COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses Available for All Adults at Geisinger Following recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Geisinger is offering booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines for all adults. People can get their booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine beginning six months after receiving their second dose for non-immunocompromised patients. People who are immunocompromised can receive their booster after their third dose. The booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is half of a single dose (0.25 milliliters). The booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the same dosage (0.3 milliliters) as a single dose. People who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to receive a booster dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines two months after their initial J&J dose. If you’re unsure if you qualify for a booster or have any specific questions, contact your doctor. You can make an appointment for a first, second, third or booster dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. Appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Philipsburg and Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton. Remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card or proof of having received the vaccine to your appointment. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at Geisinger.org/COVIDVax. As a reminder, no visitors are permitted for outpatient appointments, unless medically necessary, and masks must be worn by everyone in all Geisinger buildings and facilities.
The Wright Center Receives $50,000 Federal Grant to Provide COVID-19 Testing to Underserved Populations The Wright Center for Community Health announces it has been selected as a recipient of $50,000 in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve access to COVID-19 testing for the region’s underserved and vulnerable populations, including rural residents. The NIH made the funding available through its Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics-Underserved Populations (RADx-UP) initiative. Organizers of the federally supported project aim to ensure that all Americans, especially populations most affected by the pandemic, have access to COVID-19 testing. The Wright Center plans to use the funding to deploy its mobile medical unit, called Driving Better Health, to expand testing availability in rural areas of Susquehanna and Wayne counties. The mobile unit also will build upon its current COVID-19 outreach in southern Luzerne County, serving residents of Greater Hazleton including its significant Spanish-speaking population. Since March 2020, The Wright Center’s practices have conducted about 29,000 COVID-19 tests. The Wright Center’s proposed grant-funded activities in Northeast Pennsylvania will be overseen by the RADx-UP Coordination and Data Collection Center (CDCC), led by the Duke Clinical Research Institute and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine’s Center for Health Equity Research. The data – and the lessons – compiled during this RADx-UP CDCC Community Collaboration Mini-Grant Program will assist in bringing an end to the pandemic, addressing the nation’s long-standing health disparities and preparing for future public health challenges. “The COVID-19 crisis is far from over,” according to information on the RADx-UP website. “Although vaccines are available for most people, testing remains a life-saving tool for many communities as the percentage of people who are vaccinated varies from place to place. Beyond the pandemic, the strategies public health leaders use to address testing (and vaccine) equity may inform how we address the larger structural inequalities and consequently improve health and save lives in the long term.”
Geisinger Requiring COVID-19 Vaccine for All Employees Today, 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic and facing another surge in infections, hospitalizations and deaths, Geisinger is announcing all employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 15. Rooted in values for safety and high-quality care, the decision requiring employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccine follows months of careful study and discussion. “Based on overwhelming evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, we believe this is the right decision at the right time to protect our patients and employees and slow the spread of this deadly virus in our communities,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., Geisinger’s president and chief executive officer. “We understand that some employees who have consciously chosen to not get vaccinated may be disappointed by this decision. We hope they will understand that this is a necessary step to protect the health of our patients and their colleagues.” In addition to current employees, the COVID-19 vaccine requirement includes all new employees, faculty, medical staff, residents, fellows, temporary workers, trainees, volunteers, students and temporary staff, regardless of employer. Employees must complete a Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine series by October 15. All new employees will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment beginning on October 15. “With new variants taking hold, causing rising COVID-19 numbers locally, nationally and in our hospitals, our communities can’t afford for health care workers to be out of work because of COVID-19,” Ryu said. “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our employees have worked tirelessly, under challenging and unprecedented circumstances to continue delivering world-class care to our friends and neighbors, and this now includes requiring our employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.” An exemption process is available for employees who have a documented and very specific medical reason or sincerely held religious belief that preclude them from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Geisinger has similar vaccination requirements for employees to be protected from viruses like influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis and more. Today’s announcement aligns with the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Group Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Nurses Association, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and many more that have strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccine requirements for health care workers. Geisinger stands with these respected organizations in putting the safety of its patients and staff first. Currently, about 70 percent of Geisinger employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. These employees and all those who meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement by October 15 are showing a commitment to our values and keeping our patients, communities and co-workers safe. As a thank you for living Geisinger’s values, all non-executive leadership employees who meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement or receive an approved exemption will be paid a one-time $500 bonus in late October. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, Geisinger continues to follow other safety measures to prevent the virus’ spread, including requiring masks in all buildings, limiting visitation, and reducing capacity in public spaces to encourage physical distancing. For the latest COVID information, including Geisinger’s policies, visit geisinger.org/coronavirus.
Schedule Your Covid-19 Vaccine with The Prescription Center The Prescription Center has Moderna, Pfizer, and J&J vaccines available. 15-minute rapid tests also available. No appointments are necessary for vaccines and/or testing. The Prescription Center has two convenient locations. Downtown Scranton at 310 Adams Ave. and South Side Scranton at 329 Cherry St. Ste 1A.
Walk-in, by Appointment COVID-19 Vaccines Remain Available at Geisinger Geisinger continues to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to our neighbors at our four vaccine centers and select Geisinger Pharmacy locations. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations will be available: Wednesday, Aug. 4, at the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Vaccine Center, 400 Highland Ave. Ext., Lewistown, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 5, at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 6, at the Geisinger Hughes Center Vaccine Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Friday, Aug. 6, at the Geisinger CenterPoint Vaccine Center, 300 Keystone Ave., Pittston, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition to appointments and walk-in times at our vaccine centers, by-appointment COVID-19 vaccines are available at select Geisinger Pharmacy locations, including Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. The vaccines are available to anyone age 12 and over, but those under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them during vaccination. Appointments for a vaccine at one of the vaccine centers or a Geisinger Pharmacy can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. To check on additional walk-in vaccine days and times, and for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit geisinger.org/COVIDVax. As a reminder, masks are required for all patients and visitors (regardless of vaccination status) in all Geisinger buildings.
COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available at Select Geisinger Pharmacy Locations Geisinger continues to make it easier to get your COVID-19 vaccine — they’re now available at select Geisinger Pharmacy locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. You can schedule your vaccine at one of eight pharmacy locations, which are conveniently located in community medicine and multi-specialty offices. Appointments for a COVID-19 vaccine can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. The site pharmacist will administer vaccines to those 12 and older, with weekday appointments available. The eight Geisinger Pharmacy locations offering the vaccines are: Geisinger Dallas, 114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive, DallasGeisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port MatildaGeisinger Healthplex Woodbine (Danville), 16 Woodbine Lane, DanvilleGeisinger Lewistown Clinic, 21 Geisinger Lane, LewistownGeisinger Lock Haven, 68 Spring St., Lock HavenGeisinger Mount Pleasant (Scranton), 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, ScrantonGeisinger Mount Pocono, 126 Market Way, Mount PoconoGeisinger Pottsville, 529 Terry Reiley Way, Pottsville “With the continued rise of COVID-19 variants across the country, like the Delta variant, we’re happy to be able to expand our abilities to provide the COVID-19 vaccines at these pharmacy locations,” said Jenny Plummer, PharmD, director of retail and mail order pharmacy at Geisinger. “Offering the vaccine in our pharmacies located at community medicine sites makes it even easier for our neighbors to get a vaccine close to home.” Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. Anyone under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them during vaccination. Geisinger continues to offer by-appointment and walk-in COVID-19 vaccination at Geisinger Philipsburg and at its vaccine centers in Danville, Jenkins Township, Jersey Shore and Lewistown. As with the Geisinger Pharmacy locations, you can make an appointment at one of these locations through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. To check on walk-in vaccine days and times, and for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit geisinger.org/COVIDVax. As a reminder, masks are required for all patients and visitors (regardless of vaccination status) in all Geisinger buildings.
Geisinger Continuing Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccines this Week Geisinger continues to offer walk-in and by-appointment COVID-19 vaccine events this week at its four vaccine centers. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations will be available: Thursday, July 8, at Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital, 1020 Thompson St., Jersey Shore, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Friday, July 9, at the Geisinger Hughes Center Vaccine Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Friday, July 9, at the Geisinger CenterPoint Vaccine Center, 300 Keystone Ave., Pittston, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In addition to the vaccine centers, COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Geisinger Philipsburg in Centre County. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. The vaccines are available to anyone age 12 and over, but those under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them during vaccination. If needed, members of Geisinger’s pediatric team will be on hand to answer questions and to assist with the vaccinations. Appointments for a vaccine at Geisinger Philipsburg or at one of the vaccine centers can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. To check on additional walk-in vaccine days and times, and for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit geisinger.org/COVIDVax.
Noteology Sense of Smell Training Kit Now Available Have you lost your sense of smell due to a COVID-19 infection? Danielle Fleming may be able to help! Danielle Fleming, Founder & CEO of Noteology, has dedicated her career to studying the psychological effects that aromas can have on our moods and behaviors while applying this knowledge to the perfumery and consumer goods industry. When people lost some or all of their sense of smell after a COVID-19 infection, they flocked to her for help. “People ask me to make lots of products for them; from perfume for dogs to natural deodorant. But this request was very different. People were coming to me in tears. They couldn’t smell anymore. It ranged from not being able to smell at all, that’s what we call “anosmia”, to a partial loss of smell (hyposmia), all the way to “parosmia” (when smells smell different, generally worse, than usual) and phantosmia (phantom smells), when you smell something that isn’t there, like smoke or gasoline.” “I just knew I had to do something to help. People were scared, and rightfully so. You don’t realize how important and valuable your sense of smell is until you don’t have it.” An entrepreneur by day, a researcher by night, she studied the literature, read the research, and developed The Sense of Smell Training Kit™ to help those that need it. This kit is designed to assist someone in regaining their sense of smell due to a post-viral infection, like COVID-19. It provides them with step-by-step instructions on how to do Scent Therapy at home. It’s like physical therapy for your nose. For example, if you injured your leg, you would go to physical therapy and learn the steps to heal your leg. If you injured your sense of smell from post-viral infections, like COVID-19, you would do scent therapy to learn the steps to regain your sense of smell. The kit was developed based on the research of Professor Thomas Hummel of the Smell and Taste Clinic at the University of Dresen in Germany. In his 2009 study, he investigated whether repeated short-term exposure to odors over a twelve-week period would have any effect on the olfactory ability of a group of anosmia sufferers. He concluded that compared to baseline, training patients experienced an increase in their olfactory function. In contrast, olfactory function was unchanged in patients who did not perform olfactory training. These results indicate that structured, short‐term exposure to selected odors may increase olfactory sensitivity. Ms. Fleming used her background in psychology to enhance the kit with Scent Mantra cards to increase the connective pathways between smelling and olfactive recognition. “Your brain needs to learn how to smell again. In essence, you are retraining it by linking what you are smelling and how your brain recognizes and processes it.” You can find the related research articles HERE. Local Partnerships & Mental Health Ms. Fleming wants to help as many people as possible. With the help of The Scranton Area Community Foundation and Scranton Primary Health, economically disadvantaged populations will be able to access the kit free-of-charge. “Our community is the heart of our region. Being able to partner locally to make the kit accessible to everyone is an amazing testament to how much we care about the health and wellness of our community. Currently an English version is available with two translation versions being currently worked on for the Spanish and Gujarati populations. Another reason Ms. Fleming wanted to partner with Scranton Primary Health is their holistic approach to heath and wellness. “There’s more to losing your sense of smell than you think. After some time, anxiety can creep in. You’re constantly trying to smell things to see if you can, and when you don’t, depression can settle in. You can get nervous about what you are missing, like what if I can’t smell smoke and my house is on fire. Or you miss the pleasure senses of smelling bacon in the morning or a hot dog on the grill in the summer. When you lose your sense of smell you are losing more than just the ability to smell things, you are losing your ability to experience pleasure and safety, and that can be devastating.” With their partnership with Scranton Primary Health, clients will be able to also address any mental health issues they may have with their sense of smell loss. “It’s a win for our entire community”, states Ms. Fleming. What is included in the kit? The Sense of Smell Training Kit™ includes everything you need to retrain your brain to smell again. 4 Scent Jars Sense of Smell Training Booklet with 4 Scent Mantra CardsSense of Smell Tracking Sheet Where can the kit be purchased? The Kit can be purchased online at www.noteology.com (direct link to the kit https://bit.ly/senseofsmellkit) or by calling 570-343-2100 to place your order over the phone. The kits are made to order for optimal effectiveness. They are $45.99 with a portion of the proceeds being donated to The Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia where scientists at focus on interdisciplinary research on the senses of taste and smell. Scranton Primary Health kits will be ready by early July. Want to learn more? Visit our FAQ page HERE.
Geisinger ConvenientCare Offering COVID-19 Tests for Travelers Planning to travel and need to have a COVID-19 test before you go? Geisinger is offering COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for those aged 12 months and older at 18 ConvenientCare walk-in clinics throughout central and northeast Pennsylvania. Travel tests are offered for a self-pay fee of $140. To get a test, you must have legal identification, such as a driver’s license, and anyone between age 12 months and 17 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them. If your child is younger than 12 months, contact your pediatrician for advice on testing. Results will be available within 24 hours through myGeisinger. You don’t need an appointment for a travel test at ConvenientCare, but you can save your spot in line to be seen at a clinic by visiting geisinger.org/urgent. As travel requirements vary from destination to destination, make sure you’re tested at the right time before departing. Find more information about COVID-19 travel tests here.
Geisinger Administers 300,000th COVID-19 Vaccine, COVID-19 Hospitalizations Drop Below 40 Patients Walk-in and by-appointment vaccines remain available Geisinger has reached another milestone as we work to move past the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Geisinger administered its 300,000th COVID-19 vaccine dose and has seen COVID-19 hospitalizations decline to their lowest levels in months. As of Monday, Geisinger has administered 301,306 COVID-19 vaccine doses and had 37 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The 37 hospitalizations are the lowest since September 28 when 40 patients were hospitalized, but still higher than mid-June of last year, when COVID-19 hospitalization rates were in the low 20s. Geisinger continues its vaccination efforts by offering walk-in and by-appointment COVID-19 vaccines. Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations will be available this week: Wednesday, June 16, at the Geisinger Lewistown Hospital Vaccine Center, 400 Highland Ave. Ext., Lewistown, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursday, June 17, at the Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital Vaccine Center, 116 Kerr Ave., Jersey Shore, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Friday, June 18, at the Geisinger CenterPoint Vaccine Center, 300 Keystone Ave., Pittston, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Friday, June 18, at the Geisinger Hughes Center Vaccine Center, 9 Stearns Lane, Danville, from 9 a.m. to noon. Geisinger is offering the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at all locations, which is a two-dose vaccine administered 21 days apart. Vaccines are available to anyone age 12 and over, but those under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian with them during vaccination. If needed, pediatricians will be on hand to answer questions and to assist with the vaccinations. To check on additional walk-in vaccine days and times, and for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit geisinger.org/COVIDVax. Vaccine appointments can be made through myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657.
