Dear Pittsburgh Campus Students:

This time of year, we typically see an increase in respiratory illnesses including COVID-19. Below are resources and reminders about ways to keep yourself and others healthy, and to mitigate the spread of a respiratory illness if you are sick. 

Be kind to yourself and your community by getting the care you need.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

• Isolate for at least 5 days, and wear a mask in public until at least day 11;
• If you have a meal plan, you can use this form to request meals for pickup by a roommate or other designee;
• Inform your primary care doctor, if applicable; and
• Let your close contacts know. The CDC has great advice for how to have those conversations and details on who is considered a close contact.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19, you can contact Student Health Services (SHS) at 412-383-4371 or schedule a COVID-19 PCR test through the SHS patient portal.

Four free rapid tests per household are available to order by mail from the federal government. You can also purchase rapid COVID-19 tests at the University Pharmacy at a significantly reduced cost ($7 for one test or $12 for two).

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 through a close contact, wear a mask in public for a full 10 days.

Anyone is welcome to wear a face covering at any time for any reason. In some cases, masks are strongly encouraged.

• Anyone experiencing mild respiratory symptoms who has tested negative for COVID-19 and feels well enough to be outside of their home is encouraged to mask in public. 
• Individuals who are at higher risk for complications from illness are encouraged to mask in crowded indoor settings, especially throughout fall and winter months.

It’s time to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. This new vaccine has been approved by the FDA and is being made available nationwide for all adults. In the coming weeks, the vaccine will be available at Student Health Services and The Hub. Find convenient locations to get your vaccine at vaccines.gov. Insurance will typically cover the full cost of the vaccine, and the Bridge Access Program is available for under or uninsured people. Getting your updated COVID-19 vaccine is the best thing you can do to prevent a severe COVID-19 infection.

The Hub continues to offer a variety of adult vaccinations and health care connections Monday through Friday, by appointment or on a walk-in basis.

We’ll also be offering flu vaccine clinics on Oct. 3 and 4 at the Petersen Events Center. Keep an eye on Pittwire for details about COVID-19 vaccine availability and clinic details!

If you’re experiencing moderate to severe cold and flu symptoms unrelated to COVID-19, please do not attend class or go to public campus spaces. If you are experiencing mild symptoms unrelated to COVID-19, please consider masking when you’re in class or out in public.

Finally, SHS is a great resource if you have questions about your cold and flu symptoms. 

While we know COVID-19 is primarily transmitted in the air, cold and flu germs still love surfaces. Taking time to properly wash your hands after using the restroom or touching commonly used surfaces and before eating can help to reduce your exposure to illness. 

Sincerely,

Joe Suyama, MD
Medical Director, University of Pittsburgh Vaccination and Health Connection Hub

Kenyon R. Bonner, EdD
Vice Provost for Student Affairs