St. Luke’s University Health Network is expediting COVID-19 vaccine access to area education employees.

“We recognize that getting our schools back to ‘normal’ is a goal for every parent, teacher and child,” states Trevor Micklos, St. Luke’s Network vice president, “Our hope is that by working to vaccinate educators over the next several months, we can ensure that our kids will be ‘back to school’ as soon as possible.”

Recently, St. Luke’s made the commitment to dedicate weekly vaccine appointments to 78 schools in the region based on state guided phase requirements. To qualify for expedited access, education employees must meet Pennsylvania’s Phase 1a eligibility criteria (age 16-64 with high-risk conditions, or anyone 65 and older) and have indicated their employer on their St. Luke’s MyChart account. St. Luke’s has committed to providing area school districts with a portion of available appointments while continuing to provide equitable distribution to the remainder of those eligible in Phase 1a.

“We want everyone to be vaccinated as quickly as possible,” says John Hauth, St. Luke’s Senior Network Administrator, “Our only limitation is the amount of vaccine we get from the state. It’s not an instantaneous process, so it is important to remain patient.”

On a weekly basis, St. Luke’s will reach eligible educators with notice of available vaccine appointments. The plan is to increase support for the local education system which is an essential part of the community. St. Luke’s hopes to help all schools eventually bring their students back to an in-person learning platform. St. Luke’s provides comprehensive health care services, from sports medicine to behavioral health support, to school districts throughout the region.

Educator Employee Vaccine Information:

St. Luke’s COVID-19 Vaccination Information: www.sluhn.org/vaccine

Eligible educators are encouraged to log in or create a St. Luke’s MyChart account. If you have any questions about the vaccine as it relates to your medical condition or situation, please speak with your health care provider before scheduling a vaccine appointment.