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