HUMo0Wh`na0o5V m(T8v,")hi4, [Yp^na\AFJP,Z.(.LUaXX~W1wn-@=+6VA# Lehighs faculty and staff are central to the universitys function of supporting students and elevating its research and educational mission. 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. Vaccines have been available to health professionals for about a year. 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. "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. What should I do? 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. Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. What do I do if I suspect I have COVID-19? 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. Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. If you don't feel well: Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. 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 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). Call 610-861-8080, select 5 to bypass menu and enter extension 21237. Read more on the CDC website. The remaining employees received either permanent medical or religious exemptions or temporary exemptions due to having natural immunity after contracting COVID-19. 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. 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. Visit 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). For more information on these requirements and for additional health guidance, please visit our Vaccination Resources Center. In July, LVHN was the only regional health network to become part of the Pfizer booster shot trial, again, leading the way in curbing the spread of COVID-19. But not all infectious disease experts agree on this. ]oeaf4{hM>,O G!&B{] Matching 403b and a defined pension program 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. \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 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. What's it like to be a test subject for a coronavirus vaccine? LVHN Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. LVHN is closing 5 medical offices - Daily Press Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups and towels. Directions to our locations; If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. PDF Lehigh Valley Health Network Policy for COVID and Influenza Vaccines Supervisors are expected to address these issues with their direct reports. We are continuing with the strategy we initiated last summer to most safely provide a fully functioning campus through widespread vaccination. Demand for the vaccine with recent approval of boosters for all adults and shots for elementary school children has been high amid the surge and the emergence of the omicron variant, whose dangers are still not fully understood. What are the restrictions on events, meetings and indoor and outdoor gatherings? 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). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Downs said. At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. Some local health care workers say they won't roll up their sleeves for I received a bill for a COVID-19 diagnostic test - what should I do? endstream endobj 394 0 obj <>stream For example, the U.S. If you have any additional questions, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about speaking to a provider virtually. 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. 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. Lukes infectious disease experts are following the science, and our policies are based on the science, Kennedy said. ML _f0Ie6EIopY}fCul*( That's the message from Lehigh Valley Health Network, according to a news release. LVHN to close COVID-19 vaccine clinics - wfmz.com Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Faculty and staff noncompliance will be addressed at the college and stem level as a violation of workplace and university policy. Legislation has also been brought forward in the U.S. Senate to block Bidens mandate for large employers. 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. LVHN has provided Lehigh with an employee guide that includes complete information for accessing their services. Experiencing COVID-Like Symptoms Immediately notify your supervisor, department chair or PI, go home and self-isolate. 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. The HWC will then be able to provide the documentation a professor might require for your missing class. Where can students, faculty and staff get a COVID test in the local community? 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. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Wear a mask in your home when youre unable to socially distance. 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. Why is Lehigh requiring COVID vaccination and boosters for students, faculty and staff? Click here to download the document. However, the LVHN mandate didnt go into effect until Aug. 24, the day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizers vaccine. What do I do? To access these services under Lehighs medical plan call the phone number listed on the back of your Capital Blue Cross Card. 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. 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. If you havent already, please activate your digital access. If you have any questions on your system or space please contact your building manager to review. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. Alternatively, if the instructor is too sick to teach, the class can be rescheduled or an alternative instructor can be found. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Caitlin Leidy at crl215@lehigh.edu or Patricia Florkowski at pjg209@lehigh.edu. 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. 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. Sodexo Manager 3, Regional Operations Support Job in Allentown, PA While Occupational Health services are vital, taking employees off the worksite is always an investment in time. 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. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. img + .header { margin-top: 1rem; } HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U Concentra has acquired LVHNs occupational health business inBethlehemandAllentown. We have prepared guidance on what to do if you are feeling sick and suspect you have COVID-19. This testing can be done by your Primary Care Physician or can be coordinated through ouroccupational health services partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). 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. Keeping the People You Live With Safe from COVID-19, Next Steps After Being Diagnosed with COVID-19, Learn more about ExpressCARE Video Visits. 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. 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. Contact us For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.org. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. 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 Already a print subscriber? 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. Love Where You Work! 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. The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. How can I report a concern about a community member not following proper behavior to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 on campus? This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. If you receive a positive test from an outside source, be sure to let the Health and Wellness Center know and to upload your results on your health center portal. endstream endobj startxref We rely on the support of our subscribers to fund our journalism as we continue to cover the coronavirus crisis. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Our journalism needs your support. If the instructor is too sick to teach, the class can be rescheduled or an alternative instructor can be found. St. Lukes and LVHN still encouraging employees with natural immunity to get the vaccine to maximize their protection against the viral infection. How is Lehigh cleaning classroom spaces, offices, and common areas of buildings? 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. Medical Information Request and Verification Form. 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org and notify her of your condition. 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. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. 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. People who should wait to get vaccinated - 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. We recognize this is a difficult time for faculty, staff and families. 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Who should faculty and staff contact for questions regarding updating vaccination status or submitting a request for an exemption from the vaccination requirement? We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. We understand that some students are hesitant to report a positive test for fear of falling behind in classes. 4T@kR[4\P! Your provider will let you know if the current state of your health calls for any additional considerations. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. 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. Additional information will be published on our website. 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 Staff may use any type of paid leave to accommodate the need to stay home or leave campus early. 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. Email us LVHN was the last to. Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members . 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 nurse case manager will facilitate care through recovery and return to work for any employees who suspect exposure or may test positive for COVID-19, working closely with Lehigh Human Resources throughout the process. 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. Lehigh Valley Health Network Pay & Benefits reviews - Indeed What is the current status of COVID-19 cases on campus? Vaccination Resources | Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information Center Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates . hUmOP+fq& -VMU2 Lehigh Valley Health Network will officially close its five COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Whitehall, Easton, Hazleton, Pottsville and East Stroudsburg (as well as the network's mobile vaccination . Full information about Lehigh's partnership with LVHN for COVID-19 related employee health services can be found here. 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. LVHN to close COVID clinics, will offer vaccines at practices Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has stated that, unlike vaccinations, employers cannot mandate antibody tests because they are not reliable. International students who cannot get boosted where they are located should schedule a booster as soon as they return to the United States. ReadLehigh's isolation and quarantine policy. During the semester, the Lehigh COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily during the week with the most current case information. PA-07 COVID-19 Testing Sites Lehigh Valley Health Network COVID-19 Assess and Test Locations Instructions (apply to each location) "We have opened LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test locations throughout the region to minimize our community's exposure to 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. 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. 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. The dividers at these locations will remain in place at present. 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. \@[gp7~Ijm]@.LHW@s;>\Cb+n2ift3tK[-gOGFJ*E=-5ZrrAxQ!5o95=-B ! .~ Where possible, HVAC systems that introduce fresh air into the buildings will have the percentage of outdoor air settings adjusted to maximize the amount of fresh air movement through the building. P.C. (Cant see the Pa. vaccination rates map? If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. Coronavirus Paid Leave Exemptions Exclude Millions of Workers From
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