Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for Patient Families
Caring Through COVID-19
Learn how we're keeping families safe at Nationwide Children's
Planning for Your Visit
The health and safety of our patients, families and staff has always been our top priority. During the COVID-19 pandemic our mission remains the same. With guidance from public health officials and our own medical experts, we are slowly and carefully opening our services more broadly again.
As you return to our facilities, you will notice many changes we’ve implemented to keep us all safe. First, we ask that you wear your own mask in the parking lot until you get inside the building. There you will be greeted at our masking and screening stations. When you enter the hospital or an outpatient facility, you will be provided with a mask and may be asked some questions about how you are feeling.
COVID-19 Vaccine Authorized for Kids 6 Months and Older
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been authorized for children aged 6 months and older under an emergency use authorization.
Visitor and Masking Guidelines
- Visitor guidelines have been adjusted to pre-pandemic seasonal restrictions.
- There are no longer restrictions for outpatient visits.
- Viral season visitor restrictions are in place for select inpatient units. Inpatient visitor restrictions will remain for ICUs (including neonatal units), H4A, H8A and Hematology/Oncology. Parents/guardians may identify up to four additional visitors. Visitors, including siblings, must be 12 years of age or older.
- For your continued safety, and the safety of our staff, all visitors and patients over age 2 must continue to wear a medical mask at any Nationwide Children’s location. The Centers for Disease Control’s new masking guidelines do not apply to health care settings (like hospitals, doctor offices, and long-term care facilities), where everyone must still wear masks. Nationwide Children’s will provide a medical mask to every patient and visitor 2 years and older. The mask must be worn throughout your visit.
- Children under 2 should never wear a mask. Click here to learn why.
- Children may be required to be tested for COVID-19 prior to a test or procedure. Speak to your child’s care team with questions. Click here for tips on preparing kids for COVID-19 swabs.
Testing (updated April 29, 2022)
Nationwide Children’s does not offer on-site COVID-19 testing, however there are many other options available for COVID-19 testing:
- Authorized at-home over the counter tests are available without a prescription and are typically available online or at local retailers.
- Through community testing centers: Test to Treat locations and community health centers
- Through your child’s primary care provider
COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids: Everything You Need to Know
BLOG: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children: How to Prepare Your Kids
Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for children 5-11 years old, it might be time to have a conversation with your kids about what the vaccine is, how getting it could make them feel, and why it’s important. Here are a few tips for having that conversation.
Click here for even more blog content about the COVID-19 vaccine and kids.
VIDEO: What would you tell my mom if she wasn’t sure about getting me vaccinated?
Dr. Dave Stukus has an important message for parents.
Click here for even more video content about the COVID-19 vaccine and kids.
Q&A: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 5 -11 Years Old: What Parents Need to Know
Currently, only the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is now authorized for use in children 5 to 11 years old. We answer parents' questions about vaccinating their kids.
COVID-19 Testing
Nationwide Children’s does not offer on-site COVID-19 testing, however there are many other options available for COVID-19 testing. To access a list of COVID testing locations from the Ohio Department of Health, click here. Or visit the websites of Kroger, Walmart, CVS Pharmacy or Rite Aid stores to review their COVID test options.
How do I get a COVID-19 test for my child?
- At home testing kits for patients 2 years and older (when collected by an adult).
- Authorized at-home over the counter tests are available without a prescription and are typically available online or at local retailers.
- Through community testing centers: Test to Treat locations and community health centers
- Through the child’s primary care provider
Does my child need a COVID-19 test before being seen at Nationwide Children’s? If my child has a scheduled procedure at Nationwide Children’s, are they required to get a COVID-19 test?
Nationwide Children’s will stop performing routine pre-procedural and hospital admission COVID-19 testing.
COVID-19 testing will still be required for:
- Patients with symptoms of COVID-19 (unless patient received a COVID positive test result in the past 10 days)
- All patients with a known COVID-19 exposure (regardless of symptoms)
If my child tests positive, how long do we need to quarantine?
The Ohio Department of Health offers guidance regarding what to do if your child is exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if your child tests positive for COVID-19. You can review the guidance here.