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,” St. Luke’s Network Vice President Trevor Micklos said. “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,” St. Luke’s Senior Network Administrator John Hauth said. “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:

For St. Luke’s COVID-19 vaccination information, go to www.sluhn.org/vaccine.

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

Questions related to MyChart can be answered by going to https://www.slhn.org/covid-19/protect-yourself/covid-19-vaccine/mychart-faqs or by calling 1-866-STLUKES (785-8537), option 5. Please note that due to an overwhelming activity of phones calls you may be placed on a callback list.