Effective April 3, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has ended the Secretary of Health Mask Order.  DOH continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings, but will allow the organization and the individual to make this decision.

Mt. Baker Imaging will no longer require routine masking for patients, staff, contractors or visitors who are not symptomatic with (or suspected of) infectious respiratory disease.

All choices will be respected and MBI will continue to provide masks for those who choose to wear them. Please alert our front desk if you have any concerns, as patients will have the option to require their healthcare provider who is directly involved in their care to wear a mask during their exam/procedure.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please call our main line at 360.733.0430 Monday through Friday 7AM to 5:30PM.

Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) Screening Mammography Recommendations for Women Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine

Screening mammograms and COVID-19 vaccines are both very important for your health.

Some women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine develop swollen lymph nodes under their arm on the same side as their vaccine injection. This is the normal immune reaction to a vaccine. These swollen lymph nodes usually return to normal on their own in a few days or weeks.

Why do swollen lymph nodes matter?  Breast radiologists look closely for any changes on your mammogram. Swollen lymph nodes under one arm can be seen on a mammogram and can be a rare sign of breast cancer.

What happens if there are swollen lymph nodes on my mammogram?  Depending on your medical history and when you received your vaccine, the breast radiologist may recommend that you return to the breast center for an ultrasound of your underarm area and they also may recommend a follow up exam to show that the lymph nodes have returned to normal size.

When should I schedule my screening mammogram?  Try to schedule your screening mammogram before your first COVID-19 vaccine dose or at least 4 weeks after your second vaccine dose.  This reduces the chance that swollen lymph nodes from the vaccine will appear on your mammogram.

What if my mammogram is already scheduled?  Keep your vaccination appointment. Getting vaccinated is critical to stop the spread of COVID-19. Consider rescheduling your screening mammogram if possible before your vaccine. However, if you are already overdue for your screening exam or cannot reschedule within the next few months, keep your screening mammogram appointment and keep your COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Regular screening mammograms ensure that breast cancer can be detected as early as possible. Both are very important to ensure that you stay healthy. It’s especially important to keep your mammogram appointment if you are significantly overdue for screening. Remember: annual screening saves the most lives.

What should I tell the technologist on the day of my screening mammogram?  Notify your mammography technologist if you have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Tell her when you received the vaccine, and which arm the vaccine was given. State whether it’s your first or second dose. This information will help the breast radiologist interpreting your screening mammogram.

What if I have other breast problems? If you have any changes in your breast or underarm, such as pain or a lump, contact your medical provider. The guidelines above are only for women with no breast symptoms who are scheduled for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Mammograms are performed at our Women’s Diagnostic Center on Northwest Ave. Suite 101, or you may be able to schedule at our Lynden location.

To schedule your Mammogram, please call: (360) 647-2422

To schedule a screening mammogram in Friday Harbor at Peace Island Medical Center, please call (360) 788-6345, Option 1.