09/14/2022
By Paulette Renault-Caragianes

As the days start to cool and we move into fall, we’re also beginning to see more colds, the flu, and other respiratory disease both in the community and on campus. With cases of colds, flu and COVID-19 likely to rise as we start to spend more time indoors, it’s important to remember to take precautions and preventative steps to reduce the risk of illness and spreading disease to others.

COVID & Flu Vaccination
UMass Lowell strongly recommends all campus community members receive COVID-19 and flu vaccines to support both individual and community health.

COVID-19 vaccination boosters designed to focus on omicron variants have been authorized by the FDA for the entire campus population. If you are interested in getting this booster, you can locate a nearby Massachusetts clinic.

In the coming weeks Today@UMassLowell will publicize on-campus flu shot clinics for students, faculty and staff. These will be appointment-based clinics held from mid-October through early November in University Crossing.

Prevention
All campus community members are reminded that whatever the cause of upper respiratory symptoms, consider staying home while you are sick.

Campus community members are also reminded to consult the Daily Symptom Checker for symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19.

Students experiencing symptoms that may indicate COVID-19 need to call the Symptom Reporting Line (978-934-2682) or email student_symptomreporting@uml.edu for evaluation by one of the staff to determine what type of testing/treatment is most appropriate.

Students with concerns about other types of illness should call the Wellness Center at 978-934-6800 to determine how best to manage those symptoms. As a reminder, information about treatment of common illnesses is available to all on the Health Services website.

While masks remain optional on campus, wearing one if you are experiencing upper respiratory symptoms protects those around you. In addition, a mask will also offer you some protection against exposure if you feel it needed during the course of the fall and winter.

Taking time to obtain vaccinations and boosters this fall along with simple but important preventative measures can help reduce the spread of diseases on campus and enable all to enjoy the learning, social and recreational opportunities UMass Lowell has to offer.