By Kristy Warren
Know someone who needs a COVID-19 rapid test? Laurel Health has you covered. The Laurel Health Centers will host another pop-up community testing event Tuesday, January 31 from 9 am - 11 am in the Lawrenceville Family Dollar parking lot, located at 66 Main Street in Lawrenceville, PA.
This event is open to everyone, and tests will be provided at no cost. Walk-ins are welcome; you may also pre-register at 570-827-0125 if preferred.
Laurel Health hosts free, monthly community testing events, including pop-up events, to assure everyone has access to local testing regardless of insurance status or income.
NEED A TEST BUT CAN'T ATTEND AN EVENT?
You may request a test at the Laurel Health Center of your choice at any time. For a full list of LHC locations and corresponding contact numbers, click here.
When requesting an individual testing appointment at our locations, you will receive a telemedicine visit with an LHC provider so that they can accurately evaluate your symptoms / exposure and determine which type of test should be ordered (e.g., COVID-19 point-of-care rapid test or PCR swab, flu test, etc.) as well as when it should be conducted. As a result, your insurance may be billed for a televisit. If cost is a barrier to your care, we offer a sliding fee program and free community testing events each month.
COVID-19 & FLU VACCINES ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL LHC LOCATIONS
With flu and COVID-19 still circulating widely throughout the region, it's important to assure you and your family are protected. The COVID-19 and flu vaccines provide safe, effective protection. Laurel Health's medical professionals strongly advise that everyone age six months and up be vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community. The vaccines reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and chronic complications.
Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are available for anyone aged six months and up. We provide vaccines at Laurel Pediatrics and all Laurel Health Center locations throughout Tioga and Bradford Counties, including booster shots and pediatric vaccine.
Help stop the spread of illness and keep your family healthy this winter with these preventive tips:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for a full 20 seconds. Wet your hands, turn off the water, and then lather your hands with soap for 20 seconds before rinsing with warm water. Hum "Happy Birthday" twice to make sure you're spending enough time at the sink.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears with unwashed hands. These are easy entry points for germs.
- Stay home when you feel unwell and keep your distance from others when you or they feel sick. If you're taking care of someone who is ill, do not share food / drinks / utensils, limit close contact, mask when in the same space, and wash your hands often.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow (not your hands). Throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands. If you're on the go and don't have easy access to a sink, use hand sanitizer. Make sure to rub the sanitizer solution into your hands until they feel dry (15 - 20 seconds).
- If you'll be in a large group or medical setting, wear a mask. It can be difficult to keep your distance from others in crowded spaces. If you'll be in a large group (e.g., a crowded store, concert, or meeting) or may be around people who are vulnerable or sick (e.g., a doctor's office, nursing home, or hospital), wear a well-fitting mask for an extra layer of protection.
- Call your doctor if your condition is not improving or is getting worse over time.
- Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza (flu). Getting vaccinated against vaccine-preventable diseases is vital to keeping your family and community healthy. These vaccines teach your body how to better prepare for and fight off these illnesses. Vaccines can help you avoid getting sick, reduce symptom severity, speed up your recovery, and help protect extra vulnerable populations like seniors, young children, and cancer patients.
Laurel Health administers Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Patients who received their Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series more than six months ago or their J&J shot more than two months ago are advised to receive a COVID-19 booster shot to bolster and extend vaccine protection. It's important to be vaccinated even if you've had COVID-19 before. COVID-19 strains can evolve over time, and studies have shown the COVID-19 vaccines provide stronger, longer-lasting protection against COVID-19 than immunity acquired by becoming infected with the COVID-19 virus.
To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine or flu vaccine, call the Laurel Health office of your choice or 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) and select an LHC location from the menu. For a full list of LHC locations and numbers, click here. You may also sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine using our online portal: click here to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine online.
For more information about COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and prevention, click here to visit our COVID-19 resources and education page.