News
COVID-19 Isolation & Vaccination Requirement Updates
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Thursday, March 28, 2024 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
I am writing to share important updates related to COVID-19 isolation, the University’s COVID-19 Vaccination policy, and recommendations to keep yourself and others healthy. These updates are being made to align with guidelines from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).
COVID-19 Isolation
Individuals infected with COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for 5 days. MDPH guidelines have evolved to align with other common respiratory diseases like influenza. It is recommended to stay home and away from others until your symptoms are improving and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. Healthcare personnel continue to have specific return to work guidelines.
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
The updated University COVID-19 vaccination policy can be found on the Chief Health Office webpage and is also below.
- General Population: We strongly recommend that everyone stay up to date with CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
- Healthcare personnel working in Boston University DPH-licensed healthcare facilities: DPH-licensed healthcare personnel are required to have an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or submit a declination after reviewing the risks and benefits of vaccination.
- Medical, Dental, and Physician Assistant Students: These students will be required to have an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or submit a declination after reviewing the risks and benefits of vaccination.
MDPH reporting measures and compliance will be closely monitored in Fall 2024.
Recommendations
As the pandemic evolves, we want to remind our community of ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick. If you are sick with a respiratory virus, please stay home until your symptoms improve. If you need to be around others, please wear a mask while you are experiencing symptoms and for at least 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19. Rapid COVID-19 tests are available at the University’s City Convenience stores at a discounted price and at local pharmacies. Lastly, we recommend staying up to date with annual COVID-19 vaccination. More details about COVID-19 vaccine clinics at Boston University will follow in the fall.
Wishing you a healthy spring season,
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University
COVID-19 & Flu Immunization Clinics
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
As colder weather and cold/flu season approaches, we are writing to remind you of the upcoming flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics on the Charles River and Medical Campuses.
Flu clinics are scheduled throughout November on the Charles River Campus (CRC). Students can use Patient Connect and employees can visit the Occupational Health Center website to schedule their flu vaccination appointments.
Flu (Influenza) Clinic:
Nov. 1-3, 9am-3pm, CRC FitRec 3-Court Gym, Entrance Across 25 Buick Street
Nov. 15-17, 9am-3pm, CRC FitRec 3-Court Gym, Entrance Across 25 Buick Street
The Chief Health Office has partnered with Holtzman Medical Group to host a COVID-19 updated vaccine clinic that will take place on both the Charles River Campus and the Medical Campus. To schedule an updated COVID-19 vaccination, click here.
COVID-19 Updated Booster Clinic:
Nov. 1-3, 9am-3pm, CRC FitRec 3-Court Gym, Entrance Across from 25 Buick Street
Nov. 20, 10am-3pm, MED Campus, Hiebert Lounge, 14th Floor, 72 East Concord Street
The U.S. Government has also re-started their program to provide free, rapid antigen COVID-19 tests directly to households. Check out COVID.gov to order yours today.
Wishing you a healthy fall season,
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University
Medical Campus COVID-19 Updated Vaccine Clinic
The following was sent from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Medical Campus Community,
We are pleased to announce an upcoming COVID-19 updated vaccine clinic on the Medical Campus in November.
To schedule an updated COVID-19 vaccination, The Chief Health Office has partnered with Holtzman Medical Group to host a one-day COVID-19 updated vaccine clinic. Starting on Oct. 15, you can register by clicking here.
Medical Campus COVID-19 Updated Vaccine Clinic:
Date: Monday, Nov. 20
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Instructional Building, Hiebert Lounge, L-14
Please note that flu clinics for faculty, students, and staff are currently occurring on the Medical Campus and appointments are still available for tomorrow! To schedule flu vaccination appointments, students can use Patient Connect and employees can visit the Occupational Health Center website.
Wishing you a healthy fall season,
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University
University Health Initiatives and Resources
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
Welcome back to campus as we kick off another exciting academic year. At the Chief Health Office, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff remain a top priority. The Chief Health Office was formally created this summer and includes Student Health Services (SHS), the Occupational Health Center (OHC), and the Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP). These newly unified offices provide dedicated health services to the University community. We are pleased to share reminders, university-led health initiatives, and resources below.
COVID-19:
The COVID-19 public health emergency ended in May of 2023. However, individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are still required to isolate for a minimum of 5 days after symptoms begin. Isolation may end after 5 days, but individuals must wear a mask when around others through day 10.
In order to encourage mask use in our community, masks are available in high-traffic areas across all campuses. If you are experiencing COVID-19 like symptoms, self-tests are available in local pharmacies around the city of Boston. Students who need PCR testingcan schedule an appointment at SHS and employees can seek out PCR testing through their personal healthcare provider offices or urgent care facilities.
All students, faculty, and staff who provide direct patient-facing healthcare are required to provide documentation of one COVID-19 mRNA booster. We continue to strongly recommend that everyone remain up to date with all CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
Immunization Clinics:
To help protect our community, immunization clinics for students, and flu and COVID-19 clinics for faculty, staff, and students will be scheduled throughout the fall semester. Beginning Oct. 1, students can use Patient Connect and employees can visit the Occupational Health Center website to schedule their flu vaccination appointments.
The Chief Health Office has partnered with Holtzman Medical Group to host a three-day COVID-19 vaccine clinic, providing the updated monovalent COVID-19 booster. This clinic will be held at Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center on Nov. 1-3 (9am-3pm). Beginning Oct. 1, you can register by clicking here.
Student Resources:
Student Health Services (SHS) is students’ first stop on campus for their health needs. A range of services are offered for students’ physical and mental health including urgent and primary care, counseling and other mental health services, crisis response and advocacy, and health promotion and prevention programs. For more information, please explore the SHS website or check us out on social media @bustudenthealth. To schedule an appointment, please call 617-353-3575 or log into Patient Connect.
The Student Wellbeing office has curated an extensive list of additional campus resources that support all dimensions of student wellbeing, including social and financial wellbeing.
Faculty/Staff Resources:
The Occupational Health Center provides prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses for the faculty and staff of Boston University. The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) is another essential resource for faculty and staff offering short-term counseling, referrals, crisis support, and numerous resources to promote wellbeing.
Employee Wellness offers a number of workshops, programs, and tips to promote the wellness of faculty and staff.
Emergency Services:
In case of an emergency, please call BUPD at 617-353-2121 on the Charles River or Fenway campus, BUMC Public Safety at 617-358-4444 on the Medical Campus, or 911 if you are off campus.
Wishing you all a successful and healthy academic year ahead,
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University
Air Quality Information
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Friday, June 9, 2023 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services, Bob Whitfield, Executive Director, Environmental Health and Safety, and Rene Fielding, Director, Emergency Management.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
Boston University is continuing to monitor the air quality due to the smoke from the Canadian wildfires. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection air quality alert for the state of Massachusetts ended at midnight on June 7. As of today, June 9, there are no air quality alerts for the Boston area and meteorologic experts predict no worsening of smoke or air quality is expected in the Boston area over the weekend. We recognize that members of our BU community are all over the country and the world at this time of year. We urge everyone to be informed about the air quality in your area. The air quality index or AQI provides information about the pollution in the air and suggests general recommendations for activity based upon the severity of pollution. Please see the Airgov.now graphic below for a quick reference. Real-time International Air Quality measurements and world-rankings can be found on IQAir.
Depending on where you currently reside, air quality could be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, such as asthma, older adults, children, teenagers, and pregnant people. People who are active outdoors may also experience increased sensitivity. People in sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity and consider use of a high-quality filtering mask, such as a KN95, KF94, or FFP2/3 if prolonged outdoor time is unavoidable in areas with air quality indicated to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Again, please refer to the air quality index references.
Spring 2023 COVID-19 Transitions
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
With the spring semester moving along quickly, I write to share information about our COVID-19 related policies that will begin after the All University Commencement on May 23, 2023. These transitions align with the state’s acknowledgement of the ending of the COVID-19 public health emergency in Massachusetts on May 11, 2023.
Please read below for important public health updates about our:
- COVID-19 vaccination policy
- COVID-19 testing on campus
- Masking requirements and recommendations
COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
The best ways to protect yourself and others against severe COVID-19 infections is to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces, and test if you are not feeling well. We will be transitioning from a university COVID-19 vaccination mandate to a tiered vaccination policy.
- COVID-19 General Population Vaccination Policy: We strongly recommend that everyone remain up to date with all CDC COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
- COVID-19 Clinical Population Vaccination Policy: All faculty, students, and staff who provide direct patient-facing healthcare will be required to provide documentation of a COVID-19 primary series and booster or submit a religious or medical waiver.
COVID-19 Testing
Free PCR testing at BU, for those with symptoms or exposures, will remain available at the Health Services Annex in the rear of 925 Commonwealth Ave Monday-Friday 9am-5pm through May 22, 2023, and all test results will appear in the confidential online portals by the end of the day on May 23, 2023. Moving forward from this date, students who need PCR testing should schedule an appointment at SHS and employees should seek out PCR testing through urgent care facilities or your personal healthcare provider offices. Our University COVID-19 Clinical Testing Laboratory will also close permanently on May 22, 2023.
Masking
Masks remain required in all healthcare spaces at Boston University until further notice. Our masking policy is currently aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 mask requirements and we await further updates as the spring progresses. We continue to recommend masking inside your home if you or others in the home are not feeling well or if you have underlying medical conditions that place you at a higher risk for severe COVID-19. We continue to encourage the use of high-quality masks (such as N95s, KN95s, KF94s, and FFP3/2s) that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit securely to reduce the risk of viral transmission.
For more information about COVID-19, students can visit the Student Health Services COVID-19 website and faculty and staff can visit the Occupational Health Center COVID-19 website.
Wishing you all good health this spring and summer,
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University
January 2023 Public Health Reminders
The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.
Dear Members of our Boston University Community,
Welcome back to campus as we head into the spring semester!
Please read below for important public health reminders about:
- Masking requirements and recommendations
- COVID-19, including US travel requirements and updated recommendations for rapid antigen test use
- Influenza (flu) and flu vaccinations
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
We continue to see high levels of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV circulating in our communities. There are simple things you can do to protect yourself and others against all respiratory conditions this season including staying home when you are not feeling well, being up to date on your immunizations, avoiding contact with people who are ill, washing hands frequently, and masking.
Masking
Masks are required in all healthcare spaces at Boston University until further notice. For January, we strongly recommend that everyone in our community, regardless of symptoms, mask in crowded indoor areas including classrooms, shared common spaces, and the BU Shuttle. We also recommend masking inside your home if you or others in the home are not feeling well. We encourage the use of high-quality masks (such as N95s, KN95s, KF94s, and FFP3/2s) that cover the nose, mouth, and chin and fit securely to reduce the risk of viral transmission. We will continue to evaluate masking recommendations for the upcoming spring months.
COVID-19
Effective treatments, mitigation strategies and public health interventions are continuing to help us in managing COVID-19; however, the winter months are a time of higher circulation. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to monitor rates of COVID-19 through testing positivity rates and wastewater data. The best ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 and reduce transmission are to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces, and test if you are not feeling well.
COVID-19 Testing
We encourage you to test upon returning to campus if you are experiencing any symptoms and/or have recently been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Depending on your travel over intersession, you may be required to test prior to traveling to the United States. Please review the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirements that went into effect on Jan. 5 here.
Free PCR testing at BU, for those with symptoms or exposures, 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.
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. However, with newer variants the reliability of a single at-home rapid test is a concern. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is now recommending the following repeat testing instructions below to reduce your risk of false negative results:
- If you receive a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test result, the test did not detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the time of that test.
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms, test again 48 hours after the first negative test, for a total of at least two tests.
- If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, but you have been exposed to COVID-19, test again 48 hours after the first negative test, then 48 hours after the second negative test, for a total of at least three tests.
Influenza (Flu)
Flu is circulating at higher levels this year than the same time in previous years. Massachusetts is currently at a very high level of transmission. Symptoms of flu may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. The best way to reduce your risk of seasonal flu is to get vaccinated. To find out where to get the flu vaccine, search in your area on the CDC’s website dedicated to vaccines.
Student Health Services will be offering flu shots Monday, Jan. 23 through Friday, Jan. 27, from 9AM-3PM at our Immunization Clinics. Students seeking an appointment can schedule online via Patient Connect.
Occupational Health Center is now offering additional flu shots by appointment only. Faculty/staff seeking an appointment can call Occupational Health Center at 617-353-6630 to schedule.
More information on what to do when you’re sick is available on the Student Health Services website.
RSV
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. While most people recover in a week or two, RSV can be serious for infants and older adults. There is currently no available RSV vaccine, however hand hygiene, frequently cleaning high touch surfaces, avoiding sharing cups and utensils, and covering coughs and sneezes can help reduce your risk and transmission of RSV. For more information on RSV, please visit the CDC’s website.
As always, taking time for yourself, eating nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, and sleeping 7-8 hours nightly will help to improve your overall health and may prevent adverse outcomes from respiratory illnesses. Look for ways to stay well throughout the semester by checking out resources on employee wellness and student wellness.
Wishing you all a healthy spring 2023 semester,
Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her/hers)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University
Fall 2022 Public Health Reminders
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
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
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