Please discard or discontinue use of the following the following lot number of Flowflex COVID-19 antigen kits: COV2030023. Users have reported difficulty interpreting clear results from this lot number of tests….Continue Reading COVID-19 antigen kit, lot COV2030023 update
Category: covid-19
What Should I Do? COVID-19
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, take an antigen test, and if it is positive, and follow these instructions, including completing a contract tracing form in MySHR. …Continue Reading What Should I Do? COVID-19
Updates to COVID-19 Protocols (4/11/23)
For next year’s incoming class, for students in non-health degree programs, the COVID-19 vaccination (primary series and booster when eligible) is moving to the category of “strongly recommended” instead of required. This change in policy also applies to most campus-based employees (faculty and staff). for students in the health professions degree programs — your requirements will be communicated by your academic programs.This change will take effect on May 19, after the end of the Spring 2023 semester. …Continue Reading Updates to COVID-19 Protocols (4/11/23)
Pre-Travel COVID-19 Testing
For USC students who need testing to board international flights, please know that testing hours through the Pop Testing (PCR) program currently runs from Monday-Friday. Testing is not available on weekends. Results typically return within 48 hours, but this is not a guaranteed timeframe. Testing offered at USC’s PCR program is designed for screening and diagnosis but not travel services. Students who have rush needs to meet pre-boarding testing requirements for international flights may need to engage external, commercial testing services….Continue Reading Pre-Travel COVID-19 Testing
Flu Vaccination, COVID-19 boosters, and Updates (9/29)
As we enter respiratory illness season, we strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to receive their flu vaccination, ideally before November 1, 2022. We also strongly encourage everyone to receive a bivalent COVID-19 booster, especially if you are at higher risk for severe disease because of age or underlying health conditions.
To accommodate students, faculty and staff who would like to receive the flu immunization and the COVID-19 bivalent booster at the same time, USC Student Health and the USC Pharmacies will be hosting a Fall Vax Event: Flu, COVID-19 boosters clinic offering both vaccines at UPC. Students, faculty, and staff at HSC are encouraged to make appointments for vaccination through the USC Pharmacies or obtain vaccinations at the retailer most convenient to you at home.
…Continue Reading Flu Vaccination, COVID-19 boosters, and Updates (9/29)
CDC makes recommendation on bivalent COVID-19 boosters
Sept. 1, 2022—CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older.
Updated COVID-19 boosters add Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine composition, helping to restore protection that has waned since previous vaccination by targeting variants that are more transmissible and immune-evading. Read the full CDC announcement.
USC Pharmacies has temporarily suspended its booster clinic with the previous booster formulations. Pending new clinical guidance, booster vaccination will resume with supplies of the new bivalent formulations….Continue Reading CDC makes recommendation on bivalent COVID-19 boosters
8/2 COVID-19 Safety and Other Key Reminders
We are looking forward to a vibrant fall semester, and the arrival of our students for the beginning of the academic year. As we prepare to greet one another in person once again, we want to share important reminders with the community to continue to take precautions regarding COVID-19 in our campus communities. Currently, Los Angeles County is experiencing a slight decline from a high level of community transmission (7,009 new cases reported as of the week ending 7/28) that has trended throughout the summer months, driven by the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron. Some of the cases include reinfection in individuals who previously had COVID-19. We strongly recommend wearing medical-grade masks or respirator masks (including surgical, N95, KN95, KF94) when indoors around others to reduce transmission and risk of infection. Masking is most effective when there is both a good fit (no gaps, covering the nose, mouth, chin) and good filtration. Testing before arrival (1-2 days) to campus and testing upon arrival (3-5 days after) will help keep our campuses safer from transmission.
…Continue Reading 8/2 COVID-19 Safety and Other Key Reminders
Health Advisory for Individuals at Higher Risk of Serious Cases of COVID-19
May 11, 2022—As COVID-19 cases nationally and in Los Angeles County continue to steadily increase in recent weeks, we are sharing the following information as a special advisory for individuals who may be at higher risk of serious symptoms of COVID-19. The best protection is to be up to date on vaccinations, including boosters when…Continue Reading Health Advisory for Individuals at Higher Risk of Serious Cases of COVID-19
Update on COVID-19 Procedures (5/2/22)
In keeping with the state and county’s revised definition of “close contact” (someone sharing the same indoor space for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) the university is revising its COVID-19 notification practices. This change is needed to ensure compliance with the new definition.
Beginning on Wednesday, May 4, all currently enrolled students and all university employees will receive a daily email message with an update on reported cases. A sample message is attached. The message contains a link to the daily report of cases, and instructions for individuals who believe that they have been in close contact with a positive individual….Continue Reading Update on COVID-19 Procedures (5/2/22)
Update to Health Officer Order for the control of COVID-19
4/15/22—Updated guidance from the LA County Dept. of Public Health removes the quarantine requirement for individuals who are asymptomatic after having had a close contact exposure to a positive case of COVID-19. Individuals who have had an exposure are required to wear a highly protective mask around others, especially indoors, for a total of 10…Continue Reading Update to Health Officer Order for the control of COVID-19