If you or your child have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C.. Though the decision was sent to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals for review, that court is unlikely to make a decision until mid-December. Lehigh students, faculty and staff should follow the guidance provided by the Health and Wellness Center (for students) and Lehighs occupational health nursefrom LVHN(for faculty and staff). "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. 8. 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. a hold being placed on the student's account which will prevent them from registering for classes for the following semester. 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. Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. 412 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[389 38 428 1]/Info 388 0 R/Length 116/Prev 381408/Root 390 0 R/Size 429/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19,immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. 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. 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). 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. 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 "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,. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. I received a bill for a COVID-19 diagnostic test - what should I do? Filter changes will continue to follow ASHRAE guidelines. 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. 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. For minor pains, illnesses or allergies, get answers any time of the day or night with an ExpressCARE Video Visit. 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. 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. People who believe they may have. Both. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. \@[gp7~Ijm]@.LHW@s;>\Cb+n2ift3tK[-gOGFJ*E=-5ZrrAxQ!5o95=-B ! .~ For example, the U.S. This applies if you live on or off campus. Contact a LVHN employee health nurse. 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. 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 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. 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 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. Those who test positive and have not been on campus or in close proximity are still encouraged to contact her. A video visit is also an option. u[5Yv\6=tcMM\$~.,5J2|-.-mgSV>~;c++a +^Rb bdk%s_x;GpV 0w/zu88@? The health network. . Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. Visit the Vaccination Resources page on the Coronavirus Information Center for more information about Lehigh's policies. The cold weather, Thanksgiving gatherings and a big rebound in holiday travel are all believed to be playing a role, along with public weariness with pandemic restrictions. Faculty or staff should not request information about students vaccination status. Speak with a nurse to assess COVID and other symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss your testing options. You may also consult with Human Resources at. >, 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. Signs are downloadable for individual printing on the Resources page of this website. Another recent study from Israel, which also hasnt been published or peer-reviewed yet, showed natural immunity provided longer-lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalization due to the delta variant than the Pfizer vaccine. >Students living on- or off-campus who believe they have symptoms in line with COVID-19should call the Lehigh Health and Wellness Center (HWC) at 610-758-3870. If addressing the concern directly is not an option, or if you are not satisfied with the response you receive or the behavior doesnt stop, you may report the concern by completing this form athttp://lehigh.edu/go/covidreporting. We know that COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems, even in mild cases. Can a professor decide to make their class remote if they are concerned about positive cases in their class? Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community and allow for a return to normal campus operations. 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. 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. This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. St. Lukes is based in the Bethlehem area. The facility is opening due to the increased demand for COVID-19 testing. 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. If you received a medical or religious exemption from COVID vaccination, you are not required to get a booster shot and do not need to take any further action. 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. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? We are the region s largest employer and the . Employee Health - LVHN-CC . 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. Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. Quarantine: separates and restricts the movements of those who were exposed to COVID-19 to see if they become sick. You also can schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). What happens if I dont comply with the faculty/staff COVID vaccination requirement? 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.org. 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. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. No. ReadLehigh's isolation and quarantine policy. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptoms and for those experiencing symptoms. Yes. Pros occasional free lunches Cons leadership - it all flows from there Was this review helpful? 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. Be part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. 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. Legislation has also been brought forward in the U.S. Senate to block Bidens mandate for large employers. 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. LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. Studies have shown that vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID, but vaccination protection against the virus and variants. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has stated that, unlike vaccinations, employers cannot mandate antibody tests because they are not reliable. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). The one at its hospital in East Stroudsburg will close on February 3. 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 LVHN will provide vaccinations to employees through employee health services and to all personnel through designated LVHN COVID-19 clinic locations. 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 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. Being vaccinated is essential to save lives and finally end this pandemic, the health system CEOs said in the joint statement. From low to high risk, the levels are: green, yellow, orange and red. 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. Ensure a good airflow in your home, which can be done by just opening a window. 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. provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. 6DGamY'N{o)Z{aG>;-p~ t{@m 2R{8yrT[m'BNfk34Yn?gej &e"FL8O)x{Ko yIWk.x,Jj!iWE@`. How is Lehigh cleaning classroom spaces, offices, and common areas of buildings? Yes. 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. Faculty and staff noncompliance will be addressed at the college and stem level as a violation of workplace and university policy. 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. If you have any additional questions, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about speaking to a provider virtually. This story was updated Tuesday to indicate Lehigh Valley Health Network has decided to update its policy; previously the health network had been discussing doing so. to determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act. If you test positive for COVID, contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe, RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. %%EOF LVHN was the last to. 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. 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. Keep up with the latest info on corona in Munich (in German) 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 0 < For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. 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. 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. Why is Lehigh requiring COVID vaccination and boosters for students, faculty and staff? What are the immediate side effects? 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. Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. 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. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. 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. Phone: 610 -402-1880 Fax: 610-402-1203 Scheduling can be completed through MyLVHN, with the MyLVHN app, or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). Get detailed information about COVID-19, and vaccine safety and effectiveness at LVHN.org/vaccineFAQ, SLUHN.org and goodshepherdrehab.org. 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org . Also remember that your primary care provider is always a phone call away or via a secure message through your MyLVHN account. You can start here and watch the video that provides guidance about your next steps. Call 610-861-8080, select 5 to bypass menu and enter extension 21237. COVID Vaccine Policy . 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. Vaccines are a modern miracle and a triumph of modern medicine and unquestionably have proven to be extremely effective.. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. Lehigh medical benefits include behavioral health coverage. The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. As a result, LVHN's 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. 389 0 obj <> endobj Medical Information Request and Verification Form. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23, available to health professionals for about a year, a milestone of 200 million people fully vaccinated, cases and hospitalizations are spiking again, largely driven by the unvaccinated population. 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. 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. Employees with exemptions continue to receive weekly COVID-19 testing, Downs said. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. We are the region's largest employer and the health care provider of choice for more people in the region. How is noncompliance with the booster requirement addressed? At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. What should I do? Matching 403b and a defined pension program 86N{L.=8kZ'=Bj,+=L`+zA ^,`5$gx;v4Osxc? z> Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates . Where can I find more information about boosters? We are limiting plexiglass to areas marked by frequent transactions or similar places of high interaction. You may also consult with Human Resources at inhro@lehigh.edu to determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Remember that if you receive a positive test result from testing conducted outside of the HWC,you must report your result by uploading it to thePatient Portal. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.organd notify her of your condition. 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. MyLVHN - Schedule an Appointment Online scheduling is currently disabled Please call us at 888-402-LVHN (5846) to schedule an appointment. Check with your local vaccine provider for their processes and requirements. No. Already a print subscriber? Every employer can handle it in a different way because theres no set standard for that type of exemption, Easterly said. If you are out of work because you have been quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID19 or have tested positive for COVID19 yourself, follow the instructions regarding illness or exposure on the HR website. Getting vaccinated has far fewer risks than catching COVID-19. 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. About 97% of current LVHN employees are fully vaccinated Brian Downs, a network spokesperson, said. What happens if a faculty member gets sick and cannot teach? Low-cost health insurance for employees CME reimbursement and time outside of normal PTO to take classes, attend conferences etc. Your provider will advise you about COVID-19 testing and quarantining during your virtual visit. 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. Will Lehigh's vaccine and booster requirements remain in place following the US Supreme Court's OSHA ruling? Thank you for your interest in Lehigh Valley Health Network. If you have any questions on your system or space please contact your building manager to review. 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. 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. 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. 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 have questions, please call Employee Health Services at the number below. Additional information will be published on our website. 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, 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. St. Lukes deadline for its mandate was in September. But some medical research shows that natural immunity may offer some benefits vaccines dont. What steps should I take? While Occupational Health services are vital, taking employees off the worksite is always an investment in time. 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.