Announcements

Health Advisory — Prevention of Respiratory Illness

Unfortunately, since late October, positivity rates have increased each week in both LA County and in the campus populations. Last week, (week 10 since move-in) there were 69 positive cases, (0.21% positivity rate among students, 0.62% among faculty and staff). Some of this can be attributed to more activities open in Los Angeles County, more high-risk interaction such as in restaurants and bars, and reductions of physical distancing measures along with changing weather and the natural patterns of the virus.

Get a flu shot — flu vaccination is required for all students; and faculty and staff. Getting immunization by November 15 will protect you from prolonged flu illness.

Get a COVID-19 booster — education settings are considered a higher risk environment for contracting illness; all students, faculty, and staff are recommended to obtain a booster. Per recent CDC guidance, you may get a booster of a different formulation than your original dose(s).

Update for COVID-19 Safety

A new policy change to USC’s COVID-19 testing requirements is now in effect that affects faculty, staff, or students who have approved medical or religious exemption for the required COVID-19 vaccine. According to the new L.A. City Council ordinance, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test within 72 hours is being required to enter certain indoor public locations. To ensure USC is in compliance with this ordinance, effective Nov. 3, 2021, if you are unvaccinated and will be on campus, you will be required to test for COVID-19 every 72 hours to access USC’s campuses. This does not apply to anyone who teaches, works, or studies remotely but note that if you decided to visit campus for any reason, you must meet this testing requirement.

Support Resources for the Student Community

Students impacted by news of recent events are encouraged to reach out for counseling and support; help is available by phone, for 24/7 support, both for Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services, and Counseling and Mental Health Services. "Let's Talk" drop-in sessions (view and book time slots in MySHR) have been added for any students impacted by the current campus climate. These sessions can be used to discuss stress reduction, resiliency, or more. If you would like individual services for a sexual violence-related incident, Advocate services are available. Call 213-740-9355 (WELL) to speak to a confidential Advocate or to speak to a confidential mental health counselor.

Trojan-ish Podcast: Drugs and Overdose Prevention

Featuring Prof. Ricky Bluthenthal of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, GSG rep and researcher Sheila Pakdaman, and special guest Shannon Knox, director of education and training at Community Health Project LA, this episode looks at the current drug use landscape, how it impacts college students as we are emerging from COVID-19, and how naloxone can save lives. Listen here; or read the transcript.

Vaccine Update for Campus— Influenza and COVID-19 Boosters

As we enter the influenza season, the University has renewed the decision to require influenza vaccines for all USC students, faculty, and staff for the 2021-2022 influenza season. The deadline for completion is November 1, 2021. As a reminder, please continue to use recommended hygiene practices: wash your hands, follow masking guidelines, and if you are sick, please stay home. Recently, the FDA and CDC have also made key announcements on COVID-19 booster shots for the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine. Information for USC students in our campus communities about both these vaccines is outlined in a message to all students.

9/28 Flu Vaccine Requirement for Students

All USC students taking in-person classes or living in university-owned residences in Fall 2020 are required to complete immunization for influenza by November 1. Students living in off-campus residences and taking classes remotely are also strongly encouraged to get a flu vaccine. Students returning to in person classes in Spring 2021 will be required to show proof of vaccination before they will be permitted on campus.

September and October are optimal times for receiving the flu vaccine, as it takes approximately 2 weeks for your immune system to create antibodies for protection. Don’t delay; if you have an opportunity to get vaccinated for flu, take it.

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