Geisinger St. Luke’s Visitation Policy
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Learn More >>Our commitment to you is to keep you informed. Trust Geisinger St. Luke’s to let you know when it’s your turn for the COVID-19 vaccine. MyChart is your electronic medical record and your access to vaccine scheduling. If you do not already have a MyChart account, you must register for one. Once you have your MyChart account, complete our brief questionnaire. When it’s your turn, you will be notified to schedule your vaccine.
Vaccine supply is limited – please be patient as we work to provide vaccines in an orderly, safe and fair manner.
Vaccines are an important tool in the prevention and spread of diseases like COVID-19. Vaccines work with your immune system, so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like mask-wearing and social distancing, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others.
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Both the PA DOH and CDC have outlined three phases as to how the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered.
Exact time frames for patients and the general public to receive the vaccine have not been determined. To learn information as it becomes available, visit the PA DOH vaccination information page or CDC vaccination page.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine free?
When the vaccines become available to the public, St. Luke’s University Health Network, including Geisinger St. Luke’s, will provide the vaccine for free.
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Both vaccines were found to be >95% effective in preventing COVID infection.
The vaccines were well-tolerated and the rate of adverse effects was low. There were no safety concerns after an average of 2 months of patient monitoring. Many people do not experience any side effects of vaccination.
Vaccines from both Pfizer and Moderna are being released by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under emergency use authorization (EUA).
An EUA is issued by the FDA to allow access to critical medical products that may help during a public health emergency. An EUA is different from approval/licensure.
The following criteria must be met for an EUA to be issued:
We encourage individuals to speak to the physician or health care provider about the vaccine if they have concerns or questions. If you need a doctor, call 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537) or visit findadoctor.sluhn.org.
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Does the COVID-19 vaccine require two doses?
Yes, you need to have two doses of the same vaccine, given between 21 and 28 days apart.
The full two doses need to be administered for the best chance of effectiveness.
Is the second dose the same dosage as the first?
Yes, the second dose is the same dosage as the first, and it must be from the same manufacturer.
Can I stop masking and physical distancing if I get vaccinated?
You should continue taking precautionary measures like masking, social distancing and handwashing.
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The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued an interim recommendation for use of the vaccines for the prevention of COVID-19 as follows:
Fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults. Vaccine manufacturers are expected to start pediatric clinical trials soon.
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Yes, you should still get the vaccine. It is estimated that antibodies from natural COVID infection last at least 90 days. While studies of duration of immunity from the vaccine are still in the works, there is early evidence that antibodies from the vaccine remain for at least 3 months, and likely longer. While there is no harm in receiving the vaccine at any time after your recovery from COVID, we favor deferring vaccination for 90 days from the time of infection. This gives you the best chance to maximize your period of immunity.
Vaccines will help us fight COVID-19; however, it is still important to be S.M.A.R.T.!
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For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and PA Department of Health.
Geisinger St. Luke’s Visitation Policy
Read More >>COVID-19 FAQs
Learn More >>