COVID-19

Last Updated: 5/29/2024

Vaccination/Booster Policy

COVID-19 vaccination is not required for UB students, employees, or guests. However, keeping updated on vaccination and boosters is strongly recommended for personal and public health protection, per CDC guidelines.

Students should note that some off-campus clinical locations may have vaccination requirements and/or policies in place that students must adhere to. Students participating in clinical health science programs should consult with their program or site coordinator regarding compliance with these policies and procedures.

Testing

• Random and regular testing is neither required nor offered by the University at this time.
• Students or employees may acquire tests through local health clinics or pharmacies.

What to do when you have a respiratory virus (COVID-19, flu, RSV, etc.)

• You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
  • Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
• When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
  • Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
  • If you develop a fever or start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.

• It is the responsibility of any employee who has a respiratory virus to make arrangements for work in consultation with supervisors and the Human Resources Office.

Student Health Services
60 Lafayette Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
203-576-4712

COVID-19 (and other respiratory viruses): Campus health information and advice

Although we are not mandating masks on our campus, you are free to wear a mask whenever you choose. As a higher education facility, we expect that everyone will respect the individual decisions of our students, employees, patients, and visitors. If you are at an increased risk for severe illness, you are encouraged to wear a mask at any time.

Our goal is to achieve academic success while maintaining a safe college campus.

Best protection from Coronavirus and other infections

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. The CDC says handwashing is the best way to get rid of germs, stay healthy, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Handwashing can guard against the cold, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses. It can also protect you from foodborne illnesses.
• Hand sanitizer: While washing your hands properly is still very important, hand sanitizer allows you to keep your hands clean on-the-go in a variety of environments. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer effectively kills the influenza virus and cold bacteria on contact.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to help prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Although you are not required to get vaccinated, we strongly encourage, as do federal health authorities, that all members of the University community be up-to-date on recommended vaccine and booster shots according to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Many local pharmacies offer COVID vaccines and boosters free of charge with insurance. We have local pharmacies located 1-3 miles away, making it very convenient to set up and go to an appointment. You can make appointments online or call. Below are a few local pharmacies that offer the vaccines:

If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, please call Student Health Services at 203-576-4712. We are open Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.