PHPC Update: COVID-19 Boosters, Flu Shots and New Data on Positive Cases

On Friday, the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) sent an email to the campus community sharing the availability of COVID-19 booster shots and flu vaccines, as well as the latest data on COVID cases.
 

That email is as follows:
 

Dear Campus Community:

 

The Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) continues to be busy giving both flu shots and COVID-19 boosters. We strongly encourage all those eligible to get your COVID-19 booster and flu shots. Please schedule an appointment by visiting the COVID-19 vaccination appointment scheduling page. Appointments will continually be added. Please visit the UMass COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic website for dates of clinics.  

 

Following CDC Guidance, people age 18+ who work or reside in schools are eligible for booster doses six months after completion of their Pfizer or Moderna primary series.

 

The latest PHPC data covering Nov. 3-9 shows 35 new positive cases. The university’s cumulative seven-day positivity rate is 0.67%. The state’s seven-day positivity rate is 2.15%. Most cases are of short duration resulting in mild-to-moderate illness and there are no current hospitalizations. Details about case counts and vaccinations can be found on the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard which is updated every Thursday.

 

The campus has continued weekly adaptive COVID-19 testing since its launch in mid-September. The adaptive testing program selects students both on and off campus to come in for additional testing so we can better understand the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in our community.

 

The campus indoor face covering requirement will remain in effect for the rest of the fall semester and will be reviewed prior to the spring semester. 

 

Please maintain vigilance in following all public health protocols, including wearing masks indoors and while outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Everyone must continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms every day before coming to campus. If you feel unwell, stay home, and get tested. Testing is free and readily available at the Public Health Promotion Center.

 

Please remember that the steps you take make an important difference. Continue to care for yourselves and one another.

 

Sincerely,

 

Co-Directors of the Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC)

Ann Becker, Public Health Director
Jeffrey Hescock, Executive Director of Environmental Health and Safety