Why is Lehigh requiring a COVID booster shot for all eligible students, faculty, and staff? 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. Its not the same as the medical or religious ones where there are laws in place that deal with that.. 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. Health Department staff* are available to answer questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 233 96650. 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. Quarantine: separates and restricts the movements of those who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick. Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. If you have any challenges scheduling, or need to contact us regarding your COVID vaccination, please call us at : 833-LVHN-CVD (833-584-6283). In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. If you havent already, please activate your digital access. Mar 18, 2020 at 8:00 am. The university will not share confidential health information. I lost my vaccine card. While we encourage you to provide your name and contact information with this form so that the CRT may follow-up with you, if necessary, you may also submit this report anonymously. COVID Vaccine Policy . Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. All members of the community are encouraged to treat one another with respect. Once youve found out youve been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should contact your primary care provider to meet virtually. St. 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. 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 Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members . See the Pennsylvania Department of Health siteor Lehigh's HWC site for lists of local testing resources. 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. Studies have shown that vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID, but vaccination protection against the virus and variants. How can I report a concern about a community member not following proper behavior to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 on campus? The . Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. 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, contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe,RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. This position could last for up to 12 months or more and will provide an opportunity to train and highlight your skills working with multiple directors/general . 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. Our journalism needs your support. On Monday, Aug. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. endstream endobj startxref . LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. 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. 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. ReadLehigh's isolation and quarantine policy. If I received a medical or religious exemption from Lehighs COVID Vaccination requirement, do I need to submit any additional documentation? Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. (Cant see the Pa. case rate chart? While Occupational Health services are vital, taking employees off the worksite is always an investment in time. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? Because of this, employers that are considering deferrals for the naturally immune are trying to figure out how to structure that as an internal policy. 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. 6DGamY'N{o)Z{aG>;-p~ t{@m 2R{8yrT[m'BNfk34Yn?gej &e"FL8O)x{Ko yIWk.x,Jj!iWE@`. The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. How is noncompliance with the booster requirement addressed? LVHN was the last to release its vaccination statistics, giving unionized employees until Nov. 30. Details will be forthcoming. Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. Do I need to get a booster even if I am fully vaccinated and/or tested positive for COVID? For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. What happens if a faculty member gets sick and cannot teach? If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. If you are 65 years of age or older (another higher risk category defined by the CDC) or do not have an underlying medical condition but are generally concerned about returning to campus, please talk with your department chair or supervisor about modifications (such as flexplace arrangements, flexible schedules or workspace modifications) that may allow you to perform your position accountabilities effectively and productively. All rights reserved (About Us). LVHN is closing its COVID-19 vaccine clinics. All HVAC systems have received, and will continue to receive, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network officials, who announced their mandate along with St. Lukes and LVHN, declined to comment on whether they were considering such a policy. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. What are the current campus status and protocols? You may also consult with Human Resources at. Will the university share who is vaccinated and unvaccinated? I am vaccinated but am experiencing COVID-like symptoms. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. 86N{L.=8kZ'=Bj,+=L`+zA ^,`5$gx;v4Osxc? z> Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. 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 Is the University still looking at air changes and ventilation? 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. Getting vaccinated has far fewer risks than catching COVID-19. For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. The clinic is open 8 . Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. If you have any additional questions, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about speaking to a provider virtually. 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 determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network. Faculty or staff members with symptoms should stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. We are not installing plexiglass at general locations at this time. 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. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. 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. Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. COVID-19 Help Center As your health partner, LVHN provides all the COVID-19 information you need in one place. Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. If you seek a test with an independent testing site, you will also need to contact the Bailey Health Center if you test positive for COVID-19. In August, Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network made the shots a requirement, setting individual deadlines for employees to get vaccinated, get an exemption or quit. 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. 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 . The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. St. Lukes University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network are allowing employees who already had COVID-19 to defer getting the COVID-19 vaccine due to the natural immunity they have against the virus. If you are out of work because you have been quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID19 or have tested positive for COVID19 yourself, follow the instructions regarding illness or exposure on the HR website. About URMC. Refer to our isolation and quarantining protocol for what to expect if you live on or off campus. Some readers who have been at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in . Employee Health Services Hours and Locations . Position: LVHN is seeking an Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant (Physician Assistant )<br>Orthopedics opening in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.<p>This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. On Friday, Feb. 3, LVHN will . If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates . 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 This testing can be done by your Primary Care Physician or can be coordinated through ouroccupational health services partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptoms and for those experiencing symptoms. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. Email us Its perfectly legal for employers who have vaccine mandates in place to allow deferrals for employees with natural immunity, Ed Easterly, with the law firm Hoffman, Hlavac & Easterly, said. Faculty should indicate to students how they plan to support students who need to be in isolation. 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. Signs are downloadable for individual printing on the Resources page of this website. endstream endobj 394 0 obj <>stream If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, follow this link. So will clinics at LVHN hospitals in Hazleton and Pottsville. 8. St. Luke's and LVHN employees who caught COVID-19 to defer getting the vaccine, other employers may follow Tyger Williams / Philadelphia Inquirer Some employers are considering allowing. This story was updated Tuesday to indicate Lehigh Valley Health Network has decided to update its policy; previously the health network had been discussing doing so. Where can I find more information about boosters? endstream endobj 395 0 obj <>stream Less than 1% chose to leave, Downs said. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.org. Inpatient Physiatry. This applies if you live on or off campus. If addressing the concern directly is not an option, or if you are not satisfied with the response you receive or the behavior doesnt stop, you may report the concern by completing this form athttp://lehigh.edu/go/covidreporting. Vaccines are a modern miracle and a triumph of modern medicine and unquestionably have proven to be extremely effective.. Lehigh medical benefits include behavioral health coverage. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University, who argued he should be exempt from the schools vaccine mandate because he already had COVID-19, was able to get a medical exemption after he sued in August. Weekly testing is required for those who are exempted. If the percentage of students in isolation for COVID in a class (section) is greater than 30%, the instructor can move to remote instruction until students return from isolation. 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. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Nearly all LVHN employees complied with COVID-19 vaccine mandate, 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. Jan 20, 2023. %%EOF If youre not already signed up, we hope you will consider subscribing. LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation? 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. LVHNs announced its mandate alongside St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network on Aug. 9. Read more on the CDC website. 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. Where can I find information about vaccination? 23504. 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. Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. The hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30. 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. Disinfection will be required in high risk/high contact areas like eatery entrances, the health center and testing areas. Under St. Lukes and LVHNs new policies, individuals who were infected with COVID-19 and recovered can defer their shots for up to 12 months from the date tested positive. The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. Given the waning effectiveness of vaccines over time, the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and mounting evidence that boosters provide additional protection against COVID, Lehigh is requiring the COVID booster as. ]oeaf4{hM>,O G!&B{] Faculty and staff noncompliance will be addressed at the college and stem level as a violation of workplace and university policy. What are the restrictions on events, meetings and indoor and outdoor gatherings? 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. 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. for lists of local testing resources. What it means for you when you come to LVHN. Employee Health - LVHN-CC . During this quarantine, you should monitor your health for any symptoms. 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. 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. Health Matters Blog; Services Listing; Pay Bill; Health Encyclopedia; Find a Provider; For Referring Physicians at the University of Rochester; . 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. Out of a workforce approximately 20,000 strong, 97% are fully vaccinated. Contact your primary care physician and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. Phone: 610 -402-1880 Fax: 610-402-1203 "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. This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. Lehigh Valley Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists & other Lehigh Valley Health Network doctors are making waves on a global scale. Click here to download the document. Aug. 17SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The Schuylkill Haven Area School District wasted no time in putting the new Lehigh Valley Health Network Sports Performance Center to use. 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. Out of nearly 40,000 workers across all three networks, only a few hundred chose to resign. If you received a medical or religious exemption from COVID vaccination, you are not required to get a booster shot and do not need to take any further action. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. No. Scheduling can be completed through MyLVHN, with the MyLVHN app, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). '2u&"2U(g/CHtO )D1nq1dY,{,5((ADE{'9K2Y`z;p'YNwC|Wh8 I)yPj$C"gx_rTe6399Pa+3|Ypt5ZWM14'KTVQJ!B (F(Mja_EGgLteFQF,$8~~] HveCexUzQ&!P3?Vm+kEfTs^-{/mbXL$eL'2. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? I am a staff or faculty member. For insurance purposes, it may be important to obtain a test in your county of residence or via your primary healthcare provider. Does Lehigh have COVID-19 related health services for staff and faculty? However, Bidens orders have faced significant opposition by Republicans in both the judicial and legislative branches of government. St. Lukes and LVHN still encouraging employees with natural immunity to get the vaccine to maximize their protection against the viral infection.