UHS's Public Health department provides information, preventive services and monitoring for communicable illnesses that can impact the campus community and beyond.
COVID Booster and Flu Shot
Fall 2023 Flu and COVID-19 Clinics
On Fridays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., annual influenza vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines are available at the Public Health Promotion Center’s clinics. Clinics will be held at the PHPC (Campus Center lower level, room 101).
Thursdays throughout the semester starting on September 28th, the PHPC will be traveling around campus. Look for the Wellness on Wheels van!
- 9/28 Worcester Dining Commons - 2pm-6pm
- 10/5 Commonwealth Honors College Events Hall - 12pm-4pm
- 10/12 Berkshire Dining Commons - 11am-3pm
- 10/19 Recreation Center - 2pm-6pm
- 10/26 Hampshire Dining Commons - 2pm-6pm
- 11/2 North D Lobby - 2pm-6pm
- 11/9 Webster Hall Lobby - 2pm-6pm
- 11/16 Recreation Center - 2-6pm
- 11/30 Commonwealth Honors College Events Hall - 11am-3pm
Flu shots are also available at UHS by appointment; call (413) 577-5101 to schedule, or request a flu shot at a previously scheduled appointment. Learn more about flu, ways to stay healthy, and what to do if you're sick on the CDC website.
For info on COVID-19 testing at UHS, visit umass.edu/uhs/covid-19-testing.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal illnesses can be caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. The germ can sometimes cause meningitis, an infection of the tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord; or sepsis, an infection of the blood. These illnesses are often severe, and may be deadly.
The bacteria typically spreads through close personal contact such as coughing, sharing drinks and kissing. Casual contact, or simply breathing the air where an ill person has been, does not spread the bacteria.
The most common symptoms include fever, headache and stiff neck. There are often additional symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and confusion, or other altered mental status. See a healthcare provider immediately if you think you may have symptoms of meningococcal disease.
UHS offers meningitis B vaccinations by appointment; call (413) 577-5101. Costs are billed to your health insurance; bring your insurance card with you. Expenses for meningitis B vaccination not covered by insurance will be covered by the university.
Get more information about meningococcal illness on the CDC website.
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious illness caused by a virus that lives in the mouth, throat and nose.
Symptoms can include swollen cheeks and jaw, fever, headache, stiff neck and loss of appetite. These can appear 12 to 25 days after contact with an infected person. If you have any symptoms that suggest mumps, avoid public activities and call the UHS Triage Advice Nurse, (413) 577-5229.
Most young adults and children have had two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Vaccination prevents many, but not all, cases of mumps. If you're not sure whether you've been vaccinated, contact your primary care provider.
Get more information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis (or "mono") is a contagious viral disease common among teens and young adults. It spreads most commonly through contact with bodily fluids, including saliva, blood and semen. Symptoms typically appear four to six weeks after you've been infected, and include extreme fatigue, fever, sore throat, head and body aches, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits, swollen liver or spleen or both, and rash.
Get more information on the CDC website.
Measles
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads easily from person to person. At first, it looks and feels like a cold or flu. A cough, high fever, runny nose, and red, watery eyes are common. A few days later, a red, blotchy rash starts on the face, then spreads to the rest of the body. It usually lasts a week or two.
Learn more with this fact sheet from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Zika
UHS advises travelers to be aware of Zika virus and take appropriate precautions.
