COVID positive hospitalizations at Mount Nittany Health
Today, September 10, we are caring for 17 COVID positive inpatients at Mount
Nittany Medical Center, ranging in age from 22 to 92.
In August, our total COVID positive admissions was 69 with an average daily
census of 14 patients. The number of COVID positive inpatients at the Medical
Center is nearly double what it was this time last year, and the vast majority
of these patients are unvaccinated.
"Since the start of September, our daily average census of COVID
positive inpatients is at 17 – surpassing our average of 14 in the month of
August. Due to this increase, we have been taking additional steps in our
pandemic response plan to adjust our operations to meet the needs of the
community. We continue to adjust elective surgical care as well as restrict
visitation at our facilities.
The COVID vaccine is highly effective and our best defense against the
transmission of COVID in our community. We strongly encourage everyone to
receive it," said Dr. Tiffany Cabibbo, Chief Nursing Office and Executive
Vice President, Patient Care Services, Mount Nittany Health.
Don't Wait. Get Vaccinated.
Recently, the CDC recommended that people whose immune systems are moderately
to severely compromised receive an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine after an
initial two-dose series. Patients who meet the eligibility requirements and
attest to the criteria may request an appointment for an additional 3rd dose of
the COVID-19 vaccine at mountnittany.org/COVID.
As a reminder, Mount Nittany Health continues to offer initial and second
doses of the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine to interested community members. To
register for the COVID vaccine, please go to mountnittany.org/COVID and click "Sign up now." You
do not need to be a Mount Nittany Health patient to request the vaccine and
there is no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine. We will contact you with an
appointment date and time.
Continue efforts to prevent spread of COVID
Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the
virus if you are exposed. The Delta variant is highly contagious and has been
proven to spread easily. This is another reason why continuing to consistently
follow additional COVID safety measures, including social distancing, not
meeting in large groups, masking and frequent hand washing is essential and
helps to significantly reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or
spreading it to others.