Important Flu and COVID Information

Dear Emerson Community,

We hope your semester is going well. We are writing today to share information on flu prevention and the COVID-19 bivalent booster. While the College does not require the COVID-19 bivalent booster at this time, we encourage you to consider vaccination to further protect yourself and the Emerson community.

What is Influenza (Flu)?

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.

(https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/keyfacts.htm)

Flu Prevention

Emerson College encourages all members of the Emerson community to get a flu shot. A list of dates and times of the Emerson Wellness Center Flu Clinics can be found on the Emerson Wellness Center’s website. Students receiving the flu vaccine at Health Services and who are on the Emerson College Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plan will have their insurance billed directly. Students who are not on the Emerson College BCBS plan will be charged $33 to their Emerson College account. These students may submit a reimbursement claim form on their own to their insurance plan. Alternatively, you can find a list of sites and clinics that offer the flu vaccine here.

In addition to obtaining your flu vaccine, the following tips can help prevent spreading the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• If you are sick, avoid close contact with others.

Please visit One Emerson for more information and guidelines for managing the flu.

Additional general information about the flu can be found at the Boston Public Health Commission’s flu website or the CDC Flu Link.

COVID-19 Bivalent Booster

Did you know you can take your flu shot and the COVID-19 bivalent booster at the same time? When you obtain your flu shot this season, you may also ask your physician for the COVID-19 bivalent booster. The virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. By obtaining the new COVID-19 bivalent booster, you can maintain the protection provided against COVID-19 by the original COVID-19 vaccine. You can find a list of sites and clinics who offer the COVID-19 bivalent booster here.

Stay Well, 
Christina Paris
Associate Director of Community Health and Engagement 
Emerson Wellness Center