Category: News

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

Message to University Faculty and Student Services Colleagues

  • Publication date August 22, 2022
  • Categories: News, Notes

Fall 2022 Message to Faculty and Student Services Colleagues—We hope you have had a restful and restorative summer. As we begin the 2022-2023 academic year, we are sharing with you some updates on services for students that may be useful for you to keep in mind as we return to our busy academic pursuits. This year, our clinical faculty in Counseling and Mental Health are moving to increase access to and ease of mental health support for students by moving to a “stepped care” model, one that incorporates tools, support services, and clinical care to address the range of experiences and needs of students. Our goal is to deliver the right care, at the right time, by the right person, for the best outcomes for our patients….Continue Reading Message to University Faculty and Student Services Colleagues

Going Out and Safety

  • Publication date August 22, 2022
  • Categories: Advisory, News

8/2 As there are many opportunities for social activities both on campus and off campus, we would like to share reminders for staying safe when you go out.

  • The mobile app (powered by LiveSafe) provides additional ways to look up information and contact the USC Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other campus resources. Please add the 24/7 phone numbers for DPS to your mobile phone: 213-740-4321 (University Park Campus) and 323-442-100 (Health Sciences Campus.)
  • • Monkeypox has been identified as a public health issue in the U.S. and in LA County; it is being transmitted primarily through close intimate contact; we encourage you to read about ways to prevent transmission and protect yourself if you are in a population at higher risk of exposure.
  • A County Dept. of Public Health also issued an advisory earlier this summer on fentanyl, which is still a public health concern. Anyone who has access to drugs that are not prescribed to them, and not directly dispensed to them through a pharmacy, should be advised to have Narcan, also known as naloxone, available and test any drugs for fentanyl. Narcan is a covered benefit of the Student Health Insurance Plan/Aetna and is available at the USC Pharmacies.

…Continue Reading Going Out and Safety

Monkeypox: What you should know in LA County

Monkeypox, a disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus, is a rare disease and does not naturally occur naturally in the US. Cases of monkeypox have recently been identified in some countries where the virus is not typically found, including in the US, and appear to have spread through human-to-human contact. Monkeypox can spread when a person has close contact with a person infected with monkeypox virus (direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids; or respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex) or when a person comes in contact with materials (e.g., bedding, towels) that are contaminated with the virus. The risk to the US population remains low. Those who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment or call DPH at 2-1-1 for assistance if you do not have a regular provider. This includes anyone who traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox. Specific populations may be at increased risk for contracting monkeypox and are eligible for vaccination. As vaccines are currently in limited supply in LA County, individuals are encouraged to sign up for the LA County Monkeypox Newsletter to receive updates on vaccine availability….Continue Reading Monkeypox: What you should know in LA County

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

7/25 Monkeypox: What you should know in LA County

Monkeypox, a disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus, is a rare disease and does not naturally occur naturally in the US. Cases of monkeypox have recently been identified in some countries where the virus is not typically found, including in the US, and appear to have spread through human-to-human contact. Monkeypox can spread when a person has close contact with a person infected with monkeypox virus (direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids; or respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex) or when a person comes in contact with materials (e.g., bedding, towels) that are contaminated with the virus. The risk to the US population remains low. Those who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment or call DPH at 2-1-1 for assistance if you do not have a regular provider. This includes anyone who traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox. Specific populations may be at increased risk for contracting monkeypox and are eligible for vaccination. As vaccines are currently in limited supply in LA County, individuals are encouraged to sign up for the LA County Monkeypox Newsletter to receive updates on vaccine availability….Continue Reading 7/25 Monkeypox: What you should know in LA County

7/13 Health Advisory regarding COVID-19 and update on Pop Testing

  • Publication date July 14, 2022
  • Categories: News

The recent data collected on COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County and at USC points to a steady increase in test positivity and hospitalizations, a trend that is expected to continue over the next few weeks. 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. If and when the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issues changes to the Public Health Officer order regarding indoor masking protocols, the university will align with required measures. Due to changes with our testing provider, after Friday, July 29, 2022, nasal swab testing will no longer be available through the Pop Testing program. The last day to schedule a nasal swab test will be Friday, July 29. After this date,saliva-based PCR tests will be the primary collection method used on-campus for students, staff, and faculty. You can pick up a take-home saliva collection kit from one of our campus testing locations (Jefferson Lot at UPC, Pappas Quad at HSC) and schedule a drop off of your sample through MySHR….Continue Reading 7/13 Health Advisory regarding COVID-19 and update on Pop Testing

Regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

  • Publication date June 24, 2022
  • Categories: News, Notes

Through a statement on social media from USC president Carol L. Folt, the university president confirmed that “When women’s reproductive rights are not protected federally, it can lead to harmful disparities that impact women’s health and wellbeing. In California, women will retain choice over the most private, personal, difficult decision of their lives, but that will not be true in many other states. As a leading educational institution with a major healthcare system, we must continue to champion safe access to women’s reproductive healthcare through our advocacy, research and medical enterprise.”…Continue Reading Regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

Fentanyl Advisory 6/1

Anyone who has access to drugs that are not prescribed to them, and not directly dispensed to them through a pharmacy, should be advised to have Narcan, also known as naloxone, available and test any drugs for fentanyl.  

  • Be wary of counterfeit pills obtained through acquaintance/social media purchase.
  • Assume that all non-prescribed substances contain fentanyl.
  • Always have Narcan in case of an overdose.
  • Never use alone (friends can save your life!).
  • Test your drugs for fentanyl using fentanyl test strips.
  • Start low and go slow (watch and wait before using more).
  • Avoid dangerous combinations: fentanyl is especially dangerous when mixed with benzos such as Xanax and Klonopin, but mixing it unknowingly other opiates such as heroin, Vicodin, or Oxycontin or even with alcohol can also lead to an overdose very quickly.

Narcan is a covered benefit of the USC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP/Aetna), Medi-Cal, and most other insurance plans and does not require a prescription. It can be obtained at USC Pharmacies and other retail pharmacies with a consultation with a pharmacist. Fentanyl testing strips are available at the USC Bookstores.

USC students can obtain no-cost kits containing both naloxone and testing strips through the Naloxone SC program run by graduate students in the USC School of Pharmacy.

USC Department of Public Safety’s first responders carry Narcan and are trained to administer it; the 24/7 emergency number is 213-740-4321 (UPC); 323-442-1000 (HSC)….Continue Reading Fentanyl Advisory 6/1