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). 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. 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 At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. All members of the community are encouraged to treat one another with respect. 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. However, the university didnt enter a settlement with Zywicki and the medical exemption wasnt granted on the basis of his prior COVID-19 infection, according to Higher Ed Dive. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. 23504. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). 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 . LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. . For example, the U.S. 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). In addition, widespread vaccination supports the health and safety of the campus community and helps us to achieve and sustain a safe and successful semester with more normal activity on campus, including in-person classes, in-person events, full density, and other elements of the full campus experience. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. All rights reserved (About Us). 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org and notify her of your condition. COVID-19 Help Center As your health partner, LVHN provides all the COVID-19 information you need in one place. Mar 18, 2020 at 8:00 am. If I received a medical or religious exemption from Lehighs COVID Vaccination requirement, do I need to submit any additional documentation? The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. Will the university share who is vaccinated and unvaccinated? Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. 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. Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. You also can schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). 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. \w `SHF$""\ypG >q]GUH.8Ap PTcdFdTzA$'D1d)=/UI@GF/m=8 |4&_55=y4gI:_] ZfsH/2L9>z 9A5K'QkNg. #`4Kx\aXNUmkSiXsl'+M_'uf~l 0. During the semester, the Lehigh COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily during the week with the most current case information. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. Please do not send us any additional information other than what is requested in the form above. However, Dr. Michael Nussenzweig, one of the studys authors and head of Rockefellers Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, said in this instance benefits dont outweigh risks. 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. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Given the unpredictability of COVID in general and delta in particular, our best defense is universal vaccination, the sooner the better, Zurlo said. 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. But even as the U.S. closes in on a milestone of 200 million people fully vaccinated against COVID-19, cases and hospitalizations are spiking again, including in highly inoculated corners of the country like New England. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Every employer can handle it in a different way because theres no set standard for that type of exemption, Easterly said. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. LVHN is closing its COVID-19 vaccine clinics. Contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network. No. So will clinics at LVHN hospitals in Hazleton and Pottsville. 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. LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. To access these services under Lehighs medical plan call the phone number listed on the back of your Capital Blue Cross Card. What do I do if I have COVID-19-related concerns about returning to campus? If you don't feel well: Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. Good Shepherd is based in Allentown. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, follow this link. For all undergraduate and graduate students: If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Read more below for work-related resources. Under the executive orders, federal employees, federal contractors and health care workers at facilities that receive Medicaid and Medicare funds would also have been required to get vaccinated and will not have an option for weekly testing. Contact your primary care physician and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. Do we still need plexiglass dividers? 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. Sam Kennedy, spokesperson for St. Lukes, said the move to implement this exemption was made based on guidance from network infectious disease experts. Boosters are a necessary component of our health and safety protocols to support a successful semester on campus, including in-person instruction and activities. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. There are limitations, though. LVHN is one of the nation's most advanced health networks, offering comprehensive care in 95 clinical specialties. We understand that some students are hesitant to report a positive test for fear of falling behind in classes. Getting vaccinated has far fewer risks than catching COVID-19. Out of a workforce approximately 20,000 strong, 97% are fully vaccinated. 4T@kR[4\P! 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. Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? Do I need to show a negative COVID test to end isolation? LVHN was the last to. If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptomsand for those experiencing symptoms. 7. 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. LVHNs deadline for non-union employees to comply with the mandate was Nov. 12 and the deadline for union employees at LVH-Hazelton, LVH-Pocono and LVH-Schuylkill was Nov. 30. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Send a secure message to the Health and Wellness Center through the Patient Portal and they will be able to log your individual situation and advise on any further questions about your vaccination/booster schedule. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. 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. During this quarantine, you should monitor your health for any symptoms. See the Pennsylvania Department of Health site or Lehighs HWC site for lists of local testing resources. HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U Dr. Alex Benjamin . All HVAC systems have received, and will continue to receive, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. hUmOP+fq& -VMU2 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. What do I do? How do faculty and staff submit their vaccination and booster documentation? 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. /@[ O Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. Weekly testing is required for those who are exempted. Thank you for your interest in Lehigh Valley Health Network. Even as school board . '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. As a result, LVHN's 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. Signs are downloadable for individual printing on the Resources page of this website. The hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30. The health network. Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. Our partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager, Christine Wolfe RN, who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Speak with a nurse to assess COVID and other symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss your testing options. St. 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. Working on Campus. No. Boosters are a necessary component of our health and safety protocols to support a successful semester on campus, including in-person instruction and activities. ]oeaf4{hM>,O G!&B{] Virtually all in-clinic services are available to be scheduled and performed onsite with the proper conditions. Health Services Administrator (Current Employee) - LVPG - September 28, 2022 Culture is awful, no orientation for new managers, way too many software programs that don't communicate, shifting priorities, terrible communication. Are there any additional sick leave accommodations provided for staff? Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If youre not already signed up, we hope you will consider subscribing. 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. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Click here to download the document. 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. What happens if a faculty member gets sick and cannot teach? Quarantine: separates and restricts the movements of those who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. 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. Contact your school or place of employment about specific COVID-19 guidelines before returning. If you fall into the CDC-defined category of people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to a, , you may submit a confidential request for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by submitting these forms through email at, 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. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. 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 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 389 0 obj <> endobj If you have questions, please call Employee Health Services at the number below. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates . The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. 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. 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. Can a professor decide to make their class remote if they are concerned about positive cases in their class? Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. . f;Ik0yDrEHP lM wl'9y $ mad` 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. Vaccines are a modern miracle and a triumph of modern medicine and unquestionably have proven to be extremely effective.. 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. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. She 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. No. If you are living on campus, the HWC will assist with determining if you need to be relocated to on-campus isolation housing and the provisions for how you will receive care and support during the time you are isolating. LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? Refer to our isolation and quarantining protocol for what to expect if you live on or off campus. LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. 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. See the Pennsylvania Department of Health siteor Lehigh's HWC site for lists of local testing resources. Inpatient Physiatry. Employees with exemptions continue to receive weekly COVID-19 testing, Downs said. Faculty or staff members with symptoms should stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. If you want your COVID-19 vaccination quickly, sign up for or enroll in a MyLVHN account. What are the restrictions on events, meetings and indoor and outdoor gatherings? If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. 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. Out of nearly 40,000 workers across all three networks, only a few hundred chose to resign. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website. How is noncompliance with the booster requirement addressed? Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. 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. 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. However, the study has multiple limitations. For those who are tested at an alternate location, be aware that if you are not taking a rapid test, your results may take several days to be processed. 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). If you experience or witness a situation in which members of our community, regardless of whether they are students, faculty, staff, or visitors are not adhering to these standards, you have the following options: If you can safely address the concern directly with the individual or group, you may do so by reminding them of University standards and our shared responsibility in promoting a healthy, safe and inclusive learning and working environment. 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. Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Downs said. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. In addition, LVHN produced the following video that introduces you to the care team behind the partnership and shares additional information about when and how to obtain services from Lehigh's employee health nurse case manager. 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. Click here.). 6DGamY'N{o)Z{aG>;-p~ t{@m 2R{8yrT[m'BNfk34Yn?gej &e"FL8O)x{Ko yIWk.x,Jj!iWE@`. Additional information will be published on our website. What are the current campus status and protocols? From low to high risk, the levels are: green, yellow, orange and red. Who should faculty and staff contact for questions regarding updating vaccination status or submitting a request for an exemption from the vaccination requirement? "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,. 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. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. 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. 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. Is the University still looking at air changes and ventilation? On Monday, Aug. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. If you have any additional questions, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about speaking to a provider virtually. 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. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Example: restricting and isolating to a room separated from others in the household. 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. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation? %%EOF We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. 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. 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. We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism as we continue to cover the coronavirus crisis. Experts continue to study the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, but early research has not shown cause for concern. Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. Lehighs faculty and staff are central to the universitys function of supporting students and elevating its research and educational mission. Lehigh Valley Health Network is headquartered in Salisbury Township. I am a staff or faculty member. 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. Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups and towels. 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. Noncompliance with the vaccination requirement will result in employees not having access to campus facilities and will be addressed at the college and stem level as a violation of workplace and university policy. What COVID vaccines fulfill the university's vaccination requirement? 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. Pros occasional free lunches Cons leadership - it all flows from there Was this review helpful? Email us Yes. Jan 20, 2023. Keep up with the latest info on corona in Munich (in German) International students who cannot get boosted where they are located should schedule a booster as soon as they return to the United States. 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. ML _f0Ie6EIopY}fCul*( The . 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. 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. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. About 97% of current LVHN employees are fully vaccinated Brian Downs, a network spokesperson, said. What are the immediate side effects? 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. Your provider will let you know if the current state of your health calls for any additional considerations. On Friday, Feb. 3, LVHN will . Some of the more common onsite services performed include: 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).
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