Any individual, even if asymptomatic, who wishes to get tested can do so for a fee through Vault Health (the company we have contracted with for student arrival testing) or through a number of other providers. Read more below for work-related resources. 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. Why is Lehigh requiring a COVID booster shot for all eligible students, faculty, and staff? Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates . If you have any questions on your system or space please contact your building manager to review. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) remains vigilant as the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves, and we are committed to being your partner in health in these unprecedented times. In July, LVHN was the only regional health network to become part of the Pfizer booster shot trial, again, leading the way in curbing the spread of COVID-19. LVHN will provide vaccinations to employees through employee health services and to all personnel through designated LVHN COVID-19 clinic locations. We know that COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems, even in mild cases. St. Lukes is based in the Bethlehem area. Directions to our locations; There are limitations, though. If you received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 to prevent you from getting sick, you should wait 30 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. St. Luke's, LVHN and Good Shepherd will all require employees to be St. Lukes deadline for its mandate was in September. If you want your COVID-19 vaccination quickly, sign up for or enroll in a MyLVHN account. LVHNs announced its mandate alongside St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network on Aug. 9. How is noncompliance with the booster requirement addressed? 0. The nurse case manager will facilitate care through recovery and return to work for any employees who suspect exposure or test positive for COVID-19, working closely with Lehigh Human Resources throughout the process. LVHN Now Offering New COVID Booster Shots at Vaccine Clinics | WDIY Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. 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. How do faculty and staff submit their vaccination and booster documentation? From low to high risk, the levels are: green, yellow, orange and red. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. Get detailed information about COVID-19, and vaccine safety and effectiveness at LVHN.org/vaccineFAQ, SLUHN.org and goodshepherdrehab.org. Employees with exemptions continue to receive weekly COVID-19 testing, Downs said. Yes. What should I do? We understand that some students are hesitant to report a positive test for fear of falling behind in classes. Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, said LVHN spokesperson Brian Downs. Sam Kennedy, spokesperson for St. Lukes, said the move to implement this exemption was made based on guidance from network infectious disease experts. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. We are the region's largest employer and the health care provider of choice for more people in the region. Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. The facility is opening due to the increased demand for COVID-19 testing. for lists of local testing resources. So when LVHN sent an email to employees about a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine, Miller jumped at the opportunity to help end the pandemic, signing up half an hour later. Please allow a few weeks before this process is complete. However, the study has multiple limitations. What do I do if I suspect I have COVID-19? < 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. 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. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website. Available research appears to show that those who have natural immunity and get their shots are better off than those who rely on natural immunity alone. Miller is among about 75 LVHN employees, patients and community members who consented to participate in the Phase 3 trial for the . There are no laws governing this kind of exemption like there are for medical or religious exemptions, he said. What are the current campus status and protocols? If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. 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. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. 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. Hospital Chain Won't Require Employees Who Had COVID-19 to Get Students with an approved exemption will be required to comply with the university's COVID-19 surveillance testing program and other preventive measures including, but not limited to, masking, social distancing and isolation/quarantine protocols, as determined by the university. Faculty or staff members with symptoms should stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. PDF Please bring the following with you to your medical assessment Good Shepherd is based in Allentown. 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. If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. Demand for the vaccine with recent approval of boosters for all adults and shots for elementary school children has been high amid the surge and the emergence of the omicron variant, whose dangers are still not fully understood. St. Lukes and LVHN employees who caught, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), St. Lukes and LVHN employees who caught COVID-19 to defer getting the vaccine, other employers may follow, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at 61, Bryan Kohberger defense lawyers want gag order kept in Idaho killings case, Allentown School Board likely to vote on hiring Carol Birks as superintendent next week. Love Where You Work! Visit the Vaccination Resources page on the Coronavirus Information Center for more information about Lehigh's policies. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? When in doubt about when you are able to end isolation, always follow the guidance provided by the HWC (for students) or Lehighs LVHN occupational health nurse (for faculty and staff). If you test positive for COVID, contact the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe, RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. A video visit is also an option. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. St. Lukes, following a Sept. 25 deadline, reported that of its approximately 17,000 employees, 668 were granted medical or religious exemptions or temporary deferments and 155 quit. 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). Do I need to show a negative COVID test to end isolation? Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members . If you've had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, Lehigh Valley Health Network can help. 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. 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. On Wednesday, Pfizer said that the initial two shots of its vaccine appear significantly less effective against omicron but that a booster dose may offer important protection. LVHN Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant/Physician Assistant LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. COVID-19 Level Yellow - Lehigh Valley Health Network Be part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. 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. PDF Lehigh Valley Health Network Policy for COVID and Influenza Vaccines We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. 23504. 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). All rights reserved (About Us). "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 Brian A. Nester, DO,. ]oeaf4{hM>,O G!&B{] Ensure a good airflow in your home, which can be done by just opening a window. We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism as we continue to cover the coronavirus crisis. All members of the community are encouraged to treat one another with respect. 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. If you havent already, please activate your digital access. Lastly, because new medical research has yet to be evaluated or peer-reviewed, it should not be used to guide clinical practice, according to medRxiv, the preprint server the study was posted on. Employee Health Services Hours and Locations . LVHN is closing 5 medical offices - Daily Press %%EOF If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Caitlin Leidy at crl215@lehigh.edu or Patricia Florkowski at pjg209@lehigh.edu. Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. Working on Campus. And Good Shepherd, which gave employees until Oct. 15, reported a 99% compliance rate among its workforce of about 1,200 people, including 71 who received exemptions or deferments. Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups and towels. Medical and Allied Health Staff Code of Behavior Medical Staff Bylaws ( Please log into the LVHN Employee Network to view) Professional Practice Evaluation Policy and Procedure Medical Staff Information: Medical Staff Citizenship Requirements Allied Health Professional Information: Advanced Practice Clinicians Charter LVHN to close COVID-19 vaccine clinics - wfmz.com YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. The federal COVID-19 response excludes up to 106 million workers from paid leave protections The end result is that a legislative package with the stated intent of protecting the physical and. Being vaccinated is essential to save lives and finally end this pandemic, the health system CEOs said in the joint statement. The percent of fresh air will be adjusted to as high as possible based on outdoor temperatures, humidity, and the capacity of the unit to heat/cool the desired percent of fresh air. At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. St. Lukes and LVHN still encouraging employees with natural immunity to get the vaccine to maximize their protection against the viral infection. Will the university share who is vaccinated and unvaccinated? The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. URMC Events - University of Rochester Medical Center PDF Lehigh Valley Health Network Policy for COVID and Influenza Vaccines Where can I find information about vaccination? Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. Both. endstream endobj 394 0 obj <>stream Even as school board . Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. Recently, members of the military sued the Department of Defense, Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services, and a professor at the University of California-Irvine sued the university. What steps should I take? . 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 should self-isolate, follow a primary care physicians advice, notify your supervisor or department chair of your absence, and notify Lehigh by contacting the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe,RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. New COVID-19 testing location opening in Hazle Township by LVHN No. LVHN to close COVID-19 vaccine clinics | wnep.com What's it like to be a test subject for a coronavirus vaccine? LVHN 389 0 obj <> endobj Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. What are the immediate side effects? Please also note that while widespread vaccination will provide for substantive protection from the virus, individuals may choose to wear masks or practice other health and safety protocols in various settings. Free lunches. "It's not FDA-approved, it's. The remaining employees received either permanent medical or religious exemptions or temporary exemptions due to having natural immunity after contracting COVID-19. 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. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found that subjects who had natural immunity but were unvaccinated were more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 as those who had natural immunity and those who got their shots. Sodexo is seeking a full-time Manager 3, Regional Operations Support to support new business and/or vacancies throughout the entire US in Food and Environmental Services for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, PA. What COVID vaccines fulfill the university's vaccination requirement? Weekly testing is required for those who are exempted. Yes, Lehigh will continue to require COVID vaccination and boosters for all students, faculty and staff (unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption). Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. We are the region s largest employer and the . 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org and notify her of your condition. Inpatient Physiatry | Lehigh Valley Health Network - lvhn.org Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. "Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19," said LVHN spokesperson Brian Downs. provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. On Friday, Feb. 3, LVHN will . Once youve found out youve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider to meet virtually. Lehigh Valley Health Network is headquartered in Salisbury Township. This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. an extension of the universitys COVID vaccination requirement for all eligible students, faculty and staff who did not receive an approved medical or religious exemption. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, treatmentand on-campus testing for students on this page. 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. See the. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community and allow for a return to normal campus operations. 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. People who believe they may have. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. "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. img + .header { margin-top: 1rem; } P.C. Full information about Lehigh's partnership with LVHN for COVID-19 related employee health services can be found here. 412 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[389 38 428 1]/Info 388 0 R/Length 116/Prev 381408/Root 390 0 R/Size 429/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The university will not share confidential health information. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. If an 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. St. Lukes leadership will also reassess the deferral requests and may update or alter guidance later based on new information. Where can students, faculty and staff get a COVID test in the local community? 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org . 4T@kR[4\P! 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 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. Where can I find more information about boosters? Staff may use any type of paid leave to accommodate the need to stay home or leave campus early. You also can schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). Supervisors and department chairs, staff and faculty are not required to divulge that the reason for their absence is due to a COVID-19 isolation or quarantine. HUMo0Wh jv E6i0v7Vlm]GJ8a.QlS||@,8%CYw@hZD=Zor J!F#bA8 \gnhC# Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. >Students living on- or off-campus who believe they have symptoms in line with COVID-19should call the Lehigh Health and Wellness Center (HWC) at 610-758-3870. 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. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. 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. 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.