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With the fall semester in full swing, the UMass Amherst Public Health Promotion Center (PHPC) reminds the campus community that making small but impactful choices can contribute to a safer, healthier campus.

The PHPC has provided the following tips and resources for taking charge of your health and protecting those around you as you live, study and work on campus.

Prioritize Healthy Habits

• Good Sleep & Nutrition: A well-rested body and balanced diet are your first lines of defense against illness. Make sure to fuel your body with nutritious foods and get plenty of sleep each night.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps to strengthen your immune system and reduces stress. Even a brisk walk can make a difference in keeping you healthy.
• Handwashing: Clean hands are key to preventing the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating and after touching shared surfaces.

What to Do If You Feel Unwell

If you start feeling sick, there are steps you can take to help yourself recover and protect our community:

• Stay home and avoid close contact with others to prevent spreading illness.
• Wear a mask to reduce transmission.
• Let your professors or supervisors know if you need to miss class or work.
• Get tested for COVID-19 and flu to determine the cause of your symptoms.
• Reach out to UMass University Health Services (UHS) if you have any concerns about your health.

Returning to Campus

You can return to campus once you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication and your symptoms are improving. For the first 5 days, wear a mask to continue protecting those around you.

For more information, check out the UMass Public Health Promotion Center’s guidelines and those from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at UMass

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Vaccinations are one of the most powerful tools available to protect ourselves and our community from flu and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated not only helps keep you healthy but also reduces the spread of these viruses to those around you, especially those who are most vulnerable.

The PHPC and the Marieb College of Nursing are partnering to bring Mobile Vaccine Clinics to areas across campus twice a week through November, making it even more convenient to get vaccinated. Protect yourself, your friends, and your family—vaccination is quick, easy, and incredibly important.

All clinics are open to everyone 12 years of age and older and accept walk-ins; no appointments are necessary.

Thursday, Oct. 3 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Hampshire Dining Commons

Friday, Oct. 4 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Campus Center Room 165

Thursday, Oct. 10 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Rec Center

Friday, Oct. 11 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Commonwealth College Events Hall

Thursday, Oct. 17 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Berkshire Dining Commons

Thursday, Oct. 24 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Webster Hall Lounge

Saturday Oct. 26 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Campus Center Room 165

Thursday Oct. 31 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
North Apartments Building D Lounge

Friday, Nov. 1 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Campus Center Room 165

Thursday Nov. 7 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Rec Center

Friday Nov. 8 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Campus Center Room 165

Thursday Nov. 14 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Commonwealth College Events Hall

Friday Nov. 15 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Campus Center Room 165

Thursday Nov. 21 – 1:30-5:30 p.m.
Integrated Science Building Atrium

Friday Nov. 22 – 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Campus Center Room 165

For questions or more information about the vaccination clinics, email phpc@umass.edu. For other vaccine locations throughout the region, Vaccines.gov.