COVID-19 Information & Resources
Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) continues to monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19 and is taking all necessary steps and precautions to keep our patients, staff and visitors safe. Below is a list of current information and resources regarding COVID-19 and the measures that LMHS has recently implemented in response. Patients with COVID-19 are isolated, and our Environmental Services staff maintains a frequent sanitization schedule of all surfaces and equipment.
In accordance with the CDC’s COVID-19 County Level of Community Transmission guidance, an updated version of the LMHS visitation policy will be in effect beginning Friday, October 28:
- Visitors/support persons are allowed to visit patients at any time, with the exception of patients who are positive with COVID-19. Patients who are positive with COVID-19 may have two visitors at a time who must wear the necessary PPE. Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
- Face masks are no longer required except in the following circumstances:
- Masks are still required during patient care in areas caring for moderately to severely immunocompromised patients.
- Masks are required where staff are caring for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients or other respiratory infection (e.g., those with a runny nose, cough, or sneeze).
- Masks are still required for those who have been exposed (patients, visitors, and co-workers) to someone positive for COVID-19 infection.
- Masks may be worn by those who prefer to continue to wear masks based upon their personal preference.
- For visitation information regarding Hospice of Central Ohio, located on the LMH Sixth Floor, please call (740) 344-0379.
- Informational signage is displayed at entrances for visitors to review and self-screen for possible COVID-19 infection.
- If screened patients at the ED entrance have severe symptoms related to COVID-19, they are isolated in a comfortable area for the protection of other patients.
- Vendors must check in at the Purchasing entrance at the rear of the Hospital. The vendor will be given a badge to wear and escorted to the area by the department manager.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent COVID-19:
- Moderna/Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine
- Pfizer/BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of two vaccines to prevent COVID-19:
- Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
- Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
The Moderna/Spikevax and Pfizer/BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines, a new technique that works by replicating the genetic code of a virus to trick the body into producing antibodies without requiring the virus itself to be injected. An mRNA vaccine contains instructions that direct cells in the body to make antigens that will induce an immune response to prevent or fight disease. Once antibodies are created, the body acquires a defense against infection.
- Two injections are needed in order for the vaccine to be effective
- mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19
- mRNA is not able to alter or modify a person’s genetic makeup (DNA) – the mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell
- Re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, and it is advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine despite a previous positive test for the virus
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is a protein vaccine that packages harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future. Vaccines using protein subunits have been used for more than 30 years in the United States, beginning with the first licensed hepatitis B vaccine. Other protein subunit vaccines used in the United States today include those to protect against influenza and whooping cough.
The Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a single-dose vaccine that uses viral vector technology. It contains an inactivated common cold virus called adenovirus 26, which is modified to carry the genetic information of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The modified adenovirus cannot multiply, so it does not cause infection. When the vaccine is administered, the modified adenovirus enters the cells and delivers the viral DNA, which causes the cells to produce coronavirus proteins to mimic the virus and prompt an immune response in the body. If a vaccinated person is exposed to COVID-19, their immune system now is able to recognize the virus and prevent infection.
Some side effects from the vaccines are expected as normal signs that the body is building immune protection. These side effects may limit the ability to do daily activities, but should subside in a few days. Common side effects include:
- Pain and swelling at the injection site
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
It is important to continue using all the tools available to help stop the spread of the virus including:
- Covering your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
- Staying at least 6 feet away from others
- Avoiding crowds
- Washing your hands often
Fact Sheets
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 12 years of age and older (fda.gov)
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 5-11 years of age (fda.gov)
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 6 months through 4 years of age (fda.gov)
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 12 years and older (fda.gov)
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 6-11 years of age (fda.gov)
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 6 months through 5 years of age (fda.gov)
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine
Additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine may be found here:
Ohio Department of Health Coronavirus Website – COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/general-resources/frequently-asked-questions+covid-19-vaccine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – COVID-19 Vaccines: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Information
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5)
Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent (Original and Omicron BA.4/BA.5)
Individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent if it has been at least two months since they have completed primary vaccination or have received the most recent booster dose with any authorized or approved monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
Johnson & Johnson/Janssen
Booster doses are authorized for all recipients of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone age 18 or older who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine can get a booster dose at least two months following the initial dose.
Dosage: The Johnson & Johnson booster dose is the same formulation and dosage given for the first dose.
Mix-and-match booster: Any individual who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may get a booster dose of any COVID-19 vaccine approved or authorized for use in the United States. The LMH Vaccination Booster Clinic will not have the Johnson & Johnson booster available, but recipients may choose between Pfizer/Comirnaty or Moderna boosters.
Booster dose timing: At least two months following the first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone ages 5 years and older, if eligible. Clinical studies show that the COVID-19 vaccine provides many benefits and is the best way to battle the virus and end the pandemic.
Benefits of receiving the vaccine include:
- Protecting your child from severe COVID-19 infection and potential hospitalization
- Protecting friends and family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination
- Keeping children in school and helping them safely participate in sports and other extracurricular activities
- Reducing the spread of COVID-19 within the community
Appointments are available for children to receive their COVID-19 vaccination primary series or booster dose. Please call (220) 564-2580 to schedule your child's vaccination appointment.
How is the vaccine for children administered?
Pfizer-BioNTech
6 months through 4 years: 3 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech in the primary series. The first and second doses are separated by three to eight weeks and the second and third doses are separated by at least eight weeks. For people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), the first and second doses are separated by three weeks, and the second and third doses are separated by at least eight weeks.
5 to 11 years old: 2 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech in the primary series, given 3–8 weeks apart. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) should get a 3rd dose at least 4 weeks after their 2nd dose in the primary series. According to the CDC, the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as a flu vaccination or other childhood immunization.
Moderna
6 months through 17 years: 2 doses of Moderna in the primary series, given 4-8 weeks apart. For people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system), the first and second doses are separated by four weeks, and the second and third doses are separated by at least four weeks.
How do we know the vaccines for children are safe?
COVID-19 vaccines have undergone—and will continue to undergo—the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Evidence from the hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccines already administered in the United States, and the billions of vaccines administered globally, demonstrates that they are safe and effective.
What are the side effects of the vaccine for children?
Common side effects include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. Severe reactions to the vaccine are rare.
Why do younger children need this vaccine?
Although COVID-19 tends to be milder in children than in adults, children infected with the virus can become severely ill and even hospitalized. Those with underlying medical conditions are more at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Children who get COVID-19 can develop serious complications, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), a condition where different body parts become inflamed, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs.
My child had COVID-19. Do they still need to be vaccinated?
It is unclear how long COVID-19 antibodies stay in the body and protect us from the virus. It is important for your child to be vaccinated even if they had COVID-19 because there is a possibility of re-infection.
What should I do if I still have questions about my child getting the vaccine?
Your pediatrician can help you make the right decision for your child.
Symptomatic individuals may be tested for COVID-19 at select primary care physician offices or one of three LMH Urgent Care locations, where a clinician will determine if testing is appropriate. Please visit one of the locations below if experiencing COVID symptoms – only those with severe symptoms should present at the Emergency Department.
If you are asymptomatic and need a COVID-19 test, please visit your local pharmacy for testing or to purchase an at-home test kit.
The following LMHP primary care physician offices currently offer testing services. You may only visit a physician if you are established as a current patient. Please call in advance to request testing:
- Marita Moore, M.D., Family Practice – Doctors Park 2: (220) 564-4824
- Katrina Timson, M.D., Family Practice – East Main: (220) 564-1830
- Michael Barth, M.D., Family Practice – Granville: (220) 564-1961
- Kevin Graham, M.D., Family Practice – Granville: (220) 564-1961
- Navin Muni, M.D., Family Practice – Granville: (220) 564-1961
- Andrew Seipel, M.D., Family Practice – Licking Valley: (220) 564-1720
- Garth Bennington, M.D., Family Practice – West Main: (220) 564-1700
- Talya Greathouse, M.D., Family Practice – West Main: (220) 564-1700
- Sean Gallagher, M.D., Pediatrics – East Main: (220) 564-1840
- Brian Klima, M.D., Pediatrics – Pataskala: (220) 564-1925
- Hanaa Abdelmessih, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Richard Baltisberger, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Shelley Gittens, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Jimisha Patel, M.D., Pediatrics – Tamarack: (220) 564-4949
- Elizabeth McIntosh, M.D., Family Practice – Johnstown: (220) 564-1810
- Keri Hershberger, M.D., Family Practice – Pataskala: (220) 564-1905
- Nina Hourmouzis, M.D., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
- Nishi Patel, M.D., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
- David Koontz, D.O., Licking Memorial Internal Medicine: (220) 564-4805
LMH Urgent Care facilities are located in the following areas:
- Urgent Care – Granville: (220) 564-7502
- Urgent Care – Pataskala: (220) 564-7602
- Urgent Care – Downtown Newark: (220) 564-7702
Click here for location addresses and hours of operation.
- Photo identification is required.
- When arriving, please remain in your vehicle and call the appropriate number listed above for further instruction. A staff member will complete the registration process over the phone and will provide additional directives for testing.
- A face mask is required at all times during your visit.
- The staff will complete a screening to determine if testing is appropriate.
Proactive prevention and planning are essential to containing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. As with any infectious disease, proper hygiene techniques will help reduce the spread of a virus. The following prevention guidelines are suggested for use at home, work, school and community locations:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – dry hands with a clean towel or air dry hands.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing – immediately deposit tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with those with illness, and stay home when you are sick to treat symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness worsens (e.g., fever, cough and difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider's office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- Keep hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) and tissues on hand.
- Keep household cleaning spray or wipes readily available.
- Clean "high-touch" surfaces daily. These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
- Do not share personal items such as water bottles.
- The CDC recommends knowing the COVID-19 Community Level in your area and following the corresponding preventative steps.
- Be prepared to cancel non-essential travel plans.
- Get a flu shot this season if you have not already. Although it will not protect against COVID-19, it can provide greater immunity against influenza or lessen symptoms if contracted, which may reduce the strain on healthcare facilities.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the following websites: