more likely to develop severe infections requiring hospitalization or resulting in death than vaccinated individuals.

The Delta variant is currently the most predominant strain in the United States with more than 83% of cases confirmed as Delta. It has been confirmed in the United States Virgin Islands as of July 2021.

Doesn’t EUA mean the FDA has not approved the vaccines?

Not exactly. The vaccines available in the United States, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen, are authorized for use by the Federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Emergency Use Authorization involves thorough evaluation and is only given when the product has shown through trial to be effective, and the potential benefits far outweigh the risks “as demonstrated by data from at least one well-designed Phase 3 clinical trial that demonstrates the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in a clear and compelling manner”, stated an FDA official.

This was the case with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Data shows that vaccines have been effective at slowing down the transmission of the virus where vaccines have been readily accessible, and they have been administered to high percentages of the population.

Why Hasn’t the FDA Approved the Vaccines Yet?

It typically takes at least 10 months for a vaccine or drug to be fully approved by the FDA. This entails a strict, thorough, and time-consuming process that involves submitting hundreds of pages of reports, including preclinical and clinical data, information about the manufacturing processes and facilities, vaccine safety reports, adverse reactions, side effects, and more. After all the required reports have been submitted, it takes an average of six months for FDA officials to review the documentation and data, inspect manufacturing plants, and then approve the drug.

While an EUA is not an FDA approval, the EUA status is only given by the FDA after thorough scientific evaluation. This assures the medical community that the vaccines meet rigorous standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality.

On July 16, 2021, The FDA formally accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Full FDA approval is anticipated for early Fall 2021 based on the request and a rolling approval process that began with the EUA in December 2020.

Learn more about The Path for a COVID-19 Vaccine from Research to EUA

How did they come up with the Vaccine so quickly?

The study of the COVID-19 virus is unique in that it caused a global pandemic shutting down countries around the world. This resulted in scientists worldwide focused on a common goal, combatting the virus, and sharing information. It also led to unprecedented funding for the research and development of the vaccine.

While mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases, the technology used in their development has been around for decades. Scientists at Moderna, BioNTech, and Pfizer have been studying RNA in relation to medicine and vaccines since 2005. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have been researching coronavirus biology and vaccine development since 2014. With the global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, scientists were able to apply this existing research and technology to develop vaccines more quickly against the COVID-19 virus.

Janssen Pharmaceutica, a Belgium-based division of Johnson & Johnson, has been studying the use of Adenoviruses to deliver pieces of viral material for decades. They recently received approval for the general use of an Ebola vaccine using this technology. They are also running trials on other adenovirus-based vaccines against H.I.V. and Zika.

Learn more about Vaccine Development

Will the Vaccine Change My DNA?

No. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines that contain genetic material contain mRNA. mRNA, or Messenger RNA, is a fragile genetic material that instructs your body to create various proteins.

In the case of COVID-19 vaccines, the mRNA comes from a piece of protein from one of the spikes on the coronavirus. The mRNA from the spike proteins causes an immune response in your body which results in your body producing antibodies. This is similar to what happens with natural infection. With these antibodies now present in your body, if you are exposed to the COVID-19 virus, your body can begin to fight off the virus immediately.

mRNA delivered by the vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is stored. After your body uses the mRNA from the vaccine to create antibodies, your cells break down the mRNA and get rid of it.

Learn more about mRNA vaccines

COVID-19-mRNA-infographic_G_508 — View the Spanish Version

Will the Vaccine Give me COVID-19?

No. While some vaccines include weakened versions of a virus to promote an immune response, the COVID-19 vaccines do not. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the COVID-19 virus. They contain only pieces of spike protein from the virus to activate an immune response. mRNA vaccines cannot give you the virus.

In the case of the Janssen vaccine, the gene for the spike protein is placed inside an Adenovirus (Adenovirus 26). Adenoviruses are common and infections typically result in colds or flu-like symptoms. The Janssen vaccine cannot give you the COVID-19 virus.

Is the Vaccine Safe for My Teen?

With the rise of the Delta variant on St Croix, we have seen that the COVID-19 virus can have severely affect children in the same way as adults. Currently, the only proven factor in reducing the transmission, severe illness, and death of the COVID-19 is through vaccination.

As of July 2021, only the Pfizer vaccine is approved in patients aged 12 and older. Plessen Healthcare recommends COVID-19 vaccination for teens. At this time, we have seen very few reactions in teens vaccinated at the Plessen COVID-19 Vaccine Center on St Croix.

At Plessen Healthcare, our multidisciplinary team is committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients. We work to improve clinical outcomes through educating, empowering, and guiding every individual on their health care journey and providing an experience that improves the quality of life and well-being. We call this the “Plessen Way”. Sign Up for Plessen News & Healthcare Tips

Plessen Welcomes Board-Certified Podiatrist, Dr. John Cook, to the Team

July 20, 2021 by Plessen Marketing

Plessen Healthcare is pleased to welcome podiatrist, Dr. John Cook, to our team of healthcare professionals. Dr. Cook is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He specializes in heel pain, ankle pain, tendonitis, sports-related injuries, Lapiplasty® 3d Bunion Correction, wound care, stem cell grafts, amputation prevention, and advanced diabetic ulcer care.

Dr. John Cook is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his surgical residency at Delaware Valley Medical Center in Langhorne, PA, and practiced in Fredericksburg, VA for 32 years.

Dr. Cook will begin seeing patients at the Plessen Urgent Care & Specialty Clinic in Sunny Isles at the beginning of August 2021. He will also provide surgical care at the Plessen Ambulatory Surgical Center in Orange Grove specializing in reconstructive foot surgery and diabetic limb salvage.

Plessen Healthcare accepts Medicare, MAP, most insurance, and Care Credit.

For appointments, please call 340.715.7720

Summer Health and Safety Tips

July 2, 2021 by Plessen Marketing

As summer heats up and the holiday weekend approaches, it’s important to stay safe at the beach, playing sports, and at the backyard barbecue. The summer months mean that school is out and families are more active, raising the risks of injury. We’ve compiled some summer safety guidelines from the Red Cross and other sources to make sure everyone enjoys all the fun that summer and island life have to offer.

Summer Safety Tips

Adults should supervise children and new swimmers at all times when at the beach, pool or near any body of water. Especially because our beaches lack lifeguards in the USVI, designate a “water watcher” to actively supervise children and weaker swimmers.
When boating, always wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Download the Red Cross Swim app, sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, for safety tips, kid-friendly videos and activities, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course.
Avoid sunburns by wearing an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying every 90 minutes. Stay in the shade as much as possible, in addition to wearing UPF safe clothing (UPF = Ultraviolet Protection Factor) like rash guards whether you are at the beach, on the tennis court, or the golf course. Learn more about Sun Safety and your Skin
Stay hydrated. The summer heat and humidity cause you to sweat and lose water and electrolytes very quickly. You should try to drink between half an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 ounces of water a day at minimum.
Bites and Stings – Carry white vinegar in your beach bag in case you encounter jellyfish or sea urchins. Remove any visible tentacles or spines and then generously pour vinegar on the affected skin to neutralize the neurotoxins that cause discomfort. If the sting is severe, it requires immediate medical attention because it can cause muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and even death. Over the Counter Benadryl can reduce swelling and itching from insect and bee stings. If you or the patient experience severe itching or hives, nausea or vomiting, pale or sweaty skin, or difficulty breathing seek immediate medical attention at Urgent Care or the ER.
Remember to review the latest COVID-19 pandemic guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with your family.

We hope you don’t need us, but if you do, Plessen’s Urgent Care in Sunny Isles is open seven days a week and treats patients ages two and older. Below are some guidelines for when you should visit Urgent Care vs. the Emergency Room.

When to Seek Urgent Care

While many injuries don’t require a trip to the Emergency Room, still some require a medical assessment. At Plessen Healthcare we like to say that not all urgencies are emergencies. Many injuries can be handled by our experienced, professional staff at Urgent Care. Plessen Urgent Care is here for non-life-threatening injuries.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat/Sun Stroke

Know the signs. High temperatures and humidity can cause life-threatening illness if untreated. Avoid strenuous activity in high temperatures and drink plenty of fluids. If you or the patient experience heavy sweating, fatigue, excessive thirst, muscle cramps, dark urine, faintness, nausea, and headaches, seek medical attention at Urgent Care.
When to head to the Emergency Room: Call 911 or head straight to the ER if you or the patient experience temperatures of 103F or higher, vomiting, seizures or unconsciousness. These symptoms can indicate heatstroke which can cause lasting brain damage and be life-threatening.

Tears and Breaks

With onsite digital x-ray and trained Radiology Technologists on staff, Plessen Urgent Care can handle most broken bones, strains and sprains.
When to head to the Emergency Room: Bone breaks of the rib, sternum, spine, skull, facial, pelvic, lumbar, and multiple body fractures should be handled at the ER. Additionally, if the bone has protruded the skin or if the patient is disoriented or unconscious.

Burns

Second Degree burns and sunburns can be treated at Urgent Care. These are burns that are red, blistered, swollen, and painful.
When to head to the Emergency Room: You should proceed directly to the ER for third and fourth degree burns or burns that cover more than 8% of the patient’s body.

Deep Cuts

Avoid long waist at the ER and head to Urgent Care with non-life-threatening wounds, minor bites, and cuts or lacerations that have straight edges and may require stitches.
When to head to the Emergency Room: If a wound won’t stop bleeding or has spurting blood from a vein or artery, or you can see through to muscles and bone, head directly to the ER.

Food Poisoning

Unfortunately, summer heat and beach picnics can lead to food spoilage and resulting cases of food poisoning. If you have a stomach bug or suspect food poisoning, head to Urgent Care.
When to head to the Emergency Room: If the patient has a fever of 101 or higher, severe dehydration, trouble swallowing or blood in their stool, seek treatment at the ER.

Head Injuries

Bumps and blows to the head can be serious, especially in children. Watch for signs of severe headache and nausea. If you or your child experiences these without loss of consciousness, head to Urgent Care immediately.
When to head to the Emergency Room: If the injured person has lost consciousness, experiences disorientation or vomiting, head straight to the ER.

Whenever in doubt of illness or injury, head to Urgent Care for evaluation. Plessen Urgent Care is open seven days per week: Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 2 pm in Sunny Isles on St Croix.

Sunscreen and Your Health

May 28, 2021 by Plessen Marketing

Use sunscreen daily to help prevent against premature aging and skin cancers

Though we enjoy beautiful sunny weather year-round in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as the summer months approach, the sun’s rays are even stronger due to the Earth’s tilt. It’s a good time to take stock of your skincare practices, take an inventory of your sunscreen, and commit to practicing safe sun prevention.

There are four main forms of skin cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell cancer, and Melanoma. Approximately 1% of skin cancers are classified as melanoma. However, melanoma accounts for most skin cancer deaths. People with lighter complexions are at the most risk of developing skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, whites are 20 times more likely to develop melanoma than African Americans. The lifetime risks of developing melanoma break down to 2.6% (1 in 38) for whites; 0.1% (1 in 1,000) for African Americans; and 0.6% (1 in 167) for Latinx. Source: American Cancer Society

Skin cancer can develop in anyone of any age or race. It’s important to keep an eye on any moles or pigmented areas on your skin for irregularities or changes.

Do you know how to spot skin cancer? (aad.org)

To help you spot skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone learn the ABCDEs of melanoma:

A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B is for Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.

C is for Color that varies from one area to another.
D is for Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E is for Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

Regular use of sun protection can help to prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancers.

Sunscreen comes in two different forms: Physical blockers that deflect the sun’s ultraviolet rays like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and Chemical blockers that the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Some of the chemicals typically used in sunscreens have raised concerns, though there is currently no clinical evidence that shows they are harmful to humans. The risks of sun exposure developing into skin cancer are well known and thus regular use of sunscreen is recommended.

The recommended amount of sunscreen to use for an adult is approximately a shot glass–sized amount for the body and a teaspoonful for your face.

Tips for Choosing Sunscreen and Protecting Your Skin

Choose Reef Safe Sunscreen. It’s the law in the USVI. Chemicals in regular sunscreen have been shown to cause significant damage to our delicate coral reefs. You don’t have to wear chemical sunscreen in the ocean to have an effect. Runoff from showering off sunscreen eventually ends up in our waters.
Choose a “Broad Spectrum” Sunscreen. This means that it filters out both UVA and UVB sun rays.
Choose SPF 30 or higher: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you select a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
Water Resistant. Whenever possible choose a sunscreen that says that it is “water-resistant” which means it will stay sticky on sweaty skin or while you swim. Remember that even water-resistant sunscreen should be reapplied every 40-80 minutes.
Check for expiration. Sunscreens are required by the FDA to last for at least 3 years. Some sunscreens include an expiration date on the bottle. If yours doesn’t, use an indelible marker or label to mark the date of purchase on the bottle. You should be using your sunscreen liberally and often enough that it gets used up well before the three-year mark.
Wear a hat, sunglasses and regularly apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply at least every two hours.
Avoid sitting in the direct sunlight. Whenever possible, choose a shady spot or carry a beach tent with you for cover. Try to avoid the direct sun for especially from 10 am to 4 pm.
Wear UV filtering clothing and hats. Choose rash guards and other clothing with at least 38-40 UPF (UPF = Ultraviolet Protection Factor)

Prevention is the best cure. However, if you notice something irregular or concerning on your skin, be sure to have it checked out right away by a medical professional. Plessen’s Urgent Care is available seven days a week or you can make an appointment with your Primary Care Physician at Plessen Medical Center for evaluation.

Disclaimer:

Plessen Healthcare, LLC provides articles in our online library related to current health and wellness topics. Please make note of the date of the article or update as health information can change with updated science. Regardless of the date, no content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or another qualified clinician.

Plessen Healthcare Launches Nationally Registered Apprenticeship Program

May 7, 2021 by Plessen Marketing

Nine Local Apprentices Enrolled in National Healthcare Certification Program.

ST CROIX, USVI, May 7, 2021 – Plessen Healthcare launched their medical professional apprenticeship program with an orientation held at the Orange Grove Medical Campus on Thursday, May 6, 2021. Department of Labor Commissioner, Gary Molloy, attended the orientation and expressed his well wishes and continued support upon addressing the group.

Department of Labor Commissioner, Gary Molloy, congratulates the first class of Plessen apprentices.

Committed to its employees’ professional growth and development, Plessen Healthcare welcomes this opportunity to facilitate the program and assist employees as they acquire national certification in their professional field.

The Plessen Healthcare Apprenticeship Program represents one of the first nationally accredited apprenticeship programs in the United States Virgin Islands. Other local businesses participating in the apprenticeship program include Gold Coast Yachts and Peace of St. Croix.

“Plessen is honored to have been chosen to participate in the first federally-funded USVI Apprenticeship program. We appreciate the support and collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor and Commissioner Gary Malloy. This is an important step forward for us providing on-the-job training and certification. It is a big commitment by our apprentices, and I wish them the very best in their continued success” shared Plessen Healthcare CEO, Dr. Jan Tawakol

Nine Plessen Healthcare employees were selected to participate in the program which is supported by the Healthcare Career Advancement Program (H-CAP), a U.S. Department of Labor industry intermediary in healthcare. Plessen has registered apprentices in the fields of Medical Assistant, Surgical Technician, and Life Safety Coordinator.

Plessen Healthcare Apprentices from left to right:
Luisa Gabriel, Charlyn George, Venesta Anthony Daniel, Francia Anthony, Niyosha Aldonza, Dena Romero, Joshua Valentin, Krystyn Lake, Ashley Troeter

The apprenticeship program is competency-based and includes classroom and educational training in addition to on-the-job experience. Apprenticeships are completed within two years upon mastery of all competencies required for the respective certification. Participants who are currently enrolled in or have completed professional education programs receive credit towards the certification.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, participants earn the nationally recognized Journeyperson status.

Plessen diligently pursued workforce development opportunities after being invited to and participating in the Governor’s Workforce Development Summit in the fall of 2019.

Corporate Administrator, Angela East, is the apprenticeship program coordinator. “I am passionate about education and the pursuit of personal improvement. I am honored to have assisted Dr. Tawakol in developing the Plessen Apprenticeship Program and look forward to working with our apprentices as they complete their respective programs” states East.

plessen apprentices with executive staff and Commissioner DOL — From left to right: Luisa Gabriel, Charlyn George, Venesta Anthony Daniel, Francia Anthony, Niyosha Aldonza, Plessen Corporate Administrator Angela East, Dept of Labor Commissioner Gary Malloy, Plessen CEO Dr. Jan Tawakol, Plessen Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tasnim Khan, Dena Romero, Joshua Valentin, Krystyn Lake, Ashley Troeter

Participating in the program are current Plessen employees as follows:

Certified Medical Assistant: Niyosha Aldonza, Francia Anthony, Venesta Anthony Daniel, Luisa Gabriel, Charlyn George, and Dena Romero.

Certified Surgical Technician: Krystyn Lake and Joshua Valentin.

Certified Life Safety Coordinator: Ashley Troeter.

About Plessen Healthcare

Plessen Healthcare, LLC. was founded on St Croix, US Virgin Islands in 2014 by Dr. Jan Tawakol and Dr. Tasnim Khan, on the fundamental belief that world-class health care should be accessible to everyone. The Plessen Orange Gove medical campus includes a full-service, multi-specialty medical clinic and the first CMS accredited surgical center in the USVI. Opened in September 2020, Plessen’s Urgent Care, located at Sunny Isles, serves patients ages two and up, seven days per week. In early 2021, Plessen opened a dedicated COVID-19 Vaccination Center in the Sunny Isles Annex. Plessen is committed to affordable, accountable, and efficient healthcare and is centrally located within the Caribbean for easy travel from down island, the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Bermuda, and the U.S. mainland.

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Get Your Plessen Healthcare COVID-19 Vaccine Card

April 27, 2021 by Plessen Marketing

Plessen Healthcare is making COVID-19 Vaccine Cards available to our patients free of charge.

Vaccine Cards are available to fully vaccinated individuals who have received a positive IgG antibody test from either Plessen Urgent Care in Sunny Isles or Plessen Medical Center in Orange Grove within the past 4 months. Patients do not need to have been vaccinated by Plessen Healthcare but must show their CDC vaccination card.

COVID-19 Vaccination Cards are available at the Plessen Healthcare COVID-19 Vaccine Center located in the Sunny Isles Annex across from the WAPA business office, between K-Mart Appliance and the Social Security office.

Patients must present the following in order to receive their card:

A Photo ID
Official COVID-19 Vaccine Card
Antibody test results from Plessen Healthcare indicating a positive IgG antibody test within the past 4 months.

Cards are available on a walk-in basis at the Vaccine Center, Monday through Friday 8am to Noon.

The Plessen Healthcare COVID-19 Vaccine Card is provided at no charge to our patients as a courtesy. The COVID-19 Vaccine Card is not an officially sanctioned Vaccine Passport nor is it officially sanctioned by the CDC. Antibody results reported on the card have been reviewed by and are compliant with CLIA regulations. However, at this time, Plessen cannot guarantee that cards will be accepted by the USVI Department of Tourism or other agencies.