Posts tagged ‘vaccination’

Important COVID-19 Update

LVC Community: 

We have so far this semester fared exceptionally well in preventing COVID-19 infections among our students and employees. Indoor masking, contact tracing, high immunization rates, and compliance with quarantining and isolation have worked and allowed us to have an in-person semester.  

However, positivity rates and cases are rising on campus and in Lebanon County as people gather indoors more often during the colder weather and the efficacy of the vaccine has been found to decrease over time. Our partners at Penn State Health have reported that hospitalizations, especially among unvaccinated individuals, are “going in the wrong direction.” Even if your symptoms feel like a mild cold, you could be spreading COVID-19 to vulnerable people at risk of experiencing much worse symptoms. 

There are just a few weeks to go. I urge you to: 

Be aware of new symptoms. Colds, allergies, and sniffles are prevalent this time of year. Even mild cold-like symptoms or nausea could be a sign of COVID-19 infection. Students must fill out the symptom tracker any time they experience symptoms. This alerts health center staff to get in touch. 

If you have any of these symptoms, isolate yourself, regardless of vaccination status. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your healthcare provider (employees) or Shroyer Health Center (students) at x.6232, 717-867-6232, or healthservices@lvc.edu.  

  • Fever or chills 
  • Cough 
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • New loss of taste or smell 

Also contact your healthcare provider or Shroyer if you experience more than one of the following symptoms: 

  • Congestion or runny nose 
  • Fatigue 
  • Muscle or body aches 
  • Headache 
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat 
  • Nausea or vomiting 

Anyone who has a medical emergency should go to the ER or call 911. Students may call public safety for assistance at x.6111 or 717-867-6111. 

Get your COVID-19 booster shot. Boosters are widely available to and recommended for anyone 18 and older who finished both shots of either Pfizer and Moderna six months ago or got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine two months ago. Vaccines and booster shots are critical even for those who have had COVID-19. Your immunity wanes 90 days after infection. 

Get your flu shot. Flu season has already begun in our region. You can get flu and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters at the same time. 

Stay vigilant about indoor masking. Masks are proven to reduce the number of droplets significantly, thus lessening the viral load and the risk of infection.  

Be cautious over these holiday breaks. Mask up when gathering with people outside of your family unit. Avoid large gatherings, parties, bars, and clubs. 

Rest up and enjoy your break so we can head into finals healthy and strong—together. 

President MacLaren 

Can LVC Ask for Vaccination Status?

Q: Is LVC allowed to ask about students’ vaccination status?

A: Yes. There is clear legal guidance that vaccine status can be requested, and such requests do not violate the law. LVC keeps vaccination records confidential and private in a secure database accessible only to employees that have a legitimate reason to have access to this data. Student vaccination cards are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Q: Is LVC allowed to ask about employees’ vaccination status?

A. Yes. There is clear legal guidance that vaccine status can be requested and such requests do not violate the law.  LVC keeps vaccination records confidential and private in a secure database accessible only to employees that have a legitimate reason to have access to this data.

Use this form to upload images of your vaccine card.

Will LVC Mandate COVID-19 Vaccinations?

Q: Now that the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine, will LVC mandate that students and employees receive it?

A: Out of an abundance of caution and with the guidance of our healthcare partners, the College did not mandate the vaccine while it was under emergency use authorization. On Monday, Aug. 23, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination for individuals ages 16 years and older. The Moderna vaccine is on track to be approved this fall.

LVC administrators are consulting with advisors on- and off-campus to develop a vaccination policy that will work best for our campus community. At this time, LVC continues to strongly encourage students and employees to get vaccinated—to protect public health and the health and safety of each other.

For more information, see:

Full Approval of Covid Vaccine Frees Up Some Colleges to Make Mandates Official

List of Colleges Requiring the COVID-19 Vaccination

FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccination

Return-to-Campus Plans [Zoom recording]

Vaccine Clinic: Sign Up Now

LVC will hold an on-campus vaccination clinic Friday, Aug. 27 (first dose) and Friday, Sept. 17 (second dose) for students, employees, and their immediate family members. Student Affairs will work with students who need to arrive earlier than they had planned to accommodate their participation in the vaccine clinic.

Individuals that have had the first dose of Pfizer can sign up for the second dose of Pfizer at the Aug. 27 clinic.  Sign up below, and bring your vaccine card. At least 21 days must have passed since your received your first dose. Any amount of days after the 21 days is acceptable. 

Register by August 17 to secure your spot.

SIGN UP NOW.