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Dear USD Campus Community:
As we look forward to the end of the fall semester, the Christmas holiday and intersession, our COVID-19 positive cases on campus continue to remain low as a result of your consistent efforts to get vaccinated, wear face coverings indoors and comply with other health and safety measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.
While the Delta variant remains the predominant strain of the virus in the United States, many of you may have heard about the recent emergence of the Omicron variant. While there is no cause for alarm, there is an opportunity to further emphasize the importance of vaccination, booster shots and general prevention strategies needed to protect against COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends booster shots for everyone 18 years of age and older.
More specifically, the CDC recommends booster shots to all adults who completed their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna two-dose vaccination at least six months ago. The CDC recommends booster shots for those who received the Johnson & Johnson single dose COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago.
The CDC and San Diego County health officials believe that boosters dramatically lower the risk of a breakthrough infection and even further reduce risk of severe disease. Boosters will be a key strategy in keeping us safe as we head into winter and holiday season, when many of us will spend more time indoors and at larger gatherings and events with family and friends.
Booster shots are widely available and remain free of charge. Students in particular may find it most convenient to get a booster over the holidays at home or wherever they may be. You can find available vaccines at vaccines.gov or vaccinateri.org. It is easy to schedule a vaccination appointment at many pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens and Walmart.
We recommend that you consult your health care provider (Student Health Center for students; personal health care provider for employees) or your local pharmacist if you have questions about vaccines or boosters.
As a reminder, if you have cold-like symptoms or are feeling ill, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. The CDC has issued guidelines to help you navigate holiday travel and gatherings.
Thank you again for your commitment to the health and safety of our entire USD community.
Sincerely,
The COVID-19 Action Team
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