COVID-19 & Flu
The health and safety of the Boston University community is always at the forefront of the work that we do in the BU Occupational Health Center. Please review the information below and on the linked pages to learn more about COVID-19 and Seasonal Flu protocols.
COVID-19
PCR and Rapid Antigen Testing
Employees should seek out PCR testing through urgent care facilities or your personal healthcare provider offices.
While PCR testing remains the gold standard for COVID-19 testing, at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen tests have greatly increased access to testing for many individuals. For more information on COVID-19 testing, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.
Protocol for Positive SARS-CoV-2 Test Results
To review the COVID-19 guidelines, please click the link here.
Masking
Wearing a well-fitted is one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. While not required, masking is recommended in certain situations to help protect yourself and others:
- If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness (cough, congestion, sore throat, fever), wear a mask around others to prevent spreading infection.
- After an illness: Continue masking for several days after symptoms improve, since some viruses remain contagious. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are recommended to mask for at least 5 days, even if symptoms are improving.
- During surges or outbreaks of respiratory illness in the community, especially when around higher-risk individuals (older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, or those with chronic conditions or weakened immune systems).
COVID-19 Medical Questions
Please direct all COVID-19 related medical questions and concerns to the Occupational Health Center at 617-353-6630 on weekdays from 8:30am-4:30pm.
Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) continues to strongly recommend that everyone ages six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year. For more information on the flu shot, please visit MDPH or CDC.
Instructions to schedule an Influenza appointment:
To schedule an appointment for either the Charles River Campus (930 Comm Ave.) or the Medical Campus (72 East Concord St.), please call us directly at 617-353-6630 to schedule an appointment. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Please see below for off campus sites to get your flu shot:
Off-campus near the Charles River Campus (CRC):
- CVS 900 Commonwealth Ave.
- Osco Pharmacy in Star Market 1065 Commonwealth Ave.
- CVS 1249 Boylston St.
- CVS 1341 Boylston St.
- CVS 294 Harvard St.
- CVS 1322 Beacon St.
Off-campus near the Medical Campus (BUMC):
- Walgreens 1603 Washington St.
- CVS 874 Harrison Ave.
- CVS 725 Albany St.
- CVS 341 Harrison Ave.
- CVS 780 Albany St.
- Walgreens 841 Boylston St.