Year: 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine and Breast Imaging Recommendations

Swollen lymph nodes visualized on mammography and ultrasound appear days post-vaccination and could be mistaken for malignancies.

Bloomfield, IA – Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is informing patients who receive either the Pzifer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, that they can experience swollen lymph nodes that could be mistaken for breast malignancies in breast images for a certain amount of time after receiving the vaccine.

Vaccines of all types, including the COVID-19 vaccines, can result in temporary swelling of the lymph nodes, which may be a sign that the body is making antibodies in response as intended. Swollen lymph nodes can be seen on a mammogram after any vaccination but are more common after a vaccine that evokes a strong immune response, such as the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) has set the following recommendations for scheduling screening mammograms in relation to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine:

• Consider scheduling your screening mammogram prior to first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, or
• Consider scheduling your screening mammogram 4-6 weeks following 2^nd dose of COVID-19 vaccination.

“This should not be a deterrent for individuals interested in receiving their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Davis County Hospital & Clinics Medical Imaging Manager, Susan Haskell. “We just want to ensure our patients have all the information and possibly consider waiting to schedule their mammogram or breast imaging based upon the recommendations set by the SBI.”

Screening mammograms can still be performed at any time at the patient’s request.

“We will not turn away patients if they have a breast imaging appointment and have recently had their COVID-19 vaccine,” said Haskell. “We want individuals to have all of the information and can make the decision on what’s best for them. We are always here to care for our patients when they need us. If an individual chooses to proceed with imaging after recently receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, radiologists are taking note of the vaccination when reviewing the images.”

If you have any questions, please consult your provider, or call Davis County Hospital & Clinics Medical Imaging Department at 641-664-2145 to speak with Susan Haskell, Medical Imaging Manager.

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2021 Health Services Education Scholarship Application Now Available

Davis County Hospital & Clinics (DCHC) is excited to share the 2021 Health Services Education scholarship opportunity for individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field is now open for applications.

Davis County Hospital & Clinics will be awarding at least two $500 scholarships to two or more applicants in 2021.  The applicants are preferred to reside in Davis County but those living outside of Davis County will be considered as well. This scholarship is designed to assist individuals pursuing a career in a healthcare related field, which could include Nursing, Radiology, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Health Information Management etc.

A broad-based criterion is used in the selection process. The principle criterion is a demonstrated commitment to post-secondary education in a healthcare related field. An applicants’ academic record, communication skills, community involvement, and instructor recommendations are also considered.

The scholarship fund is made possible with funding provided by the Davis County Hospital Foundation and Davis County Hospital & Clinics Board of Trustees.

Anyone who feels they meet the criteria for eligibility are encouraged to apply. A copy of the application may be obtained from the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resources Department or online at DCHC Health Services Education Scholarship – Davis County Hospital & Clinics.  Applications must be received or postmarked no later than March 31^st, 2021 for the application and supporting materials to be considered by the committee. From all scholarships received, the scholarship committee will select the number of scholarships given. Eligible individuals are encouraged to apply each year.

Questions about the scholarship opportunity should be directed to the Davis County Hospital & Clinics Human Resource department at 641-664-2145.

If an individual is selected, they will be notified by DCHC Human Resources and arrangements can be made for the scholarship to be awarded. A list of scholarship recipients can be found on the DCHC website after June 1^st.

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