Supervisors are expected to address these issues with their direct reports. Lehighs faculty and staff are central to the universitys function of supporting students and elevating its research and educational mission. Your provider will advise you about COVID-19 testing and quarantining during your virtual visit. For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. 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 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. Quarantine: separates and restricts the movements of those who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick. Read more below for work-related resources. Where can I find more information about boosters? The CDC has already identified fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and joint pain among the most common reported long-term side effects. St. 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. 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. Yes. Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? No. 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. . No. LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. Refer to our isolation and quarantining protocol for what to expect if you live on or off campus. But not all infectious disease experts agree on this. 8. See the Pennsylvania Department of Health siteor Lehigh's HWC site for lists of local testing resources. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. "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. 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. The university is developing a new process for faculty and staff to confirm their vaccination status. Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. 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. endstream endobj 395 0 obj <>stream Concentra has acquired LVHNs occupational health business inBethlehemandAllentown. Does Lehigh have COVID-19 related health services for staff and faculty? 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. 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. Vaccines have been available to health professionals for about a year. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. 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. As an employer, Lehigh has the ability to implement this requirement for the health and safety of its community, and vaccination and boosters remain critical in supporting these efforts. Given the unpredictability of COVID in general and delta in particular, our best defense is universal vaccination, the sooner the better, Zurlo said. 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. 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. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Can a professor decide to make their class remote if they are concerned about positive cases in their class? Please do not send us any additional information other than what is requested in the form above. If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. LVHN was the last to release its vaccination statistics, giving unionized employees until Nov. 30. 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. The safety and well-being of the Lehigh community are our highest priority as we strive to provide the educational environment and workplace that students, faculty and staff expect. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Sam Kennedy, spokesperson for St. Lukes, said the move to implement this exemption was made based on guidance from network infectious disease experts. 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. 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. Faculty should indicate to students how they plan to support students who need to be in isolation. 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. Yes, we are continuing to maintain all our ventilation systems, including regularly scheduled filter replacement as per our regular operations. No. Email us Fewer than 1% of LVHNs nearly 20,000 employees chose to leave rather than get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated has far fewer risks than catching COVID-19. Jan 20, 2023. 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. The one at its hospital in East Stroudsburg will close on February 3. 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. The researchers also said they may have underestimated asymptomatic infections and the results may be confounded by certain factors like health behaviors and chronic illness among vaccinated subjects. Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. Pros occasional free lunches Cons leadership - it all flows from there Was this review helpful? For more information on these requirements and for additional health guidance, please visit our Vaccination Resources Center. Contact a LVHN employee health nurse. 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. Faculty or staff should not request information about students vaccination status. Employees with exemptions continue to receive weekly COVID-19 testing, Downs said. Click here.). Out of nearly 40,000 workers across all three networks, only a few hundred chose to resign. 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. If you dont feel well, stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. 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. Recently, members of the military sued the Department of Defense, Food and Drug Administration and Department of Health and Human Services, and a professor at the University of California-Irvine sued the university. On Friday, Feb. 3, LVHN will . For faculty and staff, there are other forms of vaccination proof that may also be used for employer documentation. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Our journalism needs your support. 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. What happens if a faculty member gets sick and cannot teach? All rights reserved (About Us). Why is Lehigh requiring a COVID booster shot for all eligible students, faculty, and staff? Can I have copies of the safety reminder signs to put up in my office? If you want your COVID-19 vaccination quickly, sign up for or enroll in a MyLVHN account. See the. We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism as we continue to cover the coronavirus crisis. Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. Example: restricting and isolating to a room separated from others in the household. 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. But some medical research shows that natural immunity may offer some benefits vaccines dont. who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. 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. How is Lehigh cleaning classroom spaces, offices, and common areas of buildings? Virtually all in-clinic services are available to be scheduled and performed onsite with the proper conditions. 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. - 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. I am a staff or faculty member. \@[gp7~Ijm]@.LHW@s;>\Cb+n2ift3tK[-gOGFJ*E=-5ZrrAxQ!5o95=-B ! .~ Some readers who have been at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in . 7. '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. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website. 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. 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. The facility is opening due to the increased demand for COVID-19 testing. 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. HUMo0Wh jv E6i0v7Vlm]GJ8a.QlS||@,8%CYw@hZD=Zor J!F#bA8 \gnhC# We are continuing with the strategy we initiated last summer to most safely provide a fully functioning campus through widespread vaccination. Love Where You Work! Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. %PDF-1.7 % 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. 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. The new location is inside the Coordinated Health-Hazle Township facility at 26 Station Circle, Hazle Township. Check with your local vaccine provider for their processes and requirements. About 97% of current LVHN employees are fully vaccinated Brian Downs, a network spokesperson, said. Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Yes. 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. 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. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. Scheduling can be completed through MyLVHN, with the MyLVHN app, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). 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. 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. Your provider will let you know if the current state of your health calls for any additional considerations. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. While Occupational Health services are vital, taking employees off the worksite is always an investment in time. What are the immediate side effects? hbbd```b`` ),rD"`,R If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. LVHN is one of the nation's most advanced health networks, offering comprehensive care in 95 clinical specialties. 426 0 obj <>stream 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. 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. We have prepared guidance on what to do if you are feeling sick and suspect you have COVID-19. If you don't feel well: Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. Faculty and staff noncompliance will be addressed at the college and stem level as a violation of workplace and university policy. 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. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Visit the Vaccination Resources page on the Coronavirus Information Center for more information about Lehigh's policies. 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 Read more on the CDC website. What is the difference between quarantine and isolation? The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. At these locations, we will screen, assess, test and keep you safe. However, the study has multiple limitations. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. LVHN is one of the nation's most advanced health networks, offering comprehensive care in 95 clinical specialties. 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. 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. This applies if you live on or off campus. This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. I'm an international student and I am not eligible to get the booster in my home country. "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 Associated Press contributed to this report. We understand that some students are hesitant to report a positive test for fear of falling behind in classes. 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. Sodexo is seeking a full-time Manager 3, Regional Operations Support to support new business and/or vacancies throughout the entire US in Food and Environmental Services for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, PA. Hours: 24/7 Not seeing an appointment time that works for you? Who should faculty and staff contact for questions regarding updating vaccination status or submitting a request for an exemption from the vaccination requirement? MyLVHN - Schedule an Appointment Online scheduling is currently disabled Please call us at 888-402-LVHN (5846) to schedule an appointment. If you havent already, please activate your digital access. 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 $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. /@[ O The partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager who will serve as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees with any health concerns related to COVID-19. Medical and Allied Health Staff Code of Behavior Medical Staff Bylaws ( Please log into the LVHN Employee Network to view) Professional Practice Evaluation Policy and Procedure Medical Staff Information: Medical Staff Citizenship Requirements Allied Health Professional Information: Advanced Practice Clinicians Charter Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. The university will not share confidential health information. LVHNs announced its mandate alongside St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network on Aug. 9. St. Lukes University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network are allowing employees who already had COVID-19 to defer getting the COVID-19 vaccine due to the natural immunity they have against the virus. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. 86N{L.=8kZ'=Bj,+=L`+zA ^,`5$gx;v4Osxc? z> Will the university share who is vaccinated and unvaccinated? You can start here and watch the video that provides guidance about your next steps. "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,. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community and allow for a return to normal campus operations. Additional information will be published on our website. Any individual, even if asymptomatic, who wishes to get tested can do so for a fee through Vault Health (the company we have contracted with for student arrival testing) or through a number of other providers. LVHN front-line health care workers receive COVID-19 vaccine. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. 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 . Click here to download the document. endstream endobj startxref provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. Vaccines are a modern miracle and a triumph of modern medicine and unquestionably have proven to be extremely effective.. Are there any additional sick leave accommodations provided for staff? Medical Information Request and Verification Form. St. Lukes is based in the Bethlehem area. Signs are downloadable for individual printing on the Resources page of this website. Faculty and Staff Who Test Positive for COVID-19, Flu and Shingles Vaccine Benefits for Lehigh Medical Plan Participants, Expanding Access To Medical Insurance - The Employer Mandate, Indexed Dollar Figures for Employee Benefit Plans, LVAIC Undergraduate Tuition Exchange Program, Lehigh Undergraduate Spouse/Partner Tuition Benefits, Lehigh Graduate Spouse/Partner Tuition Benefits, LVAIC Spouse/Partner Tuition Exchange Benefit, Lehigh Undergraduate Dependent Tuition Benefit, Lehigh Graduate Dependent Tuition Benefit, ConsumerMedical Expert Medical Opinion Service, Awards For Exceptional Performance And Contributions, Food Service, Housekeeping, and Landscaping Employment Opportunities, Cash for Colleagues Employee Referral Program, Completing the Fully Remote Workplace Arrangement Request, Disability Accommodation For Faculty and Staff, Using The Page Up Talent Management Portal, Using Booking and Events to Schedule Interviews, Accessing and Registering for Learning Opportunities, Canceling or Changing a Workshop Registration, Guide for Self-Reported Training in PageUp, Smoking Cessation Resources for Benefits Eligible Employees, Lehigh University Protection of Minors Policy, Information for Directors of Programs Involving Minors, Annual Security & Annual Fire Safety Report, COVID-19 Health Services from LVHN for Staff and Faculty. Keep up with the latest info on corona in Munich (in German) 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. 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 not installing plexiglass at general locations at this time. What are the restrictions on events, meetings and indoor and outdoor gatherings? 0 Lehigh Valley Health Network saw significant success from its vaccine mandate with the vast majority of employees choosing to get the vaccine, network officials report. We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. St. Lukes leadership will also reassess the deferral requests and may update or alter guidance later based on new information. You should take an at-home COVID antigen test or contact your primary care physician first and follow their advice. To access these services under Lehighs medical plan call the phone number listed on the back of your Capital Blue Cross Card. 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. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found that subjects who had natural immunity but were unvaccinated were more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 as those who had natural immunity and those who got their shots. Free lunches. To schedule an appointment for the Dorney Park drive-through clinic or any other LVHN COVID-19 vaccination event, people in Phase 1A can sign in to MyLVHN. 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. Instructors who choose to shift to remote-only instruction should: 1. send an email to their chair indicating their plan for instruction for the coming week and 2. inform students of this planned shift.