Coronavirus FAQs

Mount Nittany Health conducts screenings of patients entering its facilities. This screening process is another measure that we are taking to protect our patients, staff and community against the spread of COVID-19. The screening process will include key questions based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

​Our team will work as quickly as possible to safely and effectively complete the screenings; please prepare accordingly and allow extra time for this process.

Mount Nittany Health is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of the community.

Please visit the Patient Information page to view our current visitor policy.

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Regular and consistent hand washing is crucial to help prevent the spread of infection. Follow the steps below to perform a good hand wash:

1. Moisten your hands with warm running water.
2. Apply enough soap to produce lather.
3. Vigorously rub all hand surfaces together for a minimum of 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands under warm running water.
5. Dry your hands thoroughly using paper towels.
6. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Note: Soap and water are not always available, but it’s important to prepare for times like these by keeping an antiseptic hand rub in your car, desk or purse. Spread thoroughly over your hands, and rub them until dry.

The health and wellbeing of our staff, patients and visitors is our top priority. Mount Nittany Health is working closely with public health officials and other community health agencies to monitor local conditions related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Extra measures — We have implemented numerous measures to ensure everyone’s safety. This includes the following, among others:

• Special cleaning of all areas several times a day
• Screening
• Requiring of patients, visitors, employees and providers to wear masks
• Use of telehealth, when possible, to provide care
• New protective barriers between patients and staff in registration areas
• Scheduling of time between patient visits to limit/eliminate people in the waiting rooms and practice social distancing
• Temporary visitation restrictions

The most common side effect is a sore arm for 24 to 48 hours. Some people can develop a fever, swollen lymph nodes, generalized muscle pain or fatigue. These side effects are generally mild and are not unexpected. They indicate that your immune system is activated.

COVID-19 vaccine questions can be directed to the Pennsylvania health hotline at 1.877.724.3258, and up-to-date vaccine information is also available at mountnittany.org/coronavirus.

Vaccines are safe and effective and the best way to protect you and those around you from serious illnesses. Severe allergic reactions are rare.

The vaccine is another tool that is available to help stop the pandemic. The vaccine will arm your immune system if you acquire the virus, while other measures, such as wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands frequently, are still needed to keep from spreading the virus to others.

You will need to bring proof of Pennsylvania residency or employment, such as:

• Pennsylvania driver’s license or Pennsylvania identification card
• Utility bill with your name and address
• Employer identification or badge
• Business card

You will also need to bring a signed vaccination agreement form.

You are required to wear a mask to the vaccine site. If you will not wear a mask, then you will not be permitted to enter the site and will lose your vaccine appointment slot.

Children and other visitors are not allowed. One caregiver may accompany you, if needed.

Mount Nittany Health currently only offers vaccine appointments at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to check in and turn in your vaccination agreement form and proof of residency or employment in Pennsylvania.

Additionally, be prepared to stay for 15 minutes after vaccination for observation. There, visitors are not allowed.