Kids don’t get sick on a schedule. If sniffles turn into something more after hours, we have virtual and same-day appointments available.
Children are just as likely as adults to get infected with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, but they aren’t as likely to become seriously ill. It’s common for kids to have mild or no symptoms with COVID-19.
The risk of serious illness is higher for children with underlying medical conditions, such as congenital heart disease, or a neurological, metabolic or genetic condition. As with adults, children with obesity, diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, sickle cell disease or immunosuppression also can be at increased risk for severe illness. Children younger than age 5, especially those under 6 months, are more likely than older children to be hospitalized with COVID-19.
While rare, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a serious illness that can develop in kids up to a year after COVID-19 infection. MIS-C causes swelling and irritation in the blood vessels, digestive system, skin or eyes. MIS-C is less common now than it was at the beginning of the pandemic.
Everyone ages 6 months and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinating kids helps protect them and those around them, including newborns who can’t get the vaccine, from hospitalization and severe illness. Immunization is especially important for children ages 6 to 23 months and those with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe illness.
Home tests are available, but an adult needs to collect the mucus sample from the child’s nose. Most tests can be used on kids as young as 2 years old, but one combination test for COVID-19, flu and RSV is approved for kids as young as 6 months old. Many kids ages 14 and older can collect a sample on their own with adult supervision.
As with adults, a positive at-home COVID-19 test usually is accurate. A negative test, indicating no infection, may warrant a follow-up with another at-home test 48 hours after the first if symptoms continue.
More precise testing is available from a healthcare provider.
Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s offer pediatric COVID-19 testing locations throughout the Louisville, Kentucky, and Southern Indiana area.
All locations accept most major insurance plans, so check with your insurer about coverage. Bring a photo ID and insurance information, if applicable.
Cost may vary depending on type of COVID-19 test required.
Rapid COVID-19 and flu tests are available at most locations. Your results will be sent electronically to your child’s Norton MyChart account.
COVID-19 testing for all ages is available seven days a week. Reserve your spot online to wait at home or walk in. It will include a visit with a provider.
Find a Location
COVID-19 testing is available for patients ages 5 and older. An appointment is required and will include a visit with a provider.
Schedule an Appointment
COVID-19 testing for children is available for existing patients. An appointment is required and will include a visit with a pediatrician.
Norton Children’s Medical Group Locations
Your healthcare provider, including a Norton eCare provider, needs to order a lab test for flu or COVID-19 prior to your visit to Norton Healthcare Express Services. Children ages 2 and older can have a Norton eCare visit to get an evaluation from any internet-connected device in Kentucky or Indiana.
Norton Healthcare Express Services 2949 Breckenridge Lane Louisville, KY 40220
When your child is sick with COVID-19, keep them away from others as much as possible and avoid sharing household items. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often.
Your child can return to normal activities when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications and are feeling better. Some schools may have stricter policies.
Norton Children’s offers COVID-19 vaccination appointments for ages 6 months and older. Refer to American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
Each fall, updated COVID-19 vaccines are released that more closely target circulating variants of the virus. Based on national guidelines, eligible patients can receive a single dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least eight weeks after their last dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines are covered by commercial insurance, Medicare and Medicaid plans.
Communication about your Norton Children’s vaccine appointment will come through your free Norton MyChart account. In addition, you can find details about your child’s COVID-19 vaccination history, including the dates of each vaccine dose, in Norton MyChart. If you don’t have a Norton MyChart account, sign up today.
Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are generally mild and temporary. They typically are a result of the body’s immune system generating the antibodies that will combat infection. Common side effects include:
Serious side effects are rare but can occur. These may include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), though these are extremely uncommon, and vaccination sites are equipped to handle such emergencies. It’s important to report any unusual or severe symptoms to your healthcare provider.