UPMC and Covid-19

At UPMC, we are committed to protecting our communities from COVID-19 in every way possible. To date, we have provided more than 300,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines to health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, and community members who are 65 and older or at high risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. We are eager to continue expanding our vaccine effort as more supplies become available. Another promising breakthrough in COVID-19 care is monoclonal antibody treatment. The treatment, given soon after testing positive for COVID-19, has dramatically reduced the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 in our patients. To date, UPMC has provided the therapy to more than 1,000 patients across our communities. For more information on this promising treatment for COVID-19, visit UPMC.com/AntibodyTreatment. In a press conference last week, UPMC doctors provided an update on our COVID-19 vaccination and monoclonal antibody efforts. To watch a replay of the press conference, visit UPMC.com/COVID19.

New CDC School Guidelines: What to Know

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidelines on preventing COVID-19 spread in schools. The new recommendations apply specifically to K-12 schools. They include updated guidelines on physical distancing between students, as well as the importance of ventilation. For more on how students, teachers, and staff can stay safe in school, visit our HealthBeat blog.

Should Pregnant Women Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Pregnant women are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under Pennsylvania's Phase 1a. In the coming weeks, we will be offering vaccination clinics for pregnant women at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. These clinics are for pregnant women only. If you are pregnant and wish to sign up to receive a vaccine at UPMC Magee, call 833-653-0519. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant and lactating women who are eligible should be free to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they choose. Women who are pregnant are at greater risk for severe illness from COVID-19 than women who aren’t pregnant. Pregnant women also are at greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines were not tested on pregnant women during clinical trials. However, all available data since vaccination distribution began suggests the vaccines are safe for both pregnant women and their unborn babies. The risk of COVID-19 is greater than the risk of vaccination. If you are pregnant and wish to learn more about receiving the vaccine, we encourage you to talk to your doctor. For more about the COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy, visit our HealthBeat blog.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

UPMC Information on COVID-19 Centers for Disease Control Coronavirus Update World Health Organization Pennsylvania Department of Health