Dear Colleagues,
The Commonwealth has announced that all Pennsylvanians 16 and older will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by April 19.
The shift in eligibility from the current 1A phase to phase 1B, which occurs Monday, April 5, will open eligibility to all Lehigh employees (including faculty, staff, and graduate students who have RA/TA/GA roles).
The Bethlehem Health Bureau is now preparing for this next phase of eligibility. Since Lehigh is the largest higher education employer in the city, they are particularly looking to determine interest in receiving the vaccine among our faculty, staff and RA/GA/TA population. The bureau asked that all Lehigh employees indicate interest by filling out this survey [check email for link].
We strongly encourage all employees to complete the survey as soon as possible as it will assist the Bethlehem Health Bureau in their planning. Even if you have already been vaccinated for COVID-19, your information will be helpful to them.
The survey indicates that The Bethlehem Health Bureau will offer the vaccine to 1B and 1C priority groups as they become eligible. It also provides the opportunity for you to request a link to schedule a vaccination appointment when they are available. Please note that completing the survey will not automatically register you for an appointment.
The Bethlehem Health Bureau is one of a number of vaccine providers in the Lehigh Valley. If you have not done so already, we also strongly encourage you to register with both Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Luke’s University Health Network in order to be added to their lists for vaccine eligibility. Follow the links to each network, create your account, and complete their COVID-19 vaccine questionnaires. When you are eligible, you will receive a message in your account with a link to schedule an appointment.
There are many other providers and vaccination clinics that also have a supply of the vaccine. Supply may vary by your location. Visit the Commonwealth’s page for eligibility requirements, the vaccine’s distribution timeline and progression, and for more information about vaccine providers in Pennsylvania.
All of the approved vaccines are highly effective in preventing COVID, especially severe cases and hospitalizations. In addition, a fully vaccinated person is not required to quarantine following close contact with someone testing positive for COVID (as long as they are not experiencing symptoms). We have created a dedicated Lehigh vaccination webpage that compiles FAQ and additional links to external resources. This page will be updated with any Lehigh-specific vaccination policies and information.
Widespread vaccination is a key factor in reducing the spread of COVID and providing substantial protection of the Lehigh community. We are hopeful this advancement in the rollout of the vaccine will bring us another step closer to being able to work and learn together.
Sincerely,
Nathan Urban
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Chris Halladay
Associate Vice President for Human Resources