News

Fall 2022 Public Health Reminders

By rajohnso October 10th, 2022 in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

As we head into the fall and winter months, we are reaching out with important reminders for the upcoming cold and flu season. Please read below for information regarding flu, COVID-19, and tips to stay healthy this season.

Influenza (Flu)  

The presence of flu viruses typically increases in October and peaks between December and February. Symptoms of flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, or runny nose.

Student Health Services and Occupational Health Center are joining together to host several flu shot clinics this fall. Flu shot clinics will take place on both the CRC and BUMC for students, faculty, and staff. You will need to schedule an appointment in order to receive your flu shot. Students should visit the Student Health Services website and faculty/staff should visit the Occupational Health Center website for more information about flu shot clinics, including dates and how to schedule an appointment. University flu clinics begin Oct. 18.

COVID-19

The virus that causes COVID-19 changes over time. You can improve your protection against COVID-19 by getting a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. While a second booster or “fourth dose” is not required at Boston University, we encourage all those who are eligible to be vaccinated. For anyone curious about the amount of COVID-19 in Boston and surrounding areas you may consult the MWRA COVID-19 wastewater tracking project. With ever-evolving COVID-19 variants and continued concerns about the increased transmissibility of these variants, vaccination remains our most powerful prevention tool.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) will be hosting a one-day Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent booster clinic at Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center on Nov. 15 (9am-3pm). Please register for the MDPH Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent booster clinic through the MDPH website by clicking here. Additional appointments and locations for the COVID-19 bivalent booster in Massachusetts can be found here.

Individuals who are experiencing flu or COVID-19 like symptoms, or who have had a recent close contact exposure, are recommended to be tested for COVID-19. Free PCR testing, for those with symptoms or exposures, performed at our BU Laboratory remains available at the Health Services Annex in the rear of 925 Commonwealth Ave. Monday-Friday (9am-5pm). For more information about COVID-19, students can visit the Student Health Services COVID-19 website and faculty/staff can visit the Occupational Health Center COVID-19 website.

Tips for Staying Healthy 

We strongly recommend that everyone get vaccinated with both the annual influenza and COVID-19 bivalent booster dose if you are eligible. Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 can help protect you from becoming infected from these illnesses. Even if you do get infected, vaccination can prevent more severe disease and hospitalization. In addition, washing your hands and using sanitizer regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, eating nutritious meals that sustain you, getting enough sleep, and engaging in activities like walking can help promote health and wellness.

Wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask and staying home to get the rest you need when you are not feeling well will help protect you and others around you from getting sick. Masks are available in various common areas across the CRC, BUMC and Fenway campuses including the George Sherman Union, 808 Commonwealth Ave., 72 East Concord St., 150 Riverway, and many more. Masks will continue to be required in all Boston University healthcare settings on our campuses and are strongly encouraged on the BU shuttle and in other crowded indoor settings.

 

Wishing you all a healthy fall semester,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University

Fall 2022 Important Health Information 8/10/22

By rajohnso August 10th, 2022 in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

I write today in anticipation of the 2022-2023 academic year and with several important public health reminders and updates as our campuses fill, and we return to a vibrant community of living and learning for the fall semester. Please read below for important information regarding COVID-19, monkeypox, and influenza.

COVID-19

Your Resources for Care & Questions

Students with any COVID-related concerns should contact Student Health Services or review the Student Health Services COVID-19 website. Faculty and staff with COVID-related medical concerns should contact the Occupational Health Center or review the Occupational Health Center COVID-19 website. Employees with non-medical COVID-19 concerns may reach out to a representative at the Human Resources Service Center line at 617-358-4990 or via email at covidhelp@bu.edu on each weekday from 9am-5pm.

Symptomatic/Close Contact Exposure COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 PCR testing is available for individuals who are experiencing symptoms or who have had a close contact exposure. Beginning August 15, 2022, all PCR testing for students and employees will be located at the Health Services Annex, located in the rear of Agganis Arena at 925 Commonwealth Avenue.

All faculty, staff, and students who need testing due to symptoms or due to being exposed to someone with COVID-19 (close contact exposure) may pick up COVID-19 self-test kits, register their test kit through their respective portals, complete the test, and drop off their specimens at the Health Services Annex from Monday through Friday 9AM-5PM. Test results will come to the portals by the end of the following business day. If you have questions about test results, symptoms or care, please contact Student Health Services (students) or the Occupational Health Center (employees).

Face Masks

Mask mandates will remain in effect on the BU Shuttle and in healthcare settings until further notice. At this time there is not a mask mandate in place for other locations on campus, including classrooms, however we strongly encourage the use of high-quality masks (such as N95s, KN95s, KF94s, and FFP2s) to reduce the risk of transmission in crowded settings or for individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.  High-quality masks worn correctly and regularly will significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission even if others around you are not masked.

On-campus Isolation

All on-campus students, regardless of living situation, will need to isolate in place at their assigned campus residence if they test positive for COVID-19. Whenever possible, students are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residence by private car to complete their isolation period.

Vaccination and Booster Requirements

We continue to require all BU community members to have a primary COVID-19 vaccination series as well as a single booster dose, within the appropriate timeframe. At this time, we do not have plans to require “second boosters” or “fourth doses,” but we encourage individuals who meet the criteria to consider an additional booster dose. We will offer Moderna COVID-19 primary series and first booster vaccinations as part of our fall immunization clinics. More details will be announced closer to the start of the Fall semester. 

Monkeypox

Monkeypox is a viral illness that has recently been declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO). Symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, muscle aches or backache, swollen lymph nodes, chills, and exhaustion. It is often accompanied by a rash that can look like clear blisters or pimples that may appear on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet, genitals, anus, chest or other areas. Monkeypox is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be transmitted through close physical contact like kissing, cuddling, or sex. It can also be spread by direct contact with infectious rashes, scabs or fluids, or by touching items that have previously been touched by an infectious rash or bodily fluids (such as clothing, sheets, or towels).

Monkeypox is not a new illness. However, there is concern about the increasing number of cases across the United States and globally. Although gay, bisexual, queer men, transgender men and nonbinary people who have sex with men have recently been disproportionally affected, anyone can be infected with monkeypox regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Current messaging about monkeypox being a “gay” illness creates stigma, perpetuates misconceptions, harms those who are most vulnerable, and prevents reaching all who are at risk.

Student Health Services (SHS) is working closely with state and local health officials to prevent, identify, and provide medical care for monkeypox. For more information about monkeypox, including prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment, please visit the CDC website. Students with monkeypox symptoms or exposure should contact Student Health Services at 617-353-3575. SHS can help students get tested, treated, or find a vaccination location. Employees with monkeypox symptoms or exposure should contact their primary care provider, but can also find more information about vaccination centers here.  Employees who do not have a primary care provider may inquire about testing at local urgent care centers.

Influenza

Based on influenza activity in other hemispheres, it is predicted that winter will bring an increase in influenza (flu) cases. While the flu vaccination is currently only required for faculty, students, and staff in clinical settings, we highly encourage everyone to get vaccinated to reduce your chances of getting the flu and minimize the severity of the illness if you do get the flu. Flu clinics for faculty, staff, and students will be available at Boston University in the fall. Please be on the lookout for communication from Student Health Services and the Occupational Health Center for further details. Wearing a well-fitted, high-quality face mask during flu season can help to significantly reduce transmission of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses.

We will continue to monitor public health trends, both locally and on our campus, and our requirements and guidance will be updated accordingly on the Occupational Health Center and Student Health Services websites.

Thank you all for helping to keep our campuses safe and healthy,

Judy Platt, MD
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services

COVID-19 Protocols and Transitions 4/29/2022

By rajohnso May 26th, 2022 in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Friday, April 29, 2022 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community, 

I write today to provide additional details regarding the continued evolution of our COVID-19 university-wide protocols. As previously communicated on March 24th , the mask mandate in all campus classrooms will end on May 13, 2022 and students will no longer be required to test weekly. On May 23, 2022, we will discontinue asymptomatic regular PCR community surveillance testing followed by the closure of all current collection site locations. Please read below for future details about the transitions which will occur after May 23, 2022, symptomatic testing, as well as mask mandates, isolation practices, and booster mandates.  

Healthway Transitions 

On May 25, 2022, the Healthway organization consisting of the clinical and public health staff dedicated to COVID-19 case management and selective contact tracing will close. The Healthway line at 617-353-0550 and healthwayhelp@bu.edu will no longer exist after May 25, 2022. This important work will be integrated into the University’s health services offices. After May 25, 2022, students with any COVID-related concerns, including vaccination compliance, should contact Student Health Services. Faculty and staff with COVID-related medical concerns should contact the Occupational Health Center. The COVID employee support lines will transition to the Human Resources Service Center. Employees with non-medical COVID-19 concerns can reach out to a representative at the Human Resources Service Center line at 617-358-4990 or via email at covidhelp@bu.edu on each weekday from 9am-5pm. 

Symptomatic/Close Contact Exposure Testing for COVID-19 

After asymptomatic community surveillance testing ends on May 23, 2022, Boston University’s COVID-19 PCR Testing Laboratory will continue to process COVID-19 specimens for individuals who are experiencing symptoms or who have had a close contact exposure. The locations and process for COVID-19 test kit pick-up and specimen drop-off will change on May 24, 2022 and be re-integrated into Student Health Services at 881 Commonwealth Avenue and the Occupational Health Center at 930 Commonwealth Avenue. 

On May 24, 2022, all faculty, staff, and students who need testing due to symptoms or due to being exposed to someone with COVID-19 (close contact exposure) will be able to pick up COVID-19 self-test kits, activate the test kit through their respective portals, and drop off their specimens at the Occupational Health Center (faculty and staff) or Student Health Services (students) during regular business hours Monday through Friday.  

Face Masks 

Mask mandates are an important prevention tool that may be periodically enacted in terms of broader mandates depending on transmission dynamics, future variants, and City of Boston regulations. As noted in previous communications, the mask mandate in all campus classrooms will end on May 13, 2022. Mask mandates will remain in effect on the BU Shuttle and in healthcare settings until further notice. As always, we encourage the use of high-quality masks (such as N95s, KN95s, KF94s, and FFP2s) to reduce the risk of transmission in crowded settings or for individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. High-quality masks worn correctly will significantly reduce the risk of viral transmission even if others around you are not masked. 

On-campus Isolation Housing 

After May 23, 2022, students will no longer move to isolation housing and our on-campus isolation facility will close on June 1, 2022. All on-campus students, regardless of living situation, will be required to isolate in place at their assigned campus residence if they test positive for COVID-19. When possible, students are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residence by private car to complete their isolation period. Since the Omicron surge, Boston University has been allowing on-campus students in apartment and suite-style housing to isolate in place with suitemates. To date, with proper mask use and precautions we are pleased that in over 95% of cases, our on-campus students have been able to isolate in place without transmission to other suitemates. 

Vaccination and Booster Requirements 

We will continue to require that all BU community members be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations, which includes a primary vaccination series as well as a single booster dose, within the appropriate timeframe. We also continue to strongly recommend that all visitors to Boston University are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. At this time, we do not have plans to require “second boosters” or “fourth doses,” but we encourage individuals who meet the criteria to consider an additional booster dose.  We are planning to offer Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations as part of our fall immunization clinics.  

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends, both locally and on our campus, and our requirements and guidance will be updated accordingly on the Occupational Health Center and Student Health Services websites. The public COVID-19 dashboard will be taken down after May 13, 2022, after all required testing ends, but we look forward to communicating about campus trends and other valuable information through BU Today.  

Thank you all for continuing to do your part to keep our campus safe and thriving, 

Judy Platt, MD 
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
 Student Health Services 

Important COVID-19 Protocol Reminders 5/23/2022

By rajohnso May 23rd, 2022 in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Monday, May 23, 2022 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community, 

On April 29, 2022 we announced a number of transitions related to our COVID-19 protocols as well as some important organizational updates that would be taking place this week. I write today to remind everyone of those health services transitions and the protocol for future symptomatic and close contact exposure testing for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Health Services Transitions 

  • The Healthway organization, including the Healthway phone line 617-353-0550 and healthwayhelp@bu.edu, will close at the end of the day on May 25, 2022.
  • Students with any COVID-related concerns, including vaccination compliance, should refer to the Student Health Services COVID-19 websitecall 617-353-3575 with further questions.
  • Faculty and staff with COVID-related medical concerns should refer to the Occupational Health Center COVID-19 website or call the Occupational Health Center 617-353-6630 with further questions.
  • Employees with non-medical COVID-19 concerns should call the Human Resources Service Center at 617-353-2380 or email covidhelp@bu.edu weekdays from 9am-5pm. 

 Symptomatic/Close Contact Exposure Testing for COVID-19 

  • Asymptomatic community surveillance testing ends today, May 23, 2022.
  • Boston University’s COVID-19 PCR Testing Laboratory will continue to process COVID-19 specimens for individuals who are experiencing symptoms or who have had a close contact exposure.
  • All faculty, staff, and students who need testing due to symptoms or due to being exposed to someone with COVID-19 (close contact exposure) will be able to pick up COVID-19 Testing Kits, perform their self-test in a private area, register their test kit through their respective portals, and drop off their specimens at the Occupational Health Center (faculty and staff) at 930 Commonwealth Ave or Student Health Services (students) at 881 Commonwealth Ave during regular business hours Monday through Friday.  
    • If you already have a COVID-19 Testing Kit in your possession, you can keep it until you need to submit a symptomatic or close contact test.
  • COVID-19 PCR test results will continue to be automatically viewable in the student and employee health portals as soon as they are finalized. Please review these testing pages for more detailed information: Student Testing and Employee Testing.

 New BU COVID webpage:

With gratitude for your continued commitment to these evolving protocols,

 

Judy Platt
Chief Health Officer
Executive Director
Student Health Services