Review the *NEW* information related to masking when returning to classes and work; travel from China (PRC, Hong Kong, Macau) and isolation criteria for students….Continue Reading Update to COVID-19 Isolation Criteria and other Key Health Reminders (1/3/23)
Category: News
Questions about Student Health? Sign up for for a chat!
USC Student Health is offering one-one chats for new and returning students about a range of health topics including immunization requirements, insurance, and other personalized questions for arrival on campus and in the degree programs. Q and A sessions are available in the months leading up to the beginning of the Fall and Spring terms:…Continue Reading Questions about Student Health? Sign up for for a chat!
World AIDS Day, December 1
In the decades since the very first World AIDS Day, we have made progress in helping people with HIV manage what is now in the U.S. considered a treatable chronic condition. There is work on developing safe, effective, and affordable vaccines to reduce the annually estimated 1.5 million new cases of around the world. Each of us can help add to this progress, by learning more, getting tested, and reducing stigma for people and communities who experience greater exposure to a virus. …Continue Reading World AIDS Day, December 1
Drug Take Back Day Announced: Dec. 6
USC Pharmacies and USC Student Health are pleased share that DRUG TAKE BACK DAY is returning to campus for TUESDAY, DEC. 6. safety.usc.edu/drugs…Continue Reading Drug Take Back Day Announced: Dec. 6
Preparing for Seasonal Holiday Travel & Gatherings
- Pick up antigen testing kits for COVID-19: these can be obtained at no cost at the Jefferson Lot testing site, and the Pappas Quad testing site, all students and all employees are eligible to pick up kits. Students may also obtain kits from the CSC desks in USC Housing.
- Test pre-and post-exposure: Travel increases risk of exposure, so use a test before traveling, and after arriving. Use a second test 24-48 hours later to confirm your negative status.
- Get a flu shot and updated COVID-19 booster: If you have not yet received your immunizations, it is strongly recommended to get updated vaccinations for these illnesses before traveling and meeting with groups of friends and relatives.
- It is strongly recommended that you wear a high-quality mask when you are in indoor public settings, including all public transit hubs. Indicators that are monitored by the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health have tracked recent increased transmission in Los Angeles, prompting this upgraded recommendation for masking protection. Remembers the “three C’s”: closed indoor spaces with poor air flow, crowded settings, and settings where people are breathing talking or breathing heavily closely
…Continue Reading Preparing for Seasonal Holiday Travel & Gatherings
Great American Smokeout 2022
11/1/22—USC is committed to promoting a healthy, safe, and comfortable environment for all faculty, staff, students, and visitors. This includes having a smoke-free campus and encouraging our community to participate in the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17, 2022. Please join us for the following events, during which you can learn more about the risks associated with smoking and resources for implementing a plan that commits to a smoke-free life: The Great American Smokeout Information Tables (on-campus), Wednesday, Nov. 9 at the Farmer’s Market (11:30 AM – 2 PM)
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)
International Day of Recovery (9/27)
National Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in addiction and mental health recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. It culminates on Sept. 30, with the International Recovery Day virtual celebratory firework celebration and stories of recovery.
Locally, California and Los Angeles County are responding to the continuing dangers of fentanyl in drugs shared or sold outside of prescribed medications. Los Angeles County has made informing the public about resources to learn about fentanyl, overdose prevention, and treatment a high priority.
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination, COVID-19, and other Respiratory Illnesses
As we enter the influenza season, we strongly recommend that all USC students, faculty, and university staff receive vaccinations for the 2022-2023 influenza season.
Getting your flu vaccination will help mitigate the potential simultaneous impact of flu and COVID-19 during the seasonal respiratory illness timeframe in the fall/winter months. Exact timing of flu season may vary, but activity often begins to increase in October; flu activity typically peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May. Learn more key facts from the CDC….Continue Reading Seasonal Influenza Vaccination, COVID-19, and other Respiratory Illnesses
MHART pilot program launches to help students experiencing mental health crises
When the Dept. of Public Safety are called to respond to mental health calls, a licensed mental health clinician will be part of the response team—Mental Health Assistance & Response Team (MHART).
“The impetus for the program is that we want students in crisis — or potentially in crisis — that are having mental health issues to interact primarily with mental health clinicians as an alternative to law enforcement,” said Steven Siegel, professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine.
“Mental health providers will be with the officers when there’s a call, and the mental health providers will ultimately be front and center interacting with the student to help them through the crisis, while public safety is there to support that.”…Continue Reading MHART pilot program launches to help students experiencing mental health crises