Campus Prepares for Winter Virus Season
Vaccine, Masking Guidelines Allow Students to Model Behavior in Health Care Settings and Beyond
Students on campus and in various clinical settings will soon have to schedule influenza and Covid-19 booster shots if they have not already done so.
Dr. Tami Hendriksz said the vaccination requirement is part of the University’s commitment to public health and campus safety and is designed to ensure protection from the viruses as the region enters the winter cold and flu season starting Nov. 1.
“At Touro University California, the health and safety of our entire campus community is a top priority,” said Hendriksz, Dean and Chief Academic Officer for the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Interim CAO for the University. “As a campus with health care programs, it’s especially important that we model the public health recommendations that keep everyone healthy and safe.”
TUC Requires Covid-19 Boosters, Flu Shots for Students
All TUC students must receive Covid-19 boosters no later than Dec. 1. A flu shot is required by Nov. 1 for students in the University’s DO, Physician Assistant, PharmD, and Nursing programs.
Beyond that, TUC encourages all other students, faculty, and staff to receive the influenza vaccine each year, as well as the current Covid-19 booster and the RSV vaccine, as appropriate to the individual.
“Maintaining a healthy learning and working environment is essential for students, faculty, and staff alike,” Hendriksz said. “By following vaccination and masking guidelines during the winter virus season, we not only protect each other but also demonstrate the responsibility we have as future health care providers to uphold public health standards.”
Students with questions about the vaccination requirement are encouraged to contact Student Health Services at tuc.studenthealth@touro.edu.
Masking, Other Safety Measures on Campus
Hendriksz said there are some specific labs and learning activities when masks are or will be required to stem the spread of respiratory viruses. Those requirements are communicated to the students well in advance, and the University provides masks for students and faculty who request them.
Masking is also recommended:
- In clinical and patient-care areas for students and faculty involved in rotations or working in medical settings.
- In crowded indoor spaces, particularly when physical distancing isn’t possible.
- For those at higher risk, to include individuals with underlying health conditions or those who are immunocompromised or caring for vulnerable individuals.
Hendriksz recommends that people on campus follow personal health guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those recommendations include such things as frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and proper mask usage.
Such actions allow for a proactive approach to remaining healthy during the winter virus season.
Region’s Health Authorities Post Masking Requirements
The campus protocols come as several counties across the Bay Area announce wintertime masking requirements to prevent the spread not only of Covid-19 in various medical settings, but also influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses.
Similar orders were put in place across the Bay Area for the 2023-2024 winter virus season.
Masking requirements for medical settings have not yet been put in place in Solano, Sonoma and Marin counties, but have been announced in San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Napa counties.