COVID-19 VACCINATIONS
Jefferson Health is committed to the health and safety of our patients. Currently, we are awaiting directions from federal and regional authorities on their plans for vaccine distribution to the public. Jefferson is actively preparing for patient vaccination and will evaluate whatever vaccine we receive for its safety and efficacy. Due to the evolving nature of vaccine supplies, we ask that you not contact your doctor's office at this time regarding the availability of COVID vaccines. For more information about COVID-19 vaccination please visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.
Updates on the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health’s Order on Vaccine Distribution
Vaccination of community healthcare workers
Jefferson Health is preparing to implement plans in Montgomery and Bucks Counties in response to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Health's Order, effective January 6, directing and allowing Pennsylvania hospitals outside Philadelphia County to allocate 10% of their vaccine supplies to certain community healthcare workers. Those healthcare workers are defined as individuals who work in a paid or unpaid capacity in a healthcare setting, and in a role that carries the potential for direct or indirect exposure to COVID-19 patients or COVID-19 infectious materials. If you or work in Montgomery County or Bucks County, meet the eligibility criteria above and are interested in receiving a vaccination through Jefferson against COVID-19, please fill out this form.
Community healthcare workers may also access timely information about the vaccine and vaccine distribution on the following websites:
PA Department of Health
NJ Department of Health
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
COVID-19 Testing
With the surge of COVID-19 cases in the community, many patients are asking questions about how to be tested and whether to call their doctor or visit the Emergency Room. We would like to take this opportunity to explain.
- Serious symptoms: If a person has serious symptoms or is very sick, he or she should go to the Emergency Room. You should not go to the Emergency Room for testing if you are not seriously ill.
- Mild symptoms: For mild and moderate symptoms, call your primary care physician.
- Exposure to COVID-19 positive person and no symptoms: People who are not exhibiting symptoms, but have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should quarantine at home for 14 days since the last day of exposure to the COVID-19 ill patient. COVID-19 testing is available after day 5 to 7 as this can help guide additional contacts at risk. Please note you cannot test your way out of the 14 day quarantine if your COVID-19 test is negative during this interval.
- No exposure and no symptoms: People who are not exhibiting symptoms and have not been in exposed to COVID-19, but need testing for travel or return-to-work, should use testing sites like pharmacies or county testing sites rather than Abington – Jefferson Health testing sites.
Testing is not recommended for those who are just curious, exhibit no symptoms and have not been exposed to COVID-19.
Jefferson Health Launches Public COVID-19 Testing Site
Jefferson Health is launching a public COVID-19 testing site in Northwest Philadelphia in a City of Philadelphia-funded initiative to expand testing accessibility. – Read more
Jefferson Health Joins Top U.S. Hospitals to Encourage Everyone to #MaskUp
One hundred of the nation’s top health care systems, representing thousands of hospitals in communities across the U.S. (including Jefferson Health), have come together with an urgent plea for all Americans: mask up.
Abington Hospital Recognized as a Best Maternity Care Hospital by Newsweek
Abington Hospital was named to Newsweek’s 2020 list of “Best Maternity Care Hospitals.” The distinction recognizes facilities that have excelled in providing care to mothers, newborns and their families. Abington is one of fewer than 250 hospitals to receive the prestigious honor. – Read more