Geisinger Offering Drive-through and Walk-in Flu Shots

Geisinger is hosting its second Super Saturday flu vaccine event this upcoming Saturday, Oct. 8, at 42 locations across the system’s footprint.

Flu shots are free and available to all in the community – no appointments are needed. Simply drive up and receive a shot without leaving your vehicle. At locations without drive-in shots, walk-in shots are available.

The Super Saturday flu shot clinics run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The last Super Saturday event this year will be on Nov. 5.

“It’s so important to get vaccinated to not only protect yourself, but to protect those vulnerable of severe illness which include children, the elderly, and those immunocompromised,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., director of Geisinger’s Division of Infectious Diseases. “We could see more cases this year than we have in the past five years, so to keep everyone healthy, we want to vaccinate as many people as possible.”

The following Geisinger community medicine clinics will host drive-through events for anyone age 3 and older. Shots will be available at:

  • Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Philipsburg  (210 Medical Center Drive)
  • Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)
  • Geisinger Lewistown   (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Medical Clinic Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Geisinger Medical Center Muncy (255 Route 220 Highway)
  • Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)
  • Geisinger Medical Clinic Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Frackville (701 West Oak St.)
  • Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)
  • Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)
  • Geisinger Woodbine Lane (16 Woodbine Lane)
  • Geisinger Dallas (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)
  • Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)
  • Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive)
  • Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trieble Drive)

Those 65 and older can receive shots at Geisinger 65 Forward locations.

Drive-through:

  • Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)
  • Scranton (3 W. Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)

Walk-in:

  • Buckhorn (240 Mall Blvd., Floor 1)
  • Milton (5170 State Route 405 – South Gate Plaza)
  • Scranton (3 W Olive St., Floor 1, Suite 205)
  • Shamokin Coal Township (9333 State Route 61, Suite 2)
  • Wilkes-Barre (41 South Main St.)

Walk-in flu shots for patients ages 6 months and older will also be available at the following CommunityCare and Geisinger Pediatrics locations:

  • CommunityCare Hazleton (426 Airport Road)
  • CommunityCare Kistler Clinic (175 S. Wilkes-Barre Blvd.)

Pediatrics:

  • Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Scranton (5 Morgan Highway, Suite 8)
  • Forty Fort (190 Welles St., Suite 122)
  • Lewisburg (55 Medical Park Drive)
  • Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane)
  • Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Muncy (255 Route 220)
  • Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Lewistown (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Philipsburg (210 Medical Center Drive)

There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

For more information on fighting flu this season, visit geisinger.org/flu.

OSHA’S Vaccine and Testing Standards for Employers

Businesses with 100 employees or more must comply with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS). To meet the requirements of the ETS, employers must either:

  1. Establish a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, OR
  2. Adopt a policy requiring employees to get vaccinated or have them get regular COVID-19 testing and wear a face covering at work instead of getting vaccinated.

As a trusted voice in the business community, please share this information with as many employers as possible to help them understand and meet this federal requirement.

Federal Guidance

On Dec. 18, 2021, OSHA released new guidance for the ETS after the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lifted the stay on the standard.

OSHA will not enforce any requirements under the ETS until Jan. 10, 2022. Additionally, the agency will not issue citations for noncompliance with the standard’s testing requirements before Feb. 9, 2022, so long as an employer is exercising responsible, good faith efforts to meet the standard. Federal guidance states that employers can mandate vaccinations for staff. To support vaccinations, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) will continue to oversee a Commonwealth-wide vaccination program, and employers are invited to refer any staff seeking vaccination to one of the hundreds of Pennsylvania clinics providing vaccines.

Readiness Guide for Pennsylvania Employers

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has prepared a Readiness Guide for Pennsylvania Employers about the OSHA ETS. In the guide you will find detailed information about:

  • Vaccinating employees
  • Testing employees
  • Support from the PA Department of Health
  • List of U.S. employers with vaccine mandates
  • Information on differences in NAAT and Antigen Tests

Questions?

If you have questions related to the OSHA ETS on COVID-19 vaccination and testing, visit the OSHA website or reference the Frequently Asked Questions.

Gerrity’s Offering $50 Gift Cards for COVID-19 Vaccine

Gerrity’s Supermarkets will be holding three COVID-19 vaccine clinics over the next two weeks. Gerrity’s and Lackawanna County have partnered to offer $50 Gerrity’s gift cards to anyone who receives their first dose at one of the clinics. Lackawanna County will be sponsoring the cost of the gift cards for 100 recipients at each clinic.

Gerrity’s pharmacists will be dispensing the Moderna vaccine to anyone who is 18 years of age or older. People can sign up by visiting gerritys.com. Joyce “Mom” Fasula, president of Gerrity’s, is very pleased to be able to offer the vaccines. “We are grateful to Lackawanna County for giving us the opportunity to offer these gift cards,” said Fasula. “We are so thrilled to have a positive impact on the health of our community.”

The clinics will be held at the following locations:
Keyser-Oak Shopping Center, Scranton on Wednesday, December 8
702 S. Main Ave., Scranton on Wednesday, December 15
4015 Birney Ave., Moosic on Thursday, December 16

Lehigh Valley Health Network to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine at La Festa Italiana

In an effort to get our community vaccinated, Lehigh Valley Health Network will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine at La Festa Italiana on Sunday, Sept. 5 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both the Johnson & Johnson and the Pfizer Vaccine will be available. Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccinations provided by LVHN are free. To learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccines, visit LVHN.org/vaccines.

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.

Geisinger Offering Third-Dose COVID-19 Vaccines for Immunocompromised People

Following recent guidance from the Food and Drug Administration, Geisinger is now offering third-dose COVID-19 vaccines for immunocompromised people. Third-dose vaccines are available by appointment at Geisinger Community Vaccine Centers or select Geisinger Pharmacy locations.

People eligible for the third dose are those who already received two doses of either the Pfizer BioNTech or Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and have weakened immune systems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this includes people who have:

  • • Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
  • • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • • Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
  • • Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott- Aldrich syndrome)
  • • Advanced or untreated HIV infection
  • • Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

If you are unsure if you’re eligible for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, talk with your doctor.

Make an appointment for a third-dose 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 Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton.

Remember to bring the COVID-19 vaccine card or proof of having received both vaccine doses to the third-dose appointment. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at geisinger.org/COVIDVax.

As a reminder, one visitor is permitted for outpatient appointments, and masks must be worn (regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status) by all patients, visitors and employees in all Geisinger buildings and facilities.

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, Dallas
  • Geisinger Healthplex State College, 132 Abigail Lane, Port Matilda
  • Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine (Danville), 16 Woodbine Lane, Danville
  • Geisinger Lewistown Clinic, 21 Geisinger Lane, Lewistown
  • Geisinger Lock Haven, 68 Spring St., Lock Haven
  • Geisinger Mount Pleasant (Scranton), 531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton
  • Geisinger Mount Pocono, 126 Market Way, Mount Pocono
  • Geisinger 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.

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.