This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. There are . Testing and visits for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are covered under the Universitys medical plans with no cost share to the patient through January 16, 2022. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. 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. 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. "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. We are the region's largest employer and the health care provider of choice for more people in the region. 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. LVHN was the last to release its vaccination statistics, giving unionized employees until Nov. 30. LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. - Lehigh Valley Health Network said Friday it will be closing its COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. We understand that some students are hesitant to report a positive test for fear of falling behind in classes. 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. 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org . LVHN was the last to. While no vaccine provides a guarantee against infection, COVID vaccination and the booster are effective at preventing serious illness and death and continue to be the best protection against the spread of new and more contagious variants of the virus. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. 7. Talk to your healthcare professional if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Read more below for work-related resources. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, treatmentand on-campus testing for students on this page. Almost everyone who works at the Lehigh Valleys biggest hospital networks tens of thousands of health care employees has now been vaccinated against COVID-19. 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. LVHNs announced its mandate alongside St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network on Aug. 9. There are limitations, though. At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U We have prepared guidance on what to do if you are feeling sick and suspect you have COVID-19. LVHN to close COVID-19 vaccine clinics | wnep.com 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. 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. For minor pains, illnesses or allergies, get answers any time of the day or night with an ExpressCARE Video Visit. Dr. Alex Benjamin . Lehigh Valley Health Network Pay & Benefits reviews - Indeed The nurse case manager will facilitate 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 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. What do I do? What is the current status of COVID-19 cases on campus? Where can I find information about vaccination? If you havent already, please activate your digital access. We are continuing with the strategy we initiated last summer to most safely provide a fully functioning campus through widespread vaccination. As a result, LVHN's 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. COVID-19 Contacts | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center The hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30. The university will not share confidential health information. Isolation:separates those who are sick with COVID-19 from those who do not have it to prevent the spread of the virus. .block-reference .header { padding-top: 40px; }. We are limiting plexiglass to areas marked by frequent transactions or similar places of high interaction. @i-UkX`l%IZb{n0C3Z"JH )~a]2Kvl]Z+ (IMos5baq8I ;6[g]u Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. Please do not send us any additional information other than what is requested in the form above. Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. URMC Events - University of Rochester Medical Center 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. Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. Signs are downloadable for individual printing on the Resources page of this website. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation? Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Downs said. Concentra has acquired LVHNs occupational health business inBethlehemandAllentown. Faculty or staff should not request information about students vaccination status. New COVID-19 testing location opening in Hazle Township by LVHN Sam Kennedy, spokesperson for St. Lukes, said the move to implement this exemption was made based on guidance from network infectious disease experts. Lehigh Valley Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists & other Lehigh Valley Health Network doctors are making waves on a global scale. Contact us For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. Studies have shown that vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID, but vaccination protection against the virus and variants decreases over time. - 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 four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. 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. Will the university share who is vaccinated and unvaccinated? I'm an international student and I am not eligible to get the booster in my home country. Legislation has also been brought forward in the U.S. Senate to block Bidens mandate for large employers. 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. 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. Low-cost health insurance for employees CME reimbursement and time outside of normal PTO to take classes, attend conferences etc. Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for 10 days, or seven days if theyve tested negative for the virus. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. MyLVHN - Schedule an Appointment - Lehigh Valley Health Network 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). The university will not share confidential health information. During this quarantine, you should monitor your health for any symptoms. Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. Alternatively, if the instructor is too sick to teach, the class can be rescheduled or an alternative instructor can be found. St. Luke's, LVHN and Good Shepherd will all require employees to be LVHN is currently operating in Level Yellow. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. 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. Out of a workforce approximately 20,000 strong, 97% are fully vaccinated. 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 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. 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 arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. Mar 18, 2020 at 8:00 am. Jan 20, 2023. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. The situation is not as dire as last years surge, before the public had any access to COVID-19 vaccines, but the roughly 60% of the U.S. population that is fully vaccinated is not enough to prevent hot spots. Out of nearly 40,000 workers across all three networks, only a few hundred chose to resign. 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 Inpatient Physiatry | Lehigh Valley Health Network - lvhn.org >, 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. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. to determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act. 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. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. The health network. St. Lukes leadership will also reassess the deferral requests and may update or alter guidance later based on new information. We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). What happens if I dont comply with the faculty/staff COVID vaccination requirement? Employee Health Services Hours and Locations . LVHN also said patients who have recently had COVID can defer boosters for at least three months following their diagnosis, as the illness can provide a significant immune system boost. What it means for you when you come to LVHN. COVID-19 Help Center As your health partner, LVHN provides all the COVID-19 information you need in one place. 1.28.22: Update from the COVID Response Team - Lehigh University "It's not FDA-approved, it's. LVHN is one of the nation's most advanced health networks, offering comprehensive care in 95 clinical specialties. St. Lukes and Good Shepherds vaccine mandates had earlier deadlines than LVHN and those networks also reported success from their mandates. 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 dividers at these locations will remain in place at present. Some local health care workers say they won't roll up their sleeves for Yes, we are continuing to maintain all our ventilation systems, including regularly scheduled filter replacement as per our regular operations. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community and allow for a return to normal campus operations. 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. 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. COVID-19 vaccine arrives at LVHN and St. Lukes, health care workers get We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism as we continue to cover the coronavirus crisis. P.C. What happens if a faculty member gets sick and cannot teach? 4T@kR[4\P! Corona: What rules still apply in Munich and Bavaria The university is developing a new process for faculty and staff to confirm their vaccination status. Scheduling can be completed through MyLVHN, with the MyLVHN app, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). For example, the U.S. Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. The . You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. We know that COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems, even in mild cases. Hospital Chain Won't Require Employees Who Had COVID-19 to Get 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. < 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. On Friday, Feb. 3, LVHN will . hb```)ry ae`aq%TnPm[=``j`j`@S4Bb "EL0+0ez7F|OggfFu$f -"H mYg* ]A/ PDF Lehigh Valley Health Network Policy for COVID and Influenza Vaccines LVHN Sports Performance Center at Schuylkill Haven: Nothing like it If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. "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. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. 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). 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). Another 1.2 million have received a booster dose. 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. 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. This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. 306 S New St, Suite 437, Bethlehem, PA 18015, Expand menu for COVID-19 Guidance for Staff and Faculty, Expand menu for Flexible Spending Accounts, Expand menu for Retirement And Financial Security, Expand menu for Basic And Supplemental Life Insurance, Expand menu for Education Benefits For Faculty and Staff, Expand menu for Tuition Benefits For Spouses/Partners, Expand menu for Tuition Benefits For Dependent Children, Expand menu for Ancillary Benefits And Services, Expand menu for Extended Health Care Benefits, Expand menu for Awards For Exceptional Performance And Contributions, Expand menu for Staff Fully Remote Policy, Expand menu for Market Referenced Job Evaluation Process, Expand menu for Disability Accommodation For Faculty and Staff, Expand menu for Using The Page Up Talent Management Portal, Expand menu for Position Description User Guides, Expand menu for Protection of Minors Policy Compliance, Expand menu for Protection of Minors Committee, To better support the health and safety of Lehigh faculty and staff as we return to campus, the University has partnered with. The Morning Call. Speak with a nurse to assess COVID and other symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss your testing options. 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. LVHN is one of the nation's most advanced health networks, offering comprehensive care in 95 clinical specialties. Keeping the People You Live With Safe from COVID-19, Next Steps After Being Diagnosed with COVID-19, Learn more about ExpressCARE Video Visits. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. Studies have shown that vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID, but vaccination protection against the virus and variants. We are the region s largest employer and the . Why is Lehigh requiring COVID vaccination and boosters for students, faculty and staff? Guidance for Staff and Faculty | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. 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. 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. 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. If you fall into the CDC-defined category of people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to a serious underlying medical condition, you may submit a confidential request for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by submitting these forms through email at incovada@lehigh.edu. 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. Fewer than 1% of LVHNs nearly 20,000 employees chose to leave rather than get vaccinated. u[5Yv\6=tcMM\$~.,5J2|-.-mgSV>~;c++a +^Rb bdk%s_x;GpV 0w/zu88@? 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. Love Where You Work! Our journalism needs your support. I am a staff or faculty member. Example: restricting and isolating to a room separated from others in the household. Health eCareers hiring CRNA | LVHN NorthEastern PA in Dickson City 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. 23504. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. Visit the Vaccination Resources page on the Coronavirus Information Center for more information about Lehigh's policies. Do I need to get a booster even if I am fully vaccinated and/or tested positive for COVID? Where can I find more information about boosters? What should I do if I've had contact with someone with COVID-19? ML _f0Ie6EIopY}fCul*( Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. What steps should I take? Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. Keep up with the latest info on corona in Munich (in German) ReadLehigh's isolation and quarantine policy. The Associated Press contributed to this report. COVID-19: Employee action steps - Lafayette Together However, if they choose to share this with you, treat this as confidential information and follow up with Christine Wolfe or Human Resources to make sure the information and all services are being extended.