Updated: Wednesday, December 1, 2021
We are constantly updating this page as new mandates and recommendations are supplied by the CDC and CT Department of Health. Make sure you bookmark this page so you can stay up to date on all RMA of CT COVID-19 policies and safety regulations. Check out our latest video below from Dr. Cynthia Murdock on all of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine safety for patients trying to conceive or pregnant, and much more.
First and foremost, we want you to know that your health is our number one priority.
As the world begins to open back up, we are continuing to take COVID-19 seriously, and want you to know we are prioritizing the safety of all our patients and staff. We want to personally thank you all for your patience and cooperation during this time. RMA of CT is staying up to date about the role this virus is playing in our day-to-day lives, and we are doing everything we can to keep your safety and your fertility treatment our top priority.
Office Hours
Norwalk:
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday, Weekends by appointment only
Danbury, Trumbull & Harrison:
7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Stamford:
6:45 AM – 3:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Our goal is to do our part in minimizing the spread of the virus while maintaining the needs of our patients.
All visits are by appointment only. No walk-in appointments will be permitted. Please call for an appointment or speak to your nurse or navigator via email or telephone with questions.
Please read through our current policies and procedures below. We do our best to give you all the facts about the status of COVID-19 and keep you up to date.
Want to jump to a specific section? Click the links below.
Curious about the COVID-19 vaccine? Let's talk.
It is recommended for anyone with the ability to get the COVID vaccine to do so. The vaccine is believed to be safe for those trying to conceive, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Yes! It is absolutely safe to get the booster shot during fertility treatment (at any point during your cycle), and we strongly recommend it to all patients. The American College of OB/GYN also recommends a booster shot for all women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Available data strongly indicates that COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infertility in women or men. In the randomized blinded Pfizer-BioNTech trial, a similar number of women conceived after receiving the vaccine as those who received the placebo. mRNA vaccines are taken up rapidly by muscle cells at the injection site and the mRNA is degraded in the cell once the protein is made so it does not cross the placenta. Because the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are not composed of the live virus, they are not thought to cause an increased risk of infertility, first or second trimester loss, stillbirth, or congenital anomalies. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for women who are contemplating pregnancy or who are pregnant in order to minimize risks to themselves and their pregnancy.
Pregnant women who have become infected with COVID-19 have a higher risk for severe illness, admission to the intensive care unit and even death. There is also some data to suggest that women who are infected with COVID-19 in pregnancy are at a higher risk for stillbirth.
The best time to get vaccinated is while you are undergoing treatment. COVID-19 vaccination will not in any way affect your treatment cycle or chances for success.
For mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), messenger instructions (mRNA) are sent to the cells and taught how to make a spike protein found on a COVID-19 virus cell, which ultimately prompts an immune response in our bodies and the creation of antibodies. As soon as the instructions are “read,” the body gets rid of them. For viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson), a harmless, modified version of a different virus is injected into the body. Once that harmless version hits a cell, it uses the cells mechanics to then create the spike protein found in COVID-19, again prompting the creation of antibodies.
Common side effects of vaccination include pain and swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. These symptoms may persist for a few days. Side effects may be more significant following the second injection.
COVID vaccines promote the natural creation of the antibodies needed to fight off the COVID-19 virus. This is done by teaching your body how to create a look-alike version of a protein found on the surface of COVID virus cells, triggering an immune response in the body. The body will remember how to replicate these antibodies in the future, should you be exposed to the virus.
Currently available mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have documented safety and efficacy in large randomized clinical trials, preventing up to 95% of severe disease. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been shown to have a 66% efficacy rate and is effective at preventing severe illness or hospitalization.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for women who are contemplating pregnancy or who are pregnant in order to minimize risks to themselves and their pregnancy. Patients who conceive in the window between the first and second dose of the vaccine should be offered the second dose of the vaccine at the appropriate interval.
We are still using video conferencing for all new patient appointments, nutrition counseling, genetic counseling, emotional support, and fertility coaching. All testing, bloodwork, procedures, and other in-person necessities will be conducted in the appropriate office.
For morning monitoring: Upon arrival at our office, please stay in your car and text us to let us know you're here. Follow the prompts you receive on the day of your appointment and only proceed into the office when notified.
For all other appointments and procedures: No need to text us upon arrival, please come on in!
For morning monitoring, your partner/support person will need to wait in the car or outside our office, as only patients are allowed inside at this time.
For surgical procedures, your partner/support person can wait in the reception area during your procedure.
For embryo transfers, one support person is permitted in the room. (Gestational carrier and intended parent cases are the only exceptions.)
One masked partner/support person can accompany you in the exam room for the following appointment types: IUI, and all ultrasound appointments including SHG and pregnancy ultrasounds. (Gestational carrier and intended parent cases are the only exceptions.)
Yes. All patients and staff are still required to wear a surgical or cloth mask (without a valve) in our offices. We do ask that you bring your own mask from home - we do not provide them in our offices.
Gaiters, neck warmers, bandanas, and valve masks are not permitted.
That is our top concern, too. Your health and safety, as well as our staff's, is of utmost importance. We screen our entire staff for signs of COVID-19 and are also screening all patients that enter the building. Upon arrival for your appointment, you will be asked about any symptoms you may be experiencing. Additionally, we will take your temperature, and then finally, we will ask you to wash your hands. As mentioned above, we are also still requiring everyone in the office to wear a mask.
For surgical patients who can prove vaccination status (including the two week window following the final shot), COVID-19 testing is not needed prior to the procedure.
We are doing everything we can to safely maintain our patients needs without interruption. Please read the "In-Office Protocol & Procedures" section below for more detailed information on how these adjusted policies may affect your treatment.
Presently, there is no evidence that you cannot or should not be pregnant during the COVID-19 outbreak. According to preliminary research, a fetus appears unaffected if a mother acquires COVID-19. This research is based on a growing number of women, which is promising, but more information is needed to be sure of anything. ASRM and the CDC do recommend avoiding pregnancy if you or your partner has COVID-19 or have been exposed simply because of the unknowns, not because of any foreseen adverse reactions.
As a fertility patient, you’ve heard the phrase “just relax” so many times, you’ve lost count. So, we will never tell you to not be nervous, or to calm down. COVID-19 is a big deal, and it seems like it’s all anyone has talked about over the past year. We completely understand your concerns.
Please know that we would never advise you to do something you’re not comfortable with or anything that’s contraindicated. We are in your corner and are keeping up with the science, technology, and health risks so that we can best care for you and your needs.
If you are coming into our office for a scheduled appointment, please take note of the following protocols.
If you have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19, please let us know immediately. We ask the same of our staff. If you have been exposed, you most likely will not be able to continue treatment in your current cycle. We apologize in advance, but we must be safe and follow the regulations set up by state and federal agencies.
We understand that some of these changes may be difficult, but they are necessary to keep everyone safe and maintain our ability to continue to provide fertility care.
Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we navigate the best, safest path forward.
Sincerely,
Your Fertility Care Team
RMA of Connecticut
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported - ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Let’s take every precaution we can so that our patients, staff, and extended families stay safe:
If you have a question about your personal health before coming in for a scheduled appointment or morning monitoring, please call your nurse or navigator.
Otherwise, we recommend staying up to date with the following resources:
If you are interested in booking an appointment but still have a few questions, please call us at 203-956-2265, or click the button below to submit your question(s).
