Global Distribution Information

Vaccination Progress Report

Since we began offering COVID-19 vaccines in mid-December, we have made steady progress in protecting our staff. By tomorrow, all staff in Group 1 and Group 2 – as defined here – will have received an email invitation to schedule their first dose of the vaccine. If you fall into one of these groups and believe you have been overlooked, please speak with your manager.

We will continue to invite staff in each group to schedule their vaccination in the coming weeks and months. As a reminder, not all staff in a group will receive an email invitation at the same time. When you are eligible for the vaccine, you will receive an email from COVID-19vaccine_scheduling@bilh.org . By clicking the personalized link in the email you will be able to schedule your appointment for a specific date and time. When it comes time for your second dose, you will receive another email from the same email address to schedule your second appointment.

Please note: If the vaccine is available for you at your work site, the expectation is that you will select an appointment at that site in order to allow appropriate allocation of vaccine.

Vaccine Updates

Q&A: There are reports about new COVID-19 strains in the United Kingdom (UK), South Africa and now, Colorado. Are these strains easier to spread and will they be covered by the COVID-19 vaccine?

Some preliminary information suggests that these new COVID-19 strains may be more easily transmitted. One of these new strains – the same one seen in the UK – was detected in Colorado on Dec. 29. Investigations are underway, and there is no evidence so far that the current vaccines will be ineffective against the new strains. The appearance of new viral strains underscores the importance of vaccination as one important measure to get the pandemic under control as soon as possible, and reduce the risk of new COVID-19 strains from emerging. See more Q&As on the BILH COVID-19 website.

 COVID-19 Conversation: Pregnancy and the Vaccine
BILH is hosting a series of COVID-19 Conversations on social media. In the latest episode, Ai-ris Y. Collier, MD (Maternal Fetal Medicine OB/GYN, BIDMC) answers the question, “Can you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you’re pregnant or lactating?” Watch more COVID-19 Conversations on BILH’s YouTube page.

Video on Demand: What You Need to Know as a Healthcare Worker
The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association (MHA) hosted a webinar to provide health care workers with timely information around safety, efficacy and vaccine science. The webinar featured two vaccine experts from MHA member hospitals who tackled the biggest questions on health care workers’ minds. If you missed it, a recording of the webinar is now available. Click here to watch.

This Is My Shot… 

“This is my shot to help end the suffering we’ve seen in patients and the families they leave behind.”
Mary Joyce, RN, ICU Manager, BID Milton

Share your story!

1. Tell us why you’re planning to get vaccinated using the #ThisIsMyShot hashtag. Send one or two photos that show what’s motivating you to get vaccinated. Make sure to include your full name, job and work location.
2. After you get your vaccine, send us a photo or video showing your upper arm bandage, and tell us why you got your vaccine. Make sure to include your full name, job and work location.

If you’re looking for inspiration and to see what others have said, visit https://coronavirus.bilh.org/vaccine/my-shot/. All submissions can be sent to info@bilh.org. Participants must provide permission to use their photo/video and reason for getting the shot, and appropriate consent forms will be supplied after submission.

Caring for Yourself

As we head into a new year, we want to help you take care of yourself like you’ve been taking care of others. Below are some resources to help you get started. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All BILH employees have access to the EAP administered by our new partner, KGA, which offers free, confidential consultations, counseling, and referrals at no cost to you and your adult household members. Contact the EAP 24/7 for convenient, expert and confidential support at:

Online: https://my.kgalifeservices.com/?org_code=bilh
By Phone: 855-760-2454 (855-760-BILH)

Care@Work

BILH partners with Care@Work to offer our new family care benefits. Whether it’s after-school care, caring for a child who is home sick, caring for your children while you are working from home, or the responsibility for aging parents, sometimes you need additional support…even at a moment’s notice.

BILH now offers the following benefits to eligible employees:

• Care.com Membership: Premium, unlimited access to Care.com for caregivers for children, seniors, pets, your home, and more.
• Expert Assistance: Work with a Care Specialist to find the right care for your family. First, you’ll share requirements, budget and other details for the care needed. Then, our Specialists will post a job and review results and applicants to provide you with the best options. After you identify a final caregiver, you may request a Criminal and Motor Vehicle Records Background Check before making the hire – at no cost to you.

Enroll now on the BILH Care@Work website to access these benefits. Use your work email address to register.

Harvard Pilgrim Wellness Classes
Start your 2021 wellness goals with one of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s free virtual wellness classes and webinars offered to all BILH staff and their families. Choose from yoga, Zumba, barre, guided mindfulness sessions, health and wellness webinars, and more. All classes and webinars are easily accessible via Zoom, and if you can’t attend a live class, recorded sessions are available 24/7. Visit www.harvardpilgrim.org/livingwellathome to these resources.