Week of February 15, 2021
COVID-19 Update
Sent: February 19, 2021
To the Dickinson community:
As you have likely seen in the news, vaccine distribution in Pennsylvania continues to be challenging. Last week and again this week, Sadler Health Center was forced to cancel scheduled vaccine appointments because they did not get the supply of vaccinations they expected from the state. In addition, some providers inadvertently used vaccines that should have been held for second doses for individuals previously vaccinated. This has been a frustrating process, and we are in touch several times a week with community leaders working to address these problems.
On yesterday’s call with the Carlisle Community Action Network, our state representative gave us reassurances that while appointments to receive second doses may have to be delayed slightly, there will be enough supply to administer them within the recommended timeframe. Making sure that eligible individuals get their second shot may also lead to temporary delays in first-time vaccinations. For the first time since the pandemic emerged, a state task force has been developed to improve communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and our concerns are being shared directly with these decision makers.
In addition, the state will require vaccine providers to provide a phone number that is answered by a person to help with scheduling, in addition to providing a scheduling website.
Right now, the best tool to find out about availability of vaccines is on the state Department of Health website. It can be a very frustrating process, but I have heard checking the website very early in the morning can be helpful. The UPMC health system is also scheduling vaccinations for eligible individuals and can be reached at 844-876-2822.
The state also has a Your Turn web tool to make it easier to find out when you are eligible to receive the vaccine.
In the meantime, we are preparing with other community representatives to be able to effectively assist with coordinating mass vaccinations locally once this is feasible.
The federal government also has just announced that it is launching a mass vaccination site at Philadelphia’s Convention Center, which will be able to provide up to 6,000 vaccinations per day. We will share information on this once it is available.
Our semester is in full-swing and I thank all of you who have been following our safety and health guidelines for the good of our community. Just a reminder to students that the community compact is being strictly enforced. As you know, our Campus Reopening Page has a great deal of useful information, and our COVID dashboard will give you a glimpse of testing results and individuals in isolation. Severe winter weather across the country is causing shipping delays for all carriers. For the most part, we have been able to get our tests delivered to the lab within 48 hours. Unfortunately, a batch of tests from earlier this week did not arrive in time to be processed. In response to factors like this which are out of our control, we adapt our testing schedule to accommodate the need for additional tests and have secured courier services as needed. Please be sure to show up as scheduled for your COVID-19 testing.
Some of you have received vaccinations, and we encourage you to share that information with us. Once 14 days have passed since you have been fully vaccinated, if you are within the 90 days post the second dose of the vaccine, you will not be required to quarantine if you are exposed to someone who may have COVID-19. However, once you go beyond the 90-day period, quarantine is again required with close contact. Please note that these requirements may change going forward. Students who have received both the first and second dose of the vaccine can upload their vaccination card to their patient portal or email it to health@dickinson.edu. Employees can upload their vaccine documentation here.
It is wonderful to have students back on campus, and I thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this possible. Stay healthy, stay warm and remain Dickinson strong.
Sincerely,
Margee M. Ensign
President