. If you receive a positive test from an outside source, be sure to let the Health and Wellness Center know and to upload your results on your health center portal. The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. PA-07 COVID-19 Testing Sites Lehigh Valley Health Network COVID-19 Assess and Test Locations Instructions (apply to each location) "We have opened LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test locations throughout the region to minimize our community's exposure to COVID-19. About 97% of current LVHN employees are fully vaccinated Brian Downs, a network spokesperson, said. LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. Where can I find information about vaccination? endstream endobj startxref But not all infectious disease experts agree on this. Phone: 610 -402-1880 Fax: 610-402-1203 img + .header { margin-top: 1rem; } December 8, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Lehigh Valley Health Network saw significant success from its vaccine mandate with the vast majority of employees choosing to get the vaccine, network officials. The researchers also said they may have underestimated asymptomatic infections and the results may be confounded by certain factors like health behaviors and chronic illness among vaccinated subjects. The university will not share confidential health information. LVHN president gives annual report - Times News Online If LVHN employees covered by this policy are vaccinated outside of LVHN clinics, LVPG practices or Employee Health Services, they must provide evidence of immunization to Lehigh Valley Health Network is closing five medical offices in Lehigh and Northampton counties, according to a letter that, LVHN spokesman Brian Downs confirmed, was sent to some employees. But some medical research shows that natural immunity may offer some benefits vaccines dont. LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. LVHN Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant/Physician Assistant There are . That was the date Miller received his first dose of either a placebo (inactive substance) or the vaccine being produced by Pfizer and partner BioNTech to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The clinic is open 8 . St. Lukes on Wednesday tightened its visitation policy, in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases largely driven by the unvaccinated population (that) is placing an enormous burden on our regions health care system, according to Dr. Jeffrey Jahre, vice president of medical and academic affairs and chief emeritus of infectious diseases. Health Matters Blog; Services Listing; Pay Bill; Health Encyclopedia; Find a Provider; For Referring Physicians at the University of Rochester; . Getting vaccinated has far fewer risks than catching COVID-19. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, treatmentand on-campus testing for students on this page. Notice: All Colleagues and Non-Employed LVHN Partners, including remote workers, will be required to be vaccinated after the first COVID-19 vaccine receives full FDA approval. In addition, Lehigh's Employee Assistance Program (Integrated Behavioral Health) can be helpful for you and your dependents even if you don't participate in the Lehigh medical plan. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The second dose is more likely to produce side effects than the first. >, believe they have symptoms in line with COVID-19, occupational health services partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), the CDC about how to "Isolate If You Are Sick,", Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report. Our health care systems continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus and are committed to the safety of every patient in our care and every colleague on our team, said a joint statement attributed to Lehigh Valley Health Network CEO Brian A. Nester, St. Lukes University Health Network CEO Rick Anderson Good Shepherd Rehabilitation CEO Michael Spigel. LVHN is closing its COVID-19 vaccine clinics. About URMC. Once you've found out you've been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider to meet virtually. Boosters are a necessary component of our health and safety protocols to support a successful semester on campus, including in-person instruction and activities. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. 1.28.22: Update from the COVID Response Team - Lehigh University If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. St. Lukes is based in the Bethlehem area. Guidance for Staff and Faculty | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center Matching 403b and a defined pension program Health eCareers hiring CRNA | LVHN NorthEastern PA in Dickson City The Supreme Court ruling limits the power of the federal government to mandate that large employers take certain measures, such as requiring vaccinations, but does not preclude or limit employers from instituting such measures. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, available to health professionals for about a year, a milestone of 200 million people fully vaccinated, cases and hospitalizations are spiking again, largely driven by the unvaccinated population. Visit the Vaccination Resources page on the Coronavirus Information Center for more information about Lehigh's policies. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. Also remember that your primary care provider is always a phone call away or via a secure message through your MyLVHN account. Lehigh students, faculty and staff should follow the guidance provided by the Health and Wellness Center (for students) and Lehighs occupational health nursefrom LVHN(for faculty and staff). Weekly testing is required for those who are exempted. Sodexo Manager 3, Regional Operations Support Job in Allentown, PA HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U Good Shepherd is based in Allentown. Love Where You Work! Another recent study from Israel, which also hasnt been published or peer-reviewed yet, showed natural immunity provided longer-lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalization due to the delta variant than the Pfizer vaccine. Keeping the People You Live With Safe from COVID-19, Next Steps After Being Diagnosed with COVID-19, Learn more about ExpressCARE Video Visits. Both of the major health networks in the Lehigh Valley have COVID-19 vaccine mandates in place for employees, but if any employee contracted COVID-19 themselves, they are allowed to defer. Email us LVHN to begin administering updated COVID booster shots Monday Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. For more information on these requirements and for additional health guidance, please visit our Vaccination Resources Center. - If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma while sick with COVID-19, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. St. Lukes and LVHN announced Aug. 9 that they were implementing a vaccine mandate for all employees, as well as everyone who conducts business in those health care organizations. ReadLehigh's isolation and quarantine policy. The new location is inside the Coordinated Health-Hazle Township facility at 26 Station Circle, Hazle Township. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. Jan 20, 2023. Lehigh Valley Health Network has opened seven new patient testing centers and will soon open an eighth amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. Our journalism needs your support. She serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19 and facilitates care through recovery and return to work for any employees who suspect exposure or may test positive for COVID-19, working closely with Lehigh Human Resources throughout the process. LVHN will provide vaccinations to employees through employee health services and to all personnel through designated LVHN COVID-19 clinic locations. COVID-19 vaccine arrives at LVHN and St. Lukes, health care workers get Faculty and Staff Who Test Positive for COVID-19, Flu and Shingles Vaccine Benefits for Lehigh Medical Plan Participants, Expanding Access To Medical Insurance - The Employer Mandate, Indexed Dollar Figures for Employee Benefit Plans, LVAIC Undergraduate Tuition Exchange Program, Lehigh Undergraduate Spouse/Partner Tuition Benefits, Lehigh Graduate Spouse/Partner Tuition Benefits, LVAIC Spouse/Partner Tuition Exchange Benefit, Lehigh Undergraduate Dependent Tuition Benefit, Lehigh Graduate Dependent Tuition Benefit, ConsumerMedical Expert Medical Opinion Service, Awards For Exceptional Performance And Contributions, Food Service, Housekeeping, and Landscaping Employment Opportunities, Cash for Colleagues Employee Referral Program, Completing the Fully Remote Workplace Arrangement Request, Disability Accommodation For Faculty and Staff, Using The Page Up Talent Management Portal, Using Booking and Events to Schedule Interviews, Accessing and Registering for Learning Opportunities, Canceling or Changing a Workshop Registration, Guide for Self-Reported Training in PageUp, Smoking Cessation Resources for Benefits Eligible Employees, Lehigh University Protection of Minors Policy, Information for Directors of Programs Involving Minors, Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report, COVID-19 Health Services from LVHN for Staff and Faculty. There are no laws governing this kind of exemption like there are for medical or religious exemptions, he said. If you choose to submit your information via the Google Form, your information will be kept strictly confidential and will be submitted to Capital Blue Cross through their secure portal. Some readers who have been at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in . LVHN also now accepts walk-ins at our COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic-Northampton Crossings located at 3768 Easton Nazareth Highway in Lower Nazareth Township in Northampton County. A Pennsylvania hospital chain announces it will not require employees who had COVID-19 to get vaccinated for 12 months after their positive tests. Approximately 7.6 million Pennsylvanians 59% of the states population are fully vaccinated, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recently corrected the data to weed out duplicate reports. Ensure a good airflow in your home, which can be done by just opening a window. This applies if you live on or off campus. 0. While an individual always has the option of sharing their vaccination status personally, the university will not share someone's vaccination status or personal information. St. Lukes University Health Network, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network have jointly announced they will require all employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a news release. Do we still need plexiglass dividers? Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. For insurance purposes, it may be important to obtain a test in your county of residence or via your primary healthcare provider. On Sept. 9, President Joe Biden issued executive orders that, among other things, would have required private businesses with more than 100 employees to have their employees either get their COVID-19 shots or get tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis and would have had a deadline of Jan. 4. What do I do if I suspect I have COVID-19? Why one board member is criticizing process, New Jersey trooper shooting suspect caught, St. Lukes deadline for its mandate was in September, The deadline for Good Shepherds mandate was Oct. 15, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. See the Pennsylvania Department of Health site or Lehighs HWC site for lists of local testing resources. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. Contact a LVHN employee health nurse. If you havent already, please activate your digital access. HUMo0Wh`na0o5V m(T8v,")hi4, [Yp^na\AFJP,Z.(.LUaXX~W1wn-@=+6VA# Do I need to get a booster even if I am fully vaccinated and/or tested positive for COVID? Why one board member is criticizing process, New Jersey trooper shooting suspect caught, recent study by researchers at Rockefeller University, more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19, centers for disease control and prevention, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. LVHN Now Offering New COVID Booster Shots at Vaccine Clinics | WDIY Who should faculty and staff contact for questions regarding updating vaccination status or submitting a request for an exemption from the vaccination requirement? Coronavirus, privacy and HIPAA: Should LVHN reveal department of employee? COVID Vaccine Policy . PDF Lehigh Valley Health Network Policy for COVID and Influenza Vaccines Lehigh Valley Health Network will officially close its five COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Whitehall, Easton, Hazleton, Pottsville and East Stroudsburg (as well as the network's mobile vaccination . Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. Are there any additional sick leave accommodations provided for staff? PDF Please bring the following with you to your medical assessment for lists of local testing resources. Lehigh Valley Health Network is headquartered in Salisbury Township. If the instructor becomes symptomatic or receives a positive COVID test result, the instructor should shift the class to remote instruction until the instructor receives a confirmed negative test result or, in the case of a positive test, is cleared to return to work. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website. Natural immunity has come up in lawsuits across the nation, with some arguing that they shouldnt have to get the vaccine because they already had COVID-19. COVID-19 Level Yellow - Lehigh Valley Health Network Though the decision was sent to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals for review, that court is unlikely to make a decision until mid-December. Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at, and staff should contact Human Resources at, Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Faculty/staff- Follow the advice of your primary care physician and notify the university's LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager, Christine Wolfe, RN, at Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org or 610-861-8080 ext. While we have had good responses so far, we will send the information to Capital Blue Cross with a request to review the claim for accuracy, but we cannot guarantee that the claim will be reprocessed and paid. Our journalism needs your support. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Caitlin Leidy at crl215@lehigh.edu or Patricia Florkowski at pjg209@lehigh.edu. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. If youre not already signed up, we hope you will consider subscribing. "It's not FDA-approved, it's. Because of that,our Occupational Medicine clinics areable to offer onsite services where the testing, physicals, vaccinations, and more are performed at your work site, thereby reducing loss of productivity. We have prepared guidance on what to do if you are feeling sick and suspect you have COVID-19. Miller is among about 75 LVHN employees, patients and community members who consented to participate in the Phase 3 trial for the . Scheduling can be completed through MyLVHN, with the MyLVHN app, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). What do I do? Remember that if you receive a positive test result from testing conducted outside of the HWC,you must report your result by uploading it to thePatient Portal. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Example: restricting and isolating to a room separated from others in the household. O'Donnell doesn't agree with the area's major hospitals - LVHN, St. Lukes and Good Shepherd- which are mandating all their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine. Noncompliance with the booster requirement for students will result in. 23504. Remdesivir Intravenous Therapy Now Offered Exclusively at New Infusion Site, Heart Complication (Myocarditis) Rare After COVID-19 Vaccination, We Are Family: Vaccine Clinic Brings Vaccines to Hazleton, COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters and Third Shots, COVID-positive patients must mask if able when staff are present in the room, Mask strongly encouragedwhen not eating or drinking, Permitted to visit LVHN employees and non-COVID-19 patients, Pet visits must be authorized by a physician, Follow guidelines for area(s) to be visited. New COVID-19 testing location opening in Hazle Township by LVHN Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at provost@lehigh.edu and staff should contact Human Resources at inhro@lehigh.edu. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. You should contact your primary care physician first and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. Already a print subscriber? We recognize this is a difficult time for faculty, staff and families. However, if they choose to share this with you, treat this as confidential information and follow up with Christine Wolfeor Human Resources to make sure the information and all services are being extended. You also can schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). It has been brought to the attention of Human Resources that some healthcare providers may be submitting incorrect billing codes to Capital Blue Cross when a patient receives a COVID-19 diagnostic test, resulting in the patient being responsible for a copay or coinsurance for the visit. Lehigh Valley Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists & other Lehigh Valley Health Network doctors are making waves on a global scale. f;Ik0yDrEHP lM wl'9y $ mad` For students who are experiencing symptoms, we have partnered with the Lehigh Valley Health Network as a supplemental resource to provide access to their 24/7 nurse triage line (1-888-402-LVHN). .block-reference .header { padding-top: 40px; }. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community and allow for a return to normal campus operations. Directions to our locations; Once the isolation period has been completed and an individual is cleared to return to work or school, evidence of a negative test is not required. Easterly said most employers at the moment arent allowing employees to defer vaccination because of natural immunity but the situation is developing and that could change. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). We are not installing plexiglass at general locations at this time. The cold weather, Thanksgiving gatherings and a big rebound in holiday travel are all believed to be playing a role, along with public weariness with pandemic restrictions. What COVID vaccines fulfill the university's vaccination requirement? No. HUMo0Wh jv E6i0v7Vlm]GJ8a.QlS||@,8%CYw@hZD=Zor J!F#bA8 \gnhC# Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? Normal cleaning processes will resume. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In mid-November, following a slew of lawsuits a judge in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the Bidens mandate for employees at large companies. This is fastest way to line up for COVID vaccine, LVHN says Refer to our isolation and quarantining protocol for what to expect if you live on or off campus. St. Vision exams Onsite services are performed at the same cost of the service in-clinic plus an hourly fee and travel for the medical personnel performing the specific service (s). The partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager who will serve as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees with any health concerns related to COVID-19. Without speaking specifically about St. Lukes policy, Dr. John Zurlo, chief of infectious disease at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, said there is no reason for anyone to defer getting vaccinated, even if they have natural immunity. The claim: Employees who are fired for refusing a vaccine are eligible for unemployment benefits The highly transmissible delta coronavirus variant has caused a nationwide spike in cases,. All faculty have been instructed to work with students to ensure their ability to keep up with coursework if they need to quarantine or isolate. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. A recent study by researchers at Rockefeller University, which hasnt been published or peer-reviewed, found that natural infection can create B cells, a type of white blood cell, that produce more potent antibodies for fighting COVID-19 and its variants than the B cells created after vaccination. For example, because someone is choosing to wear a mask (beyond any university requirements), complete the symptom checker, or complete other protocols is not necessarily indicative of their vaccination status. Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines What are the current campus status and protocols? 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org . Natural infection is much more likely to result in serious sickness or death, whereas a vaccine protects against serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection, he said. prd|^DLL{!"2Jl[>!(/$+Jf|vP]3t"fHs Cu TowZ;,HKZ*2+aCvOPH;!cWp0iCiAfJiqbU,9\2"+$@K<8 d#SqZ7'!OE%.^~'eQ5% v7Xa;gc^qomH}ZvoW!62O)7O3]pikx=^H[02JJzCss{hw]y@)Qs^ |m x Visit the campaign website now >, 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015 USA, document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); All Rights Reserved, Faculty & Staff Frequently Asked Questions, Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members and receives a positive COVID-19 test result must notify Christine Wolfe and notify Lehigh by following the instructions in the, COVID-19 Return to Campus Employee Health Guide. If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, whether you are unvaccinated or vaccinated--follow the establishedprotocols, including contacting your medical provider to be tested, staying home andaway from others to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus, and following any isolation protocols should you test positive for COVID. To better support the health and safety of Lehigh faculty and staff as we return to campus, the University has partnered with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) for occupational health services and for medical consultation for planning purposes. The first shipments of the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for emergency use arrived in the Lehigh Valley around noon Thursday. If you test positive for COVID, contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe, RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. Workplace Health Services - Lehigh Valley Health Network hUmOP+fq& -VMU2 Lehigh Valley Health Network saw significant success from its vaccine mandate with the vast majority of employees choosing to get the vaccine, network officials report. However, Bidens orders have faced significant opposition by Republicans in both the judicial and legislative branches of government. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. hbbd```b`` ),rD"`,R Vaccines are a modern miracle and a triumph of modern medicine and unquestionably have proven to be extremely effective.. Out of nearly 40,000 workers across all three networks, only a few hundred chose to resign. Less than 1% chose to leave, Downs said. 6DGamY'N{o)Z{aG>;-p~ t{@m 2R{8yrT[m'BNfk34Yn?gej &e"FL8O)x{Ko yIWk.x,Jj!iWE@`. %%EOF 389 0 obj <> endobj