• St. Joe’s HCWs (including pregnant HCWs) should contact their primary care provider to determine eligibility for publicly funded vaccines. 

• HCWs who are 60 years and older and do not qualify for the publicly funded RSV vaccine can obtain the vaccine at a retail pharmacy with a prescription. 

Fluzone quadrivalent MDV & COVID-19 SPIKEVAX KP.2 (Moderna) vaccine initially, but these may change over the course of the campaign based on supply from Public Health. 

COVID-19 is not considered a booster any longer. It is the seasonal immunization for COVID. 

We encourage healthcare workers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is not mandatory at this time. 

Family members can go to St. Joe’s retail pharmacy services. Vaccine clinics are also offered within communities, please refer to community clinic locations here. 

Yes, staff from St. Joseph’s Villa and St. Joseph’s Home Care are welcome to walk in at one of the clinics. 

HCWs are asked to self-screen for the following five (5) symptoms only:

1. cough
2. fever
3. shortness of breath
4. sore throat
5. loss of taste/smell

Staff should not work if they have a collection of two or more of these symptoms. If you are unsure if you should work, please call the Employee Health for direction.

If you have 1 of these symptoms and work on a unit that is in Outbreak or High Alert, please call the Employee Health for direction .

Yes, you may work if you are asymptomatic. Staff who have been exposed to respiratory illnesses but have no symptoms may work. Staff are asked to self-screen for symptoms.

HCWs experiencing symptoms can return to work, without clearance from Employee Health, when:

• Symptoms are resolving and have been improving for 24 hours;
• Healthcare worker has been fever-free for at least 24 hours;
• Healthcare worker has not had gastro-intestinal symptoms for at least 48 hours.
• No testing is required if these criteria are met.

Note that mild lingering symptoms of cough, mild congestion and/or use of inhalers does not restrict return to work.

Upon returning to work, HCWs must follow workplace self-isolation until 10 days after symptom onset, including:

• Wearing a well-fitted medical mask
• Taking breaks alone
• Not carpooling unless masked while in the car/within six feet walking to and from workplace

Similar to other absences, managers will complete the 4-day absence notification, when prompted.

HCWs experiencing symptoms and anticipate being off work should notify their manager. Employees with questions may call Employee Health (Ext. 33344) and leave a detailed message with your name, unit, contact information.

Recognizing the volume of calls Employee Health may receive, there may be a slight delay in a return call.

• No, testing is no longer required for Return to Work guidance.

Required as directed by IPAC.

If you have any questions, please contact Employee Health (ext. 33344).