COVID Update: Vaccinations and Masking

Dear Emerson community,

As a follow up to the return to campus update sent on January 11, we wanted to share some additional information focused specifically on masking and vaccinations/boosters for individuals on the Boston campus.

The CDC recommends the use of a high-quality, well-fitting mask as one of the best ways to minimize the risk of contracting COVID or other airborne respiratory illnesses.  While the use of a mask is an individual choice, the College strongly encourages the use of a mask, especially during the first two weeks of the semester. Members of our community will be returning from points around the globe, and the use of a mask during this period will help minimize the spread of COVID or other airborne respiratory illnesses such as the flu or RSV.

All College community members are required to have received the complete COVID vaccination, plus at least one booster shot. In particular, the College strongly encourages all community members to receive the most recent COVID booster, shown to be the most effective at preventing severe symptoms presented by the newest bivalent strains. The Emerson Wellness Center is not able to administer COVID vaccines or boosters, however these are available throughout the city at local retail pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, as well as the Vaxfinder site.

In addition, the College strongly recommends all community members receive a seasonal flu vaccine.  The current strain of the flu often presents with severe symptoms.  Immunization clinics will be offered for students at the Emerson Wellness Center offices on the 3rd floor of 216 Tremont Street on the following dates and times:

Tuesday, January 31, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Tuesday, February 7, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

Tuesday, February 14, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Tuesday, March 7, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

Tuesday, March 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Tuesday, April 4, from 12:00 to 2:00 pm

Flu vaccinations for students, faculty, and staff are also available at area CVS and Walgreens locations, as well as through many supermarket chains and your primary care provider.

Individuals at Emerson Los Angeles, Kasteel Well, or the Paris College of Art should seek information from staff at those locations. For more information and continued updates, please visit the OneEmerson website.

We wish you the best for a happy and healthy spring semester.

Christina Paris
Associate Director for Community Health & Engagement
Emerson Wellness Center