Drexel Health & Wellbeing Important Updates

The following message, which provides an important update of information related to campus health and wellbeing, was sent to the Drexel community.

Overview

• The FDA has approved a new COVID-19 booster shot that is more effective against the currently circulating COVID variant. Most vaccinated adults, including all students, are eligible for these boosters.

• Drexel will host a COVID bivalent booster and flu vaccine clinic for students on October 12-13 and an additional bivalent booster clinic for employees on October 19.
• From masking to event planning, don’t forget to follow Drexel’s COVID-19 guidelines. Visit Drexel.edu/coronavirus for the latest guidelines.
• Protecting yourself is also protecting your family, friends and community.

Dear Drexel Students and Colleagues,

Welcome to the new school year! It’s great to meet students, faculty, and professional staff around campus. For many, this is the time to navigate the transition from virtual gatherings to in-person events. Although the COVID pandemic remains, it is largely due to the fact that campus communities are highly vaccinated, more data-based decision-making is taking place, and that high-filtration masks are better than high-filtration masks in their ability to stay healthy. We are starting the year with fewer restrictions, partly due to a better understanding of the role ventilation plays. This message contains important health and well-being information at Drexel, including the latest updates on COVID-19 booster vaccinations, reminders about his COVID protocols on campus, and updates on the upcoming flu season. .

New COVID-19 booster vaccine

It’s time to update your COVID-19 booster. CDC guidance recommends that patients 12 years and older who have received the primary series of any of her approved COVID-19 vaccines receive a booster dose of the revised mRNA bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. . Note that this is her only COVID booster vaccine currently available in the US. The CDC’s definition of “latest” for a COVID-19 vaccine is someone who has completed the primary vaccine series and received her most recent CDC-recommended COVID-19 booster vaccine. Although many young adults have experienced her COVID infection in the past year, data consistently show that her most recent COVID vaccination, including a booster, resulted in better infection and disease outcomes than natural infection. This indicates that it is possible to prevent Additionally, staying up-to-date on COVID vaccines not only protects you, but also your family, friends, and the larger community.

In response to the evolving coronavirus, Pfizer-Biontech and Moderna have revised their booster vaccine formula. It has strengthened the system’s response and is now available to vaccinated adults across the country, including here at Drexel.

Who is eligible for new boosters?

Anyone over the age of 12 who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 is eligible for a refilled booster shot (Moderna Booster is allowed for ages 18+). Eligible 2 months after her most recent primary or booster vaccination, regardless of previous vaccines/boosters received. These new shots are boosters and are intended to improve or maintain long-term immune protection in people already vaccinated or infected. If not (Drexel requires community members to be vaccinated, with limited exceptions), they must receive the primary series to be eligible for the new booster vaccine. If you have recently been vaccinated for COVID or become ill, you may wait a few weeks or possibly longer before scheduling a bivalent booster. More information about the new booster timings is available at the CDC. website Or talk to your healthcare provider.

Boost with Drexel

Drexel will provide bivalent booster vaccines free of charge to students, faculty and professional staff.drexel endures student Vaccine clinic next month October 12-13. Detailed information about these clinics is provided directly to students.Ann employee A booster clinic will be held on October 19th at the Learning Terrace of Race Street Residences with Sunray Pharmacy.Employees can schedule their own appointments Click here to book your COVID Bivalent Booster.

Find boosters elsewhere

As new booster doses roll out across the United States, more local pharmacies are opening up time slots for individuals to receive bivalent COVID boosters. For other locations with new booster vaccinations, please visit: www.vaccines.gov/ Find a pharmacy location near you.

Familiarize yourself with the latest Drexel COVID guidance

Don’t just get boosters, keep following Drexel COVID-19 Guidelines What to do if you feel unwell, test positive, or are exposed to COVID-19. PCR tests are available on campus. A quick home test is still covered by most insurance policies and available at most major pharmacies.

This year, students living in university housing who contract COVID-19 will be able to observe a five-day quarantine period at their place of residence and receive full information at the time of quarantine. Roommates are asked to discuss plans in advance in case such a situation arises. More information about Drexel’s stationary isolation protocol, including exceptions, is available on the Coronavirus response website. what to do if you feel sick.

masking

the face mask requirement For all healthcare spaces and students on a healthcare rotation. COVID-infected persons also require 5 days of masking followed by a 5-day quarantine period. If you don’t feel well and he tests negative for COVID, consider wearing a mask until you feel better. Drexel recommends masking indoors when around other people during periods of increased virus transmission. Anyone can always choose a mask to add an extra layer of protection against airborne virusesNote that while the pandemic situation has improved significantly, COVID-19 has changed the lives of some people in the community who have to wear masks all the time for health reasons. Plan your event with everyone in mind, using well-ventilated spaces and creating ways for everyone to get involved.

influenza

The experience of countries in the Southern Hemisphere entering the winter season provides a glimpse of the severity of the approaching flu season. Available information indicates that this winter will be an intense flu season in our region. Flu vaccines are available through Student Health. As previously mentioned, a special student vaccine clinic will be held on his campus on October 12-13, offering both the new COVID booster and flu his vaccine. Employees are strongly encouraged to look for flu vaccines at their local pharmacy or primary care provider’s office.

mental health resources

We continue to navigate through remarkable and often challenging times in history. If you need mental health support during this time of uncertainty, we have a number of resources available. To schedule an appointment with a counselor, students can call her at 215.895.1415 or simply email her. [email protected]Faculty and graduate students can connect with a live SupportLinc representative by calling 1.888.881.5462 for assistance.

We all share a responsibility to protect ourselves and protect others. COVID highlights how our choices affect others.

Vibrant communities care for each other and are committed to many aspects of health and well-being. While many pandemic-related decisions are now left to individuals, we are still functioning as a community as a whole, often relying on each other for protection from infection. We are all looking forward to spending more time together, a challenging school year, and a continued return to the wonderful community that makes up Drexel.

Sincerely,

Marla J. Gold, MD

Chief Wellness Officer

Senior Vice President for Community Health