Dear 91ý Students, Faculty and Staff,
As you are no doubt already aware, the new omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus has begun to spread across the globe since first being identified in southern Africa, including confirmed cases in the United States.
In addition, influenza has begun to spike, particularly on college campuses across the country.
The health and safety of every member of our university community is always our top priority, and we urge you to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu.
Two Shots at Once
You can get both vaccines in one quick trip to the DeWeese Health Center on the Kent Campus.
When you go to your appointment for your COVID-19 vaccine, simply ask to receive your flu shot at the same time and University Health Services staff will be happy to administer both vaccines. Medically, it is safe to receive both shots at the same time, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Those who already have their COVID-19 vaccine can get their flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 booster shot. The Food and Drug Administration has approved booster shots for everyone over age 18, and booster shots for all vaccines are available at DeWeese. Learn more about COVID-19 boosters here or schedule a booster shot . The booster and flu shots are safe to be taken at the same time, according to the CDC.
If you are already fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (and have your booster shot), use this link to schedule a flu shot at the health center or call 330-672-2322 to make an appointment. Due to COVID-19, you must schedule an appointment before coming to the health center.
For those on our Regional Campuses, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, and flu shots are available at a wide range of pharmacies and clinics; to find a location near you.
Since October, the country has seen a large uptick in the number of influenza cases, particularly on college campuses. The University of Michigan, the University of Florida and Florida State University all have recently experienced widespread flu outbreaks on their campuses. At Michigan, more than 500 cases were reported, 77 percent of which were students who had not had a flu shot.
Vaccine Requirement
Remember, the deadline to meet the university’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement is fast approaching.
All students, faculty and staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to register their vaccine, or to receive an exemption from vaccination and begin the university’s COVID-19 testing program (up to twice a week) to screen for the virus.
For those who already are fully vaccinated or are testing regularly, thank you for taking the necessary steps to make the health and safety of our university community a priority.
If you are not yet vaccinated, on the Kent Campus, and many of which are close to our Regional Campuses.
Omicron Variant
It is too soon to know what impact the omicron variant of COVID-19 will have on our community. Ohio has experienced the severe effects of the delta variant over the past four months, and we know that we must follow the best medical science available to keep our community healthy, which includes vaccinations.
The World Health Organization has classified the omicron variant as “highly transmissible.” While actual risks are not yet fully known, preliminary data suggests the omicron variant may spread more rapidly than the delta variant and may result in the re-infection of those who already have had COVID-19.
Please make getting your COVID-19 vaccine or booster and your flu shot a priority so that we can all enjoy a safe winter break and start out the 2022 Spring Semester armed with the protections we need to stay healthy and avoid the spread of either virus on our campuses.
Throughout the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been guided by the best science-based advice available from the CDC, our state and local health departments as well as the experts from our College of Public Health. In the coming weeks, we will be offering more information about our prevention strategy for the spring semester. Our approach has kept our campus community safe and we will continue to use this approach to inform our prevention strategy in the upcoming year.
Sincerely,
Lisa Dannemiller
Chief University Physician
Julie Volcheck
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs
Director of University Health Services
Melissa Zullo, Ph.D., MPH
Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs
Program Coordinator - Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Professor of Epidemiology, College of Public Health