News

World Mental Health Day at BU

By Idenson Eltume October 10th, 2024 in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Thursday, October 1, 2024 from Dr. Judy Platt, MD, Chief Health Officer and Executive Director of Student Health Services.

Dear Members of our Boston University Community,

October 10 marks World Mental Health Day – an international call to raise awareness, destigmatize mental health, and strengthen community access to mental health support.

At this moment, there are tremendous stressors and uncertainties in our individual lives and global community that are deeply impacting our mental health. These realities require us, more than ever, to prioritize care for ourselves and one another. At the Chief Health Office, the mental health of our students, staff, and faculty is front of mind. Please read on to learn about the events, training opportunities, and resources available to you this month, and beyond.

World Mental Health Day at BU

We will honor World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10 by providing students, staff, and faculty with free mental health screenings, resource fairs, and opportunities to reduce stigma and contribute to a community of care. This is a notable expansion of “National Depression Screening Day” which has been an important part of BU’s prevention efforts for nearly 20 years. Events will be held on the Charles River and Medical campuses, and online. No registration is required. Learn more about what is planned for World Mental Health Day at BU.

Overdose Prevention Training

We can all support the health and safety of our campus community by learning how to identify an overdose, access and administer nasal naloxone, and describe policies that protect those who seek help. BU’s Overdose Prevention Training is free and open to all students, staff, and faculty. Learn more and register.

Supporting Students in Distress: Terriers Connect Training

Each member of our community has the power to support students’ mental health, no matter your role on campus. This training, led by Student Health Services, teaches students, staff, and faculty how to recognize signs of distress, support students, and refer to BU mental health and wellbeing resources. Learn more and register.

Mental Health Resources for the BU Community

The Chief Health Office, and our campus partners, offer many resources to support the mental health of students, staff, and faculty.

For Students: Student Health Services (SHS) provides free and confidential mental health services including short-term therapy, support groups, medication management and more. Survivor services are available for any student who has experienced interpersonal violence or other trauma. Peer support options can also be accessed through SHS’ Togetherall and All Ears programs. For a broader list of wellbeing resources, explore this resource tool provided by the BU Student Wellbeing Office.

For Faculty & Staff: The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) offers free and confidential help for personal, work-related, and family concerns. Licensed staff provide mental health assessments, short-term counseling, referrals to mental healthcare, training, and identity-based resources to promote mental wellbeing. Services are available to BU employees and their household family members. BU Employee Wellness also curates resources to enhance wellbeing including workshops, programs, and health information.

Thank you for your continued commitment to fostering a culture of care and support within our BU community.

In health,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University

University Health Initiative: COVID-19 and Flu Immunization Clinics

By Idenson Eltume September 26th, 2024 in Announcements

The following was sent to all members of the Boston University Community on Thursday, September 19, 2024 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 embark on another exciting academic year together. At the Chief Health Office, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priority. Please see below for information about our COVID-19 policies, upcoming Flu and COVID-19 Immunization Clinics, general information about respiratory illnesses, and where to order a free rapid antigen COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 Policy

The 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.

COVID-19 and Flu Immunization Clinics

We recommend everyone stay up to date with annual COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. To help protect our community, COVID-19 and flu immunization clinics for students, faculty, and staff, are scheduled throughout the fall semester, beginning on the Medical Campus on September 30. Students may use Patient Connect and employees may visit the Occupational Health Center website to schedule their vaccination appointments on the Medical Campus now. Appointments for Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations on the Charles River Campus will open on Tuesday, October 8.

Guidelines for Respiratory Illness

We encourage you to protect yourself and others from getting sick this fall and winter. Free rapid antigen COVID-19 tests will be available for households through the US Government. Order a test online at the end of September.

If you are sick with a respiratory virus, including COVID-19, please stay home until your symptoms improve. MA Department of Public Health guidelines have evolved to align COVID-19 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. If you need to be around others while feeling ill, please wear a mask while you are experiencing symptoms and for at least 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19. Healthcare personnel continue to have specific return to work guidelines.

Wishing you all a healthy academic year ahead,

Judy T. Platt, MD (she/her)
Chief Health Officer and Executive Director
Student Health Services
Boston University

COVID-19 Isolation & Vaccination Requirement Updates

By Idenson Eltume April 9th, 2024 in Announcements

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

By Idenson Eltume October 25th, 2023 in Announcements

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, 14^th 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

By Idenson Eltume October 12th, 2023 in Announcements

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

By Idenson Eltume September 19th, 2023 in Announcements

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

By Idenson Eltume June 12th, 2023 in Announcements

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

By rajohnso April 4th, 2023 in Announcements

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

By rajohnso January 12th, 2023 in Announcements

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