First and foremost, while the world grapples with an issue of enormous scale, our hearts go out to those who have been affected.  The evolving situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) can be unnerving, and new information is coming to light daily, even hourly.

Please be assured that CCAY is closely monitoring real-time developments and continually looking to experts such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization(WHO) for guidance.

The safety of our patients and staff is our foremost concern. We have taken numerous actions to address this.

COVID Vaccine

updated (8/16/2021)

The US FDA has authorized a booster vaccine shot for previously vaccinated people with a compromised immune system. This includes people receiving active cancer treatments or have completed treatment in the last twelve months.

Active cancer treatments that are immunosuppressive do NOT include tamoxifen, anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole.

No prescription or physician order is required for the booster shot. Your previous vaccination with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines must have been completed more than 28 days before your booster.

Please contact your neighborhood pharmacy or vaccination locations to schedule your vaccination.

With regards to the COVID vaccine, Cancer Care Associates (CCAY) does not currently have access to the COVID vaccine, so we will not be administering the vaccine at this time.

Patients are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to inquire about how to obtain the COVID vaccine as well as discuss any drug allergies.

Helpful links about the COVID vaccine –

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

https://www.vaccinateyorkpa.org/

https://www.pa.gov/guides/get-vaccinated/

https://www.wellspan.org/covid19/covid-19-vaccine/

https://www.upmc.com/coronavirus/covid-vaccine

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html

Masks

Masks are required for all persons inside the doors of both CCAY and Wellspan facilities – Please wear your mask at all times while you are at Apple Hill Medical Center.  Thank you!

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html

Visitor Policy

Effective Friday, June 2, 2020 –

We continue to discourage visitors to protect the safety of our patients and staff.  We are asking visitors that are with patients seeing a nurse or receiving treatment to wait in their vehicle or in the hallway.  We will obtain your phone number for contact.  If you are coming in for an office visit, one (1) visitor may be allowed for these types of visits.  All visitors must have a negative symptom screen.

• A new patient office visit
• Chemo/Immuno teach class
• Review of test results
• Treatment planning/decisions
• Significant physical assistance needed
• Translation needed

No children under the age of 12 are allowed in the waiting rooms of CCAY.

We encourage all patients and employees to use good handwashing and respiratory hygiene.

1. If you have new symptoms of sinus congestion, SOB, cough, fever

OR
2. Have been exposed to someone who has TESTED positive for COVID-19

Please contact our office prior to your appointment at (717) 741-9229.

If you have had contact with someone known to have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) and you are exhibiting respiratory symptoms, consider scheduling a WellSpan Online Urgent Care appointment or contact your primary healthcare provider.

The CDC and PA Department of Health are the best resources for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. For the latest updates visit the CDC Coronavirus webpage and the PA Department of Health webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Symptoms
Q: Should I come in for my appointment even if I have cold or flu symptoms?
A: If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, please notify our office BEFORE coming in to CCAY. Special accommodations will be made for you.

• Do you feel like you have a cold or the flu today?
• Do you have a fever (temperature over 100.5) or feel like you may have a fever?
•  Have you recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has COVID type symptoms?

Q: What are the emergency warning signs for COVID-19 that require medical attention immediately?

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
•  New confusion or inability to arouse
•  Bluish lips or face
  *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

Q: What symptoms indicate that I should see a healthcare provider?
A: Current symptoms that have been reported include mild to severe respiratory illness with sinus congestion, fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.  Call your primary healthcare provider if you feel sick with any of these symptoms and have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.  Your healthcare provider will work with the state health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested.

Q: Do I need to be tested? Does CCAY offer testing?
A: CCAY does not test patients for coronavirus.  Please contact your primary healthcare provider if you feel sick and have mild to severe respiratory illness with sinus congestion, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing – especially if you have been in close contact with someone who has COVID19 or if you have symptoms and have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.  Your primary healthcare provider will work with the state health department and the CDC to determine if you need to be tested.

Prevention
Q: How can I protect myself/my family from coronavirus?
The CDC recommends the following everyday preventative actions to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough.
  o Cough into a tissue and then throw it away after use.
  o If no tissues are available, cough into your elbow, not your hands.
•  Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  Visit the CDC website for more information about COVID-19 and prevention.

Q: Do I/we need to wear masks? Are masks effective? Can I get masks for myself/my partner?
A: COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. That’s why it’s important for everyone to practice social distancing (staying at least 6 feet away from other people) and wear masks in public settings. Masks provide an extra layer to help prevent the respiratory droplets from traveling in the air and infecting other people and also provide some protection to the wearer.

The masks recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

More information about masks can be found on our masks site.

• How to Wear
• How to Wash
• How to Make

Patient Care at CCAY
Q: Is CCAY prepared to manage care for patients with the recent risk of coronavirus/COVID-19?
A: CCAY staff members and doctors have the knowledge and training needed to safely care for patients while taking necessary precautions against the spread and transmission of COVID-19.  At this time, CCAY has taken measures to limit transmission by promoting hand hygiene and disinfecting protocols, inputting screening measures, modifying appointments and schedules, performing consults electronically when indicated, and making adjustments to treatment cycles if deemed necessary.  Please remember to use hand sanitizer before you enter the waiting room. If you prefer not to enter the waiting room, please inform our front desk staff that you will wait in your car. Our Patient Services Team will contact you via phone and/or Patient Portal message when we are ready for you.

Q: Should I avoid coming to CCAY until new coronavirus/COVID-19 infections stop occurring in the US?
A: At this time appointment scheduling is subject to local conditions. We will contact you if there is a need for you to cancel appointments due to concerns about COVID-19.

Q: Do you currently have any patients with coronavirus/COVID-19 at CCAY?
A: Due to patient privacy laws and CCAY policies, CCAY cannot share any details regarding patient care or treatment.  We will contact you if there is a need to cancel appointments due to concerns about COVID-19. Please contact your clinical team directly if you have questions.

Special precautions are in place for patients who display symptoms of illness while under our care.

CCAY follows the CDC guidelines for the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff members.