Message from VP Diorio about COVID-19 vaccine availability

To faculty and staff:

I am writing to address questions about employee access to COVID-19 vaccines.

The federal government determines the level of vaccine distribution for each state, while states are responsible for setting a phased approach to vaccination. Pennsylvania’s approach provided the first doses to hospital and health care workers and residents and staff of long-term care facilities that serve clients over 75 years old. I anticipate the Pennsylvania Department of Health will move to phase 1B in the coming days, which will begin to allow vaccine access to education workers.

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) and St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) have been identified as vaccine distribution centers. Bailey Health Center, which may be able to assist providers with on-site vaccinations later in the year, can help LVHN and SLUHN connect with faculty and staff interested in receiving the vaccine. Doses are limited, and the health networks will follow state guidance in prioritizing individuals for vaccination. The health center is communicating regularly with both hospital networks to ensure that we are providing the most accurate information regarding access to our employees.

If you are interested in a COVID-19 vaccine, please follow the important steps below to assist with efficient distribution. You can pursue both the LVHN and SLUHN options, as well as others, and your best chance is to participate in all options. If you’re not a Pennsylvania resident, you also should check with your home state to see where you fall in its prioritization rubric. 

1. Bailey Health Center: Complete the COVID-19 vaccine survey (link emailed to employees). Vaccines are being provided on an extremely time-sensitive basis. Supplying this information increases the likelihood of distribution to our community members. The health center will communicate with local providers regarding the interest and job function of those who desire vaccination. The hospital networks have the ultimate responsibility to determine where individuals fall in tiering, and you will need to follow the instructions from health care providers regarding their process for vaccine prioritization. 
2. Lehigh Valley Health Network: Create a MyLVHN account and complete the COVID-19 Essential Worker Questionnaire in the menu to identify yourself as a member of the educational sector and your affiliation with Lafayette. LVHN will notify you via your MyLVHN email when it is time to schedule your vaccination, which can be done online or through the app at a time and location most convenient to you. If you have issues accessing MyLVHN or questions, please contact the LVHN Lafayette COVID-19 nurse case manager, Terri Latvis.
3. St. Luke’s University Health Network: SLUHN will notify Bailey Health Center as vaccine doses become available, and the information provided in item 1 will be used to connect employees to St. Luke’s. 
4. If you receive a vaccine through your local provider, email Bailey Health Center so we do not overestimate the number of people interested.

If you recently tested positive for COVID-19 you cannot receive a vaccine now. You should discuss questions about the vaccine with your personal physician. 

At a press conference last Friday, Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf and Dr. Rachel Levine asked for patience as it will take time to distribute the vaccine to all who want it. I too ask for your patience and remind you that measures such as wearing a face covering, washing your hands, staying home when possible, and keeping at least six feet between you and people not in your immediate household are critical for disease mitigation. 

We all look forward to a return to a sense of normalcy this year. Remember, we are all in this together. 

Sincerely,

Annette Diorio
Vice President for Campus Life