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. 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. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? for lists of local testing resources. But not all infectious disease experts agree on this. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. If you are covered under one of the Universitys medical plans and if you, or any of your covered dependents, have received a COVID-19 diagnostic test for which you received a bill for the visit and/or test, and would like to have our office request that Capital Blue Cross review the claim, please complete the following Google Form: 2021 COVID-19 Testing Claim Review Request. 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). For insurance purposes, it may be important to obtain a test in your county of residence or via your primary healthcare provider. Vaccines are a modern miracle and a triumph of modern medicine and unquestionably have proven to be extremely effective.. Example: restricting and isolating to a room separated from others in the household. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. We appreciate your patience. Yes. Christine must clear you for your return to work, and she will do so depending on your particular condition and using the most updated CDC guidance at the time. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, treatmentand on-campus testing for students on this page. MyLVHN - Schedule an Appointment Online scheduling is currently disabled Please call us at 888-402-LVHN (5846) to schedule an appointment. 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. Lehigh Valley Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists & other Lehigh Valley Health Network doctors are making waves on a global scale. There are . Some readers who have been at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in . Do I need to show a negative COVID test to end isolation? Vaccine providers may not require you to show your vaccination card to get a booster or may be able to provide you with separate documentation that you received a booster. 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. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). The claim: Employees who are fired for refusing a vaccine are eligible for unemployment benefits The highly transmissible delta coronavirus variant has caused a nationwide spike in cases,. Signs are downloadable for individual printing on the Resources page of this website. As a result, LVHN's You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. Dr. Alex Benjamin . endstream endobj startxref What do I do if I suspect I have COVID-19? 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. From low to high risk, the levels are: green, yellow, orange and red. We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. All rights reserved (About Us). Does Lehigh have COVID-19 related health services for staff and faculty? For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, follow this link. endstream endobj 390 0 obj <>/Metadata 34 0 R/Outlines 95 0 R/Pages 387 0 R/StructTreeRoot 102 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 391 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 392 0 obj <>stream HUMo0Wh`na0o5V m(T8v,")hi4, [Yp^na\AFJP,Z.(.LUaXX~W1wn-@=+6VA# @i-UkX`l%IZb{n0C3Z"JH )~a]2Kvl]Z+ (IMos5baq8I ;6[g]u 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. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. We are limiting plexiglass to areas marked by frequent transactions or similar places of high interaction. 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. Employee Health - LVHN-CC . GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. 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. endstream endobj 395 0 obj <>stream COVID Vaccine Policy . Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. On Monday, Aug. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Refer to our isolation and quarantining protocol for what to expect if you live on or off campus. There are no laws governing this kind of exemption like there are for medical or religious exemptions, he said. HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U Additional information will be published on our website. LVHN is currently operating in Level Yellow. 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. Noncompliance with the booster requirement for students will result ina hold being placed on the student's account which will prevent them from registering for classes for the following semester. Click here to download the document. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Read more on the CDC website. Noncompliance with the booster requirement for students will result in. < 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. See the Pennsylvania Department of Health siteor Lehigh's HWC site for lists of local testing resources. Also remember that your primary care provider is always a phone call away or via a secure message through your MyLVHN account. He said there are considerations for employers such as how they will establish whether somebody had COVID-19 as well as determining how long they will allow employees to defer their shots. I lost my vaccine card. Virtually all in-clinic services are available to be scheduled and performed onsite with the proper conditions. If you want your COVID-19 vaccination quickly, sign up for or enroll in a MyLVHN account. Concentra has acquired LVHNs occupational health business inBethlehemandAllentown. The university is developing a new process for faculty and staff to confirm their vaccination status. Inpatient Physiatry. 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. You also can schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). 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. St. Lukes and Good Shepherds vaccine mandates had earlier deadlines than LVHN and those networks also reported success from their mandates. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. K(*piY^9%w'\lzInog-EV]Yb|^, vmsU#O!Hi3@O;\l!k(p!-} iw{_6E+N 4-+3O]xSHwxu@W3Kva]0([@H[CP |?C wo x>\.8CU`DEFq4,X0^ncwQhEGl,6.l/5FQO.,H9hN>z/e}NZeK"HMCleRcV]Ng&mN >E If you have questions, please call Employee Health Services at the number below. LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. 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. 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). 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. Hours: 24/7 Not seeing an appointment time that works for you? If you have any questions on your system or space please contact your building manager to review. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.organd notify her of your condition. 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. 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. 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. What are the immediate side effects? Contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. Note to 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. 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 medical consultation for planning purposes. 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. Please do not send us any additional information other than what is requested in the form above. 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. But some medical research shows that natural immunity may offer some benefits vaccines dont. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Thank you for your interest in Lehigh Valley Health Network. Yes. St. If you dont feel well, stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. 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. Faculty and staff must continue to monitor personal health for symptoms and risk of exposure. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. We know that COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems, even in mild cases. If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. We are the region's largest employer and the health care provider of choice for more people in the region. img + .header { margin-top: 1rem; } If you've had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, Lehigh Valley Health Network can help. For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19,immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. Lehigh Valley Health Network is headquartered in Salisbury Township. \@[gp7~Ijm]@.LHW@s;>\Cb+n2ift3tK[-gOGFJ*E=-5ZrrAxQ!5o95=-B ! .~ 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. 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 Getting vaccinated has far fewer risks than catching COVID-19. The Morning Call. Where can students, faculty and staff get a COVID test in the local community? Call 610-861-8080, select 5 to bypass menu and enter extension 21237. 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. 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. 7. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The new location is inside the Coordinated Health-Hazle Township facility at 26 Station Circle, Hazle Township. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. 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. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptomsand for those experiencing symptoms. Given the unpredictability of COVID in general and delta in particular, our best defense is universal vaccination, the sooner the better, Zurlo said. The health network. 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. Fewer than 1% of LVHNs nearly 20,000 employees chose to leave rather than get vaccinated. Isolation:separates those who are sick with COVID-19 from those who do not have it to prevent the spread of the virus. The mandate for health care workers would have gone into effect Monday if not for judges in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District Court of Missouri and the Western District of Louisiana issuing injunctions on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30. Scheduling can be completed through MyLVHN, with the MyLVHN app, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). 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. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. '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. 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. 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. 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. 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. All members of the community are encouraged to treat one another with respect. LVHN was the last to. 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. What are the current campus status and protocols? "It's not FDA-approved, it's. This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. 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 Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. 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. >, 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. If I received a medical or religious exemption from Lehighs COVID Vaccination requirement, do I need to submit any additional documentation? The one at its hospital in East Stroudsburg will close on February 3. Health Matters Blog; Services Listing; Pay Bill; Health Encyclopedia; Find a Provider; For Referring Physicians at the University of Rochester; . A Pennsylvania hospital chain announces it will not require employees who had COVID-19 to get vaccinated for 12 months after their positive tests. People who believe they may have. 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. Mar 18, 2020 at 8:00 am. Even as school board . You may also consult with Human Resources at. 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. This applies if you live on or off campus. Our journalism needs your support. Are there any additional sick leave accommodations provided for staff? 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. Phone: 610 -402-1880 Fax: 610-402-1203 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. 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org . 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. A video visit is also an option. . Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. The university will not share confidential health information. Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. Sam Kennedy, spokesperson for St. Lukes, said the move to implement this exemption was made based on guidance from network infectious disease experts. 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. 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. The deadline for Good Shepherds mandate was Oct. 15. 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. You should contact your primary care physician first and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. 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. 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. 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. If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. 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. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. I am vaccinated but am experiencing COVID-like symptoms. 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. 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. Email us 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. "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. 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. 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. What steps should I take? 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. Already a print subscriber? The clinic is open 8 . 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. Our journalism needs your support. Check with your local vaccine provider for their processes and requirements. 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. How is Lehigh cleaning classroom spaces, offices, and common areas of buildings? 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. 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. 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). Full information about Lehigh's partnership with LVHN for COVID-19 related employee health services. Employee Health Services Hours and Locations . Boosters are a necessary component of our health and safety protocols to support a successful semester on campus, including in-person instruction and activities. to determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act.