As the COVID-19 situation evolves, it's important to stay informed. A letter from Eskenazi Health CEO Dr. Lisa Harris describes what we are doing to help stop the spread and keep you safe and healthy.
Throughout our website, you can find more information on COVID-19, including the importance of continuing to address other health concerns, keeping your mental health a priority, and preparing but not panicking.
Thank You
We recognize the sacrifices all Hoosiers are making to support the fight against COVID-19. From providing meals to those in need to sharing messages of encouragement, Eskenazi Health stands in awe of the community's strength and charity. Thank you for taking care of each other and allowing us to take care of you. Read our full message of thanks here.
Updated Visitor Restrictions for Eskenazi Health as of March 20, 2023
On March 20, 2023, Eskenazi Health lifted temporary visitor restrictions and resuming standard visitor policies as influenza activity declines. Visiting hours will continue to be from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. with two allowed at the bedside at a time. For the safety of our patients and staff, only immediate family members and significant others ages 18 and above will be able to visit patients at this time. Visitors will be limited to two people at one time. People experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, muscle aches or sore throat are also asked not to visit patients in the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.
Eskenazi Health Dashboard
Eskenazi Health is committed to sharing information as we help the community through this crisis. The Eskenazi Health-specific COVID-19 figures found in this dashboard will be updated twice a week. Data collection began on March 3, 2020 and is specific to Eskenazi Health patients and Eskenazi Health team members. For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 situation in Indiana, including overall surge capacity, please visit https://coronavirus.in.gov.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster Eligibility Updates
It is more important than ever to ensure you and your loved ones have the best protection possible from COVID-19 infection. Given the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death, it is strongly recommended that:
- Everyone 5 years of age or older should complete a primary COVID-19 vaccination series including a booster dose at the appropriate time interval (at least five months for those that received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine primary series and at least two months for those that received the Johnson & Johnson initial dose).
- The COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months and older is now available at some Indiana providers. Eskenazi Health Center sites will offer COVID-19 vaccines to children age 6 months and older using the existing appointment process. Appointments can be made through MyChart or by calling Eskenazi Health Connections at 317.880.7666.
- Individuals 50 years old and older and those who are 5 years of age and older and who are immunocompromised receive a second booster at least four months after receiving the first booster.
- Individuals who had a prior COVID-19 infection should get vaccinated. People previously infected who are subsequently vaccinated have some of the highest levels of protection.
The COVID-19 vaccine is offered at all Eskenazi Health Pharmacy retail locations and Eskenazi Health Center sites throughout Indianapolis. A team member can review COVID-19 vaccine options. The vaccine is free to all, regardless of insurance status, and is available from the following locations:
- All other Eskenazi Health Pharmacy locations located within Eskenazi Health Center locations – walk-ins (both patients and the general public) are welcome. Eskenazi Health Pharmacy locations will only administer the vaccine to children age 5 and older. Those under the age of 5 years old are asked to visit their primary care provider for the vaccine.
- Eskenazi Health Center primary care locations – a vaccine appointment is required and can be made by calling Eskenazi Health Connections at 317.880.7666.
FDA Authorizes Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Use as a Booster Dose
As of Aug. 31, the FDA amended the Emergency Use Authorizations for both the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines, authorizing bivalent formulations of these vaccines for use as a booster dose. The vaccine formulations have been updated to include both the original mRNA strain as well as additional strains targeting the omicron subvariants, the most dominant strains causing illness in the U.S. The emergency use of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as single booster doses for patients meeting the criteria outlined below:
- Pfizer’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 12 years of age and older as a single booster dose administered at least two months after their last monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
- Moderna’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals 18 years of age and older as a single booster dose administered at least two months after their last monovalent COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine is available free-of-charge regardless of insurance status, from the following locations:
- Eskenazi Health Center locations – An appointment is required and can be made by calling Eskenazi Health Connections at 317.880.7666.
- Eskenazi Health Pharmacy locations – Walk-ins (both patients and the general public) are welcome during normal business hours.
How to Obtain Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
Anyone who needs proof that he or she received the COVID-19 vaccine can obtain a vaccination certificate by visiting the State of Indiana website and creating an Access Indiana account if one has not already been created.
Please know that the COVID-19 vaccination sites at Eskenazi Health do not offer replacement vaccination certificates.
Eskenazi Health Safety Plan
Eskenazi Health takes the health and safety of our employees very seriously. In response to the spread of COVID-19, and in compliance with the Governor's Executive Order 20-26, we have developed this COVID-19 Safety Plan as part of our efforts to reduce the potential for exposure to and spread of the coronavirus.
Masks and Health and Safety Information
As we begin to schedule more in-person appointments and procedures, please know that your health and safety remain our priority. Please review this information to learn what we are doing to protect you and our team members.
For information on how to wear a face covering correctly, please visit this page.
Symptoms to Know, Who to Call and What to Do
If you are ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, new cough and shortness of breath, please call your primary care provider or Eskenazi Health Connections at 317.880.7666. Health care professionals are available 24/7 to answer questions on symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate care. It is important to first call before arriving to Eskenazi Health facilities.
Eskenazi Health offers COVID-19 testing for those who have concerns for possible flu or coronavirus infection or pre-procedural testing for procedures occurring at Eskenazi Health. Individuals must be an established patient within the Eskenazi Health system. All testing is by appointment. Please call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317.880.7666 to schedule a test.
Learn more about how to stay healthy from Dr. Amy Beth Kressel, medical director of Eskenazi Health Infection Prevention and Antimicrobial Stewardship.
Resources to Learn More About COVID-19
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, otherwise healthy, stable patients with fever and new cough should stay home and isolate. This includes not going out in public places. Learn more on the CDC website.
In addition, the Indiana State Department of Health has a COVID-19 resource line open to the public that is staffed 24/7: 1.877.826.0011
Video Resources
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19: What to do if you’ve been exposed
COVID-19: What to do if you have it
5 Steps to Proper Hand Washing
Social Distancing
How to Social Distance
Commitment to Employment
Eskenazi Health's importance to the community has never been greater, both now and as we look to the future. We are committed to ensuring that employees have roles to fill and work to do as we continue to move through the pandemic.
Información es español sobre el COVID-19
En cada uno de los siguientes enlaces encontrará información útil, no solo para prevenir el contagio con el coronavirus COVID-19, sino para reducir el estrés que ocasiona la pandemia:
El departamento de salud de Indiana ha aumentado las posibilidades de poderse vacunar contra el COVID-19. La información actualizada sobre los requisitos exigidos para vacunarse se encuentran en la página: www.ourshot.in.gov.
Si desea saber cómo protegerse del COVID-19 y proteger a los demás, visite la página de los centros para el control y la prevención de enfermedades (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus o https://espanol.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.