Dear Loyola,

The holiday season is a time for family gatherings, great food, and plenty of rest. Don’t let the flu or COVID get in the way of your holiday plans this year. We’ve put together a simple checklist to help you stay healthy and protect yourself and others from severe illness. The most important step is to get vaccinated! Scroll down for instructions to get your flu shot and COVID booster at Student Health.

This will be our last newsletter this semester. As always, reach out to covid@loyno.edu with any questions or concerns. Thanks for doing your part to protect the Pack!

✔ Get vaccinated and boosted. It’s the most powerful way to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of both the flu and COVID-19 when you’re traveling and spending time with loved ones over the holidays. Follow the instructions below to get your shots at SHS. 

✔ Travel safely! The CDC recommends getting tested within three days of your planned departure. Don’t travel if your test result is positive. The CDC also recommends that you wear a high-quality mask when indoors on public transportation and at transportation hubs to help protect yourself and those around you.

✔ If you are traveling, check the COVID-19 Community Level of your destination to determine the appropriate preventive steps you can take to protect yourself and others. 

✔ Take stock of how you’re feeling and talk to a healthcare provider right away if you feel sick. You can access virtual healthcare 24/7 through the Ochsner Connected Anywhere app. Avoid close contact with others when you are sick.

✔ If you are going to be around someone who is at higher risk of getting very sick with COVID-19, consider taking additional precautions like moving gatherings outdoors, improving ventilation, and wearing masks when indoors.

COVID Connections is a round-up of resources to help keep our campus community informed and safe. It arrives in your inbox monthly, with special editions on other days if needed. Explore our archive to see previous editions.