I hope you are enjoying the fall semester! We have all been living, learning, and working on campus with many fewer restrictions than at this time last year, primarily due to our highly vaccinated community, our shared responsibility to stay home when not feeling well, and our evolving understanding of COVID-19. The following message contains important information about Penn’s upcoming COVID-19 booster clinic, in addition to guidance and reminders about campus protocols.
Penn’s Booster Clinic
The University will hold a COVID-19 booster clinic on November 3 and 4 from 8 a.m.—6 p.m. at Pottruck Health and Fitness Center (3701 Walnut Street, Philadelphia). The Pfizer mRNA bivalent COVID-19 booster will be available to the entire University community and their families free of charge. Register and schedule your appointment for the booster clinic on the PennCares website. Please note, you must create an account prior to scheduling your appointment. For more information about the Booster Clinic, visit the Penn Cares COVID-19 Response website.
Booster eligibility
The CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been at least 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was their final primary series dose or an original (monovalent) booster. This new booster enhances the immune system’s response against both the original coronavirus strain and the newer omicron strains.
Find a booster in the community
If you are unable to attend Penn’s booster clinic, you can find appointments for the mRNA bivalent COVID-19 booster at local pharmacies by visiting www.vaccines.gov.
COVID-19 public health guidance
In addition to getting your booster, please continue to follow the University’s COVID-19 Public Health Guidance regarding testing on campus, isolation, masking, and what to do if you feel ill.
Cold and flu season
In addition to COVID-19, other respiratory illnesses typically become more common in the fall and winter months. Remember to practice good hand and cough hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and well for at least 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, cough into your elbow instead of your hand, and wear a mask if you’re not feeling well. As an additional layer of protection, all members of the Penn community are strongly encouraged to get their flu shot. The flu vaccine is required for all students. If you have not yet received your flu vaccine, you can find available appointments at local pharmacies by visiting www.vaccines.gov.
Thank you for continuing to do your part to maintain a vibrant Penn community—one that depends on individual decision-making and collective care for one another to help keep our campus and surrounding communities healthy and safe.