We were in the largest medical crisis I had ever seen, and I’m both honored and humbled that I witnessed the little and large fights towards life and healing. When families were grieving, I was by their side and offered an ear or a blanket. When miracles happened and I saw patients come back from the edge, I was filled with joy and humility. Working at Genesis during the pandemic is the hardest and most rewarding experience I have ever had. When I can be there for others, I feel like I can take on anything no matter how tough or intimidating. 

Thank you to my amazing team and to the staff in the Genesis Emergency Department for pushing me to be my best and keep people safe, happy and healthy. Without them, none of this would 
be possible. 

Stay awesome!
-Genesis R.N.

Read their stories and share your story

After two long years of dealing with a pandemic, a few Genesis team members wrote letters to document their experience. Their words are heartbreaking and inspiring. We are eternally grateful for what our doctors, nurses and all Genesis team members have done to help our community. 

Read more at genesishcs.org/COVID-19Blog and submit your own story to share with the community.

Read a letter written by a Genesis R.N.

Are you thinking about flying to your next vacation destination? Maybe you’re ready to go to a concert? As COVID-19 continues, many social situations require proof of a vaccine to participate. 

With the MyChart app on your phone, you have quick access to your vaccination records, which takes away the risk of being denied access to an event or venue because you lost your vaccine card. MyChart even provides a QR code that you can download to prove your vaccination status without logging into the app. 

To find your status within MyChart, log into the MyChart app, click “Menu,” and look for the COVID-19 virus icon.

MyChart signup

It’s quick and free to sign up for MyChart. In addition to using it to show your vaccination status, you can view test results, have a video visit with your provider, request medication refills and much more.

To get started today:

• Download the MyChart App from the Apple App Store or Google Play or go to mychart.genesishcs.org
• Click on “New user activation” and follow the easy instructions

Are you thinking about flying to your next vacation destination? Maybe you’re ready to go to a concert? As COVID-19 continues, many social situations require proof of a vaccine to participate.

Getting vaccinated is vital for your health. However, did you know that even if you are vaccinated, you can still get and spread the COVID-19 virus without knowing it? It remains vital to take precautions to keep everyone healthy, especially those at high risk for getting COVID-19.

“The most important thing you can do is get vaccinated. You should also talk to your doctor as more data is compiled and follow recommendations on booster shots. In addition, please continue to wear a mask when indoors or in close quarters, wash your hands frequently and social distance,”

said Nouman Farooq, M.D., Fellowship-trained and Board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist at the Genesis Infectious Disease Clinic.

Genesis HealthCare System offers scheduled vaccine appointments at several primary care provider offices and walk-in vaccinations at multiple Northside Pharmacies.

For the latest news about COVID-19 and a list of where you can receive the vaccine, visit genesishcs.org/vaccine.

Getting vaccinated is vital for your health. However, did you know that even if you are vaccinated, you can still get and spread the COVID-19 virus without knowing it?

Checking if someone needs a COVID-19 test is mostly about asking questions, which lends itself well to a telehealth approach. If you have a mobile device, a telephone, a tablet or a computer with an internet connection, you can visit with a provider from the comfort of your own home through a virtual visit. If you don’t have that technology, you can still use the phone to conduct a telehealth visit. 

Telemedicine is a convenient way to handle minor, temporary, non-emergency medical conditions. A virtual visit is a smart way to reduce the potential for transmission of COVID-19.  

How to prepare for your virtual visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for your appointment 

Avoid positioning yourself in front of a bright window, as that darkens the view the provider will have of your face. If you sit outside, extra noise and potentially wind noise will interfere with the call. 

• Write down your list of questions 

• Be ready to share your most recent temperature reading 

• Prepare your device before your visit so that technical issues don’t delay your appointment 

• Focus on the session 

Just as you would during an office visit, eliminate distractions and interruptions during the virtual visit and give your provider your undivided attention. Shut off notifications on your cellphone and shut down apps that might create distractions or noise. 

Be prepared for an in-person follow-up. Depending on your circumstances, your provider may want to see you in person or send you for a test. 

Checking if someone needs a COVID-19 test is mostly about asking questions, which lends itself well to a telehealth approach. If you have a mobile device, a telephone, a tablet or a computer with an internet connection, you can visit with a provider from the comfort of your own home through a virtual visit.

Wondering how to stay healthy during a pandemic? Follow our seven tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Wondering how to stay healthy during a pandemic? Follow our seven tips to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is a huge step in enabling everyone to move past COVID-19. Does being vaccinated mean you can return to life as it was before the virus? Not exactly.

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) study shows the COVID-19 vaccines are about 90% effective at preventing you from being hospitalized with COVID-19. The National Institutes of Health estimate the COVID-19 vaccines have saved over 139,000 lives within five months after release.

The studies prove the vaccines are likely to prevent you from getting sick. In the rare circumstances, they do not prevent you from getting COVID-19, the vaccine is very likely to minimize your symptoms, preventing you from being admitted to the hospital.

However, we are all in this together. As you can have and spread COVID-19 after being vaccinated without knowing it, it is best to act with caution.

Therefore, as we continue to navigate the pandemic, we should consider the safety of loved ones, friends, neighbors and strangers. To provide the safest environment possible, please follow the CDC guidelines below and remember recommendations may change as more data becomes available.

According to CDC guidelines, after full vaccination, which means two weeks after your last recommended dose:

•          You can resume many of the activities you enjoyed before COVID-19
•          Lower the odds of getting the Delta variant or spreading it by wearing a mask inside public places
•         Social distance when you can
•         Wash your hands often

For information on where to receive the COVID-19 vaccine click HERE.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccination is a huge step in enabling everyone to move past COVID-19. Does being vaccinated mean you can return to life as it was before the virus? Not exactly.

Less severe, less sick, less likely to spread

In August and early September, Genesis HealthCare System saw a staggering surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, 75% of which were unvaccinated community members. There has been a 3,000% increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in recent weeks, with nearly one-fourth of those patients ranging in age from 18-45. The statistics prove younger people are not immune from getting COVID-19 and can become very sick from it.

According to the CDC, vaccines reduce a person’s risk of contracting COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Vaccines are highly effective against severe illness. Experts continue to monitor and evaluate how often unvaccinated people are contracting COVID-19, how severe their condition is, and how likely a vaccinated person is to spread COVID-19 to others. Data show that vaccination often make symptoms less severe in people who are vaccinated but still get COVID-19.

mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have shown to provide protection against severe illness and hospitalization among people of all ages eligible to receive them. This includes people 65 years and older who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

Vaccines work by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like it would if you were exposed to the disease. After getting vaccinated, you develop immunity to that disease, without having to get the disease first.

mRNA vaccines, such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, work differently than other types of vaccine, but they still trigger an immune response inside your body. While this type of vaccine is new, research and development on it has been under way for decades.

In contrast to mRNA vaccines, many other vaccines use a piece of, or weakened version of, the germ that the vaccine protects against. This is how the measles and flu vaccines work. When a

weakened or small part of the virus is introduced to your body, you make antibodies to help protect against future infection.

All COVID-19 vaccines are free from metals and will not make you magnetic, including the site of the vaccination, usually in your arm. None of the vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. contain a live virus.

For more information about vaccines and how Genesis is responding to COVID-19 click HERE.

In August and early September, Genesis HealthCare System saw a staggering surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, 75% of which were unvaccinated community members.

In the latest issue of LiveWell Kristy Ritchie, M.D. from the Genesis OB/GYN Group and Genesis Primary Care provider Kevin Frank, M.D. answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines:

Q: Should you get the vaccine if you are thinking about getting pregnant?

A: Definitely. Pregnant women who get COVID-19 are at a higher risk for hospitalization, breathing problems and more. Getting COVID-19 while pregnant also increases the risk for babies to be born early and other health problems.

Q: If you are pregnant, should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Ongoing data demonstrates the vaccine is safe for pregnant women and unborn children. However, pregnant women should discuss the vaccine with their obstetrician.

Q: Should breastfeeding mothers get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Generally, yes. The vaccine will help protect the mother and her infant if she is breastfeeding. This is also a conversation mothers should have with their healthcare provider.

Q: Does the COVID-19 vaccine impact your ability to conceive in the future?

A: The vaccine does not affect the ability to get pregnant or to have a healthy child. As with all pregnancies, it’s best to be as healthy as possible, including getting all appropriate vaccines.

Q: Should children 12 years and older get the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Everyone who is eligible should get the vaccine. Wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing has slowed the spread of COVID-19 but cannot stop it. The fastest way to return to normal is for everyone who is able and eligible to get the vaccine.

Q: How safe is the COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 and up?

A: The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Pfizer vaccine for individuals 16 and up. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children 12 and up for emergency use. The vaccine was also previously approved and used for children 12 years of age and up in Canada.

Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Frank answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.