About Us
INFECTIOUS DISEASE, HYPERBARIC, AND ADVANCED WOUND CARE MEDICAL PRACTICE WEB SITE
Metro ID is a physician-led infectious disease, hyperbaric medicine, and advanced wound care practice serving the greater Houston area. We manage complex infections, limb-threatening ulcers, radiation tissue injury, osteomyelitis, and surgical wound complications using evidence-based protocols. Our hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) program adheres to UHMS and CMS coverage criteria. Our wound clinic offers sharp debridement, compression therapy, off-loading, and advanced biologics when indicated. We also offer same-day HIV prevention services (PrEP) and rapid initiation of PEP after potential exposure, along with comprehensive STI screening and vaccination. We are proudly LGBTQIA-affirming, trauma-informed, multilingual, and stigma-free. Referrals are welcome; self-scheduled consultations are available.
American Academy of Family Physicians | American Academy of Pediatrics | American Academy of Physician Associates | American College of Nurse-Midwives | American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists | American College of Physicians | American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society | American Medical Association | American Nurses Association | American Pharmacists Association | American Psychiatric Association | American Public Health Association | American Society for Reproductive Medicine | Association for Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology | Association for Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses | Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs | Council of Chairs of Obstetrics & Gynecology | Emergency Nurses Association | Families Fighting Flu | HealthyWomen | Immunize.org | Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology | Infectious Diseases Society of America | National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health | Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society | Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine | Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine | Society of Academic Specialists in General Obstetrics and Gynecology | Society of Gynecologic Oncology | Society of Gynecologic Surgeons | Society of OB/GYN Hospitalists | Trust for America's Health | Vaccinate Your Family
Our organizations call upon payers and insurers to continue making the COVID-19 vaccine available to pregnant people without undue utilization management or cost-sharing requirements. As organizations dedicated to public health and evidence-based health care for pregnant patients, we are particularly passionate about ensuring equitable and free access to these critical vaccines. We are deeply concerned about the recently adopted HHS policy to no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy. Given the historic gaps in research, investment, and support for women’s health, it is essential that all aspects of obstetric and gynecologic care—including COVID-19 vaccination—be grounded in the best available scientific evidence.
Research has shown that pregnant women who have COVID-19 are more likely to need care in an intensive care unit or with a ventilator, or to die from the illness. They are also more likely to have cesarean birth, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and blood clots. COVID-19-related complications are worse in pregnant women with particular comorbidities (eg, hypertension and obesity) and socioeconomic risk factors. These pregnant patients may face greater obstacles to optimal health due to social, economic, or environmental disparities.
We also understand that the severe effects of COVID-19 infection are not limited to those who are pregnant. Studies demonstrate that infants who are born following a COVID-19 infection during pregnancy are at an increased risk of low birth weight, stillbirth, respiratory distress, and rarely, vertical transmission. Data also continue to demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective, and that it protects pregnant patients and their infants after birth. In fact, the vast majority of infants under six months who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infection had not received the protective benefit of vaccination during pregnancy. It is vital that we ensure that pregnant women continue to have access to this prevention tool so that they can protect themselves and their young infants, a vulnerable group who is not yet eligible for vaccination.
Our organizations assert that we must continue to prioritize high levels of COVID-19 vaccine coverage in pregnant patients to protect them and their infants after birth from undue morbidity and mortality. The science around the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy has not changed; therefore, we maintain our position and strong recommendation that all pregnant patients should continue to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As such, payers should be fully reimbursing for the cost of providing immunization counseling and administration services for all evidence-based vaccinations without utilization management practices or cost-sharing requirements for all patients, including pregnant patients. Payers have the authority to go above and beyond the baseline federal recommendations for vaccinations and can provide equitable and free access to this critical tool to increase availability for all patients.
In this unprecedented time of uncertainty, all health care professionals and insurers must continue to rely on science and evidence to provide the most effective and quality care to patients. We urge payers and insurers to embrace the opportunity to join us in working toward improved health outcomes for women and infants and to continue coverage of vaccines that is based on evidence and saves lives.
Resources
COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care
This is a re-posting. Find the original article here .
Almost everyone can still get the shots, but a lot of people will have to go through some extra steps. Mike Bebernes, Reporter Updated Fri, August 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM CDT EXCERPT BELOW; for the entire article CLICK HERE!