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