Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19 VACCINE: Laurel Health has COVID-19 vaccine available at all Laurel Health Centers and Laurel Pediatrics for everyone aged six months and up. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you, please call 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) and select the center of your choice or click here to use our online registration form. We encourage everyone to sign up as soon as they’re able. You do not have to be an LHC patient to schedule your vaccine with us. 

Patients should still receive a COVID-19 vaccine even if they’ve previously had COVID-19, as studies indicate the vaccines confer stronger, broader, and longer-lasting protection than naturally acquired immunity. 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.


COVID-19 SYMPTOMS: If you suspect you may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19, call your healthcare provider immediately so that they can assess your risk and recommend your next care steps. If you need a healthcare provider, call us at 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) or click here to visit our LHC provider page. 

COVID-19 TESTING: The Laurel Health Centers provide COVID-19 testing at all sites, including rapid tests. Anyone requesting a test will receive a televisit with an LHC provider to evaluate symptoms and/or exposure and determine if / what type of testing is needed. To schedule a test, call 1-833-LAURELHC (1-833-528-7354) and select the office of your choice or click here for a full list of Laurel Health locations. 

COVID-19 VACCINE FAST FACTS:

The vaccines are safe, effective, and no cost to you. Before being approved for use, they were rigorously studied and evaluated for safety & effectiveness, reviewed in-depth by top clinical experts around the world, and vetted through all the same intensive clinical trials as every other vaccine. They have now been safely given to millions of people. Not being vaccinated carries the high risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing serious complications, including chronic health issues, hospitalization, and death. Everyone aged six months and up is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Sign up for your vaccine today!

• Being vaccinated helps prevent you from catching COVID-19 and greatly reduces your risk for serious symptoms, complications, hospitalization, or death if you do become infected with COVID-19
  
  
• The vaccines teach your body how to effectively fight the virus without having to risk COVID-19's symptoms, dangerous complications & long-term problems
  
  
• Side effects mean the vaccine is working well to prompt your immune response; they are usually mild like sore arm & fatigue and resolve quickly (1-3 days) 

For the latest information on COVID-19's spread and local cases, click here to visit the PA Dept. of Health. 

EVERYONE should continue to take precautions against COVID-19; each measure below is a tool in our COVID-19 prevention toolkit. No one tool is 100% effective, so a combination of prevention measures provides the best protection:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for a full 20 seconds; hum happy birthday twice to make sure you're spending enough time at the sink.
  
  
• After interacting with public surfaces or items, always wash your hands (e.g., after handling money, credit cards, gas pumps, items in a store, door handles, light switches, or cart handles).
  
  
• When on the go, use hand sanitizer with an alcohol content of 60% or higher and rub your hands together for at least 15 seconds until all gel is absorbed.
  
  
• Get your COVID-19 vaccine and booster to help your body better recognize and fight off COVID-19. The vaccines are safe, effective, and no cost to you. They have been vetted through all the same intensive clinical trials as every other approved vaccine. The vaccines have been safely given to millions of people and are one of your best lines of defense against COVID-19. To learn more, click here. 
  
  
• Avoid rubbing at your eyes, nose, or mouth. These are easy entry points for viruses. 
  
  
• Wear a mask over your nose and mouth and do your best to maintain social distancing when in crowded public settings like schools, supermarkets, stores, churches, and businesses. 
  
  
• Be aware of current COVID-19 case counts in your area and adjust your activities accordingly. If community transmission is high, avoid high-risk activities and avoid in-person visits with vulnerable people (e.g., older adults, those with chronic conditions, those with serious illnesses, and unvaccinated groups). Use technology like video chatting, texts, calls, and social media to stay connected while keeping those most vulnerable safe. 
  
  
• If you suspect you may have been exposed or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, always call ahead to your family doctor, clinic, or emergency room for guidance. This allows healthcare providers to prepare for your arrival and ensure you can safely receive care without exposing others. Laurel Health has COVID-19 testing available at all sites.
   
• If you feel sick, stay home. Staying home to rest when you feel ill reduces your likelihood of spreading illness to others and allows you to better recover. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms like fever, shortness of breath, dry cough, or loss of taste/smell, call your doctor for guidance on testing and treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, call 911.