COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Team Members

<<Back to Latest COVID-19 Team Member Updates

On November 4, 2021, CMS and OSHA released details of the regulations requiring employers to implement a COVID-19 vaccination mandate policy with a deadline of January 4, 2022.
>>Click here to read the details of the vaccine mandate as it relates to Messiah Lifeways in full.<<

An on campus COVID-19 vaccination clinic is scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2021 in Compass Pointe Place, Village Center. All 3 vaccine options will be available. Click here to register.

Recording of Team Member Open Forum: COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates:

On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, an open forum was held for team members regarding forthcoming COVID-19 vaccination mandates as announced by CMS and OSHA. Members of the panel included Karl Brummer, Kelli Mills, Christina Weber, Dr. Stoner, and Dr. Peck. The full recording is available to view below. If you have additional questions, feel free to email communicationsteam@messiahlifeways.org.

Click here to view a video message shared with residents and family members in response to many calls for us to mandate the vaccine more quickly. In the video, we offer a clear picture of the workforce challenges being faced and where Messiah Lifeways is in the mandate process.
Click here to read the statement provided by Executive Team when the intention of CMS to mandate COVID-19 vaccination in long-term care employees was first announced. We continue to wait for official guidance to be issued before taking additional action.

We encourage you to chat with your personal care physician — they know your unique health situation and are the best person to ask for advice about the vaccine.

News Alert: The FDA gave full authorization of the Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 vaccination on August 23, 2021. Click here to read the full details.

News Alert: Those who work or live in long-term care are now eligible for booster shots. Click here to learn more.

So, how does getting vaccinated as a Messiah Lifeways team member work?

Scheduling your vaccination

We encourage you to schedule an appointment with a local pharmacy and let us know about it! Here are some options with quick scheduling times:
- Rite Aid
- CVS
- Giant (At last check, appointments are available at Cumberland Pkwy location as soon as this afternoon!)
- Vaccines.gov (a comprehensive search site)

If I need to take time off due to vaccine side effects, can I use PTO/STL?

Yes! Just talk with your supervisor.

If I get vaccinated, do any policies change for me?

Yes!
- You no longer need to quarantine after an exposure to someone who tests positive for COVID-19 unless you are showing symptoms yourself
- You no longer need to be involved in routine testing beginning May 17
- If you are outside of an EL/N neighborhood and with all vaccinated people, you may meet together unmasked, unless we are in a period of high community spread
Outside of Messiah Lifeways, here’s guidance from the CDC on what vaccinated people can safely do: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

Who should I notify after getting vaccinated?

Please contact Human Resources ASAP

Did you know that approximately 74% team members have been vaccinated against COVID-19 to date?

Vaccine Ambassadors:

If you would like to talk with someone who has already been vaccinated, the following team members have volunteered to share their experiences. Please feel free to reach out to whomever you feel most comfortable with.

Vaccine Ambassadors List