Dear Student,
As the end of term approaches and the holiday season begins, the incidence of COVID-19 is once again on the rise both in the United States and globally. Because of increasing cases and the emergence of the Omicron COVID-19 variant, CDC recommends that all adults over age 18 should receive a vaccine booster shot.
In addition to COVID-19, there has been a steep rise in the number of flu cases seen in the US. Flu is caused by the influenza virus, which like COVID is transmitted by the respiratory route. Flu can be very serious and is preventable by being vaccinated.
We strongly advise you to receive a COVID-19 booster, if you are eligible, and a flu shot before the end of this semester and before traveling for break. You are eligible for the booster if you are over the age of 18 and if your second dose of Pfizer or Moderna was 6 or more months ago or if your single dose of Johnson & Johnson was 2 or more months ago.
Do this now:
- Get a flu shot. Flu vaccines are available at local retail pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS. Make an appointment today while supplies are still available. Please don’t wait. If you have not yet been vaccinated, you should do so now. The number of flu cases this year at Tufts is higher than in any previous year.
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot from your local pharmacy or at a Tufts clinic. Everyone over age 18 who received the second dose of either Moderna or Pfizer six months ago or a single dose of J&J at least two months ago is now eligible. The university is holding booster shot clinics and will continue to do so but has limited supplies, so book your appointment now on our website.
- The university is also trying to secure flu vaccines to make available at the COVID-19 booster shot clinics. If you have not received your flu shot, it is safe to receive both the COVID-19 booster and the flu shot at the same time. Ask about availability during your appointment if you need a flu shot.
- If you have already received your COVID-19 vaccine booster, please upload your updated vaccine card to our Secure Portal.
- Wear a mask indoors or whenever you are near others. Masks have proven their effectiveness in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 and also seasonal colds and the flu. Last year’s cold and flu season was mild because of everyone’s attention to mask wearing, social distancing, and good hygiene. We strongly encourage people to wear standard 3-ply masks and discourage cloth masks. The university is providing disposable 3-ply masks in many places on campus.
- Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Infectious diseases can spread very easily from surface contact. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not share eating utensils.
- Avoid crowded, indoor situations. As COVID, flu, and common colds circulate in our community, avoid crowded indoor situations, especially where people are not wearing masks.
Please take these precautions immediately and help us contain widespread outbreaks of these viruses. We know they are circulating and that they are highly contagious. Thank you for your willingness to take these precautions.
With appreciation,
Marie Caggiano, MD, MPH
Medical Director, Health Service
Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E
Michael R Jordan, MD, MPH
University Infection Control Health Director
