IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING OUR OFFICE
We will be closed for injections and appointments
May 29th, 30th, 31st, June 1st and June 2nd.
Office staff will be available, except Monday which is Memorial Day, during normal business hours for phone calls, refills, scheduling and billing questions.
Injection patients please plan accordingly.
We will be open Friday, May 26th and Monday, June 5th.
We apologize in advance for this inconvenience.
Our walk-in injection hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30AM to 11:00AM and 12:45PM to 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:30AM to 11:00AM
BCBS Update:
We have been notified by patients that The Blues are sending letters in the mail alerting them that Dr. Hennessey has retired and they need to find a new provider for their continued care. What the letter fails to mention is that Dr. Manoj Mohan is in-network for BCBS. No need for the patient to switch offices if they don't want too. If you have any questions about this please call our office. Thank you.
MASK UPDATE 03.31.23
We have lifted the mask mandate for our office. While masks are no longer required we ask that you please respect those who wish to continue wearing them. Thank you all for your diligence and cooperation in wearing masks over the past three years.
A message from Dr. Hennessey on behalf of Okemos Allergy Center regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine:
We strongly encourage our patients to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine and the boosters, but many have concerns about whether or not they should get it due to a history of allergies, asthma, or immune issues.
So far, over 270 million Americans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 230 million Americans have received two doses and are considered fully vaccinated. The risk of allergic reactions from either of the three vaccines currently in use is about 1.3 reactions per 100,000 doses. The majority of the reactions have not been severe.
Asthma and nasal allergies DO NOT appear to increase the risk of an allergic reaction to the vaccine.
Although people with a previous history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) appear to be at increased risk for a COVID-19 Vaccine reaction, the risk is still very low, and the locations where the vaccine is administered should have the ability to treat a reaction should one occur. If you have epinephrine for self-injection, e.g., Epi-Pen or Auvi-Q, it’s reasonable to have it with you when you receive the vaccine, and you may wish to wait for 30 minutes following your shot rather that the standard 15-minute recommended wait.
Although the vaccine may be less effective for some patient with immune deficiency, it does not pose a greater risk of side effects for these individuals, and is still recommended.
Mild reactions, including pain at the injections site, fever, aches, and fatigue can occur. These reactions are not serious, and are similar to those seen with other immunizations, e.g., the shingles vaccine.
People allergic to other vaccines should still be able to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine, since it does not appear to cross-react with other immunizations.
The only reason not to receive the vaccine is a history of a severe reaction to the first dose, or a history of allergy to one of the components of the vaccine. The rare allergic reactions appear to be due to the stabilizers in the vaccine, especially polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polysorbate-80. These are common chemicals found in a large number of consumer products and are generally safe. PEG, for example, is the main ingredient in the laxative MiraLAX. We have both of these substances available for skin testing for patient who feel that they may be allergic to one of these chemicals.
Finally, for those still reluctant to receive the immunization, it’s important to put things in perspective: The risk of dying from COVID-19 is about 1%, with a much higher mortality rate for older individuals or those with immune issues, diabetes, or heart disease, and so far over 1.1 million Americans have died of COVID-19. As more people get immunized, the sooner we’ll reach the level of “Community Immunity” needed to halt this pandemic!
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Allergy & Asthma Specialists
Our physicians and experienced staff provide comprehensive and personalized allergy and immunological care for both adult and pediatric patients suffering from nasal allergies, food allergies, asthma, eczema, urticaria, stinging insect allergies, latex allergies and drug allergies. Information contained on our website is not intended to diagnosis or treat your symptoms. Always consult a physician for proper treatment.
