COVID-19 Cases Rise, Safe Holiday, Vaccines, Boosters, Flu Shots, COVID-19 Testing

November 9, 2021

Remaining Vigilant as COVID-19 Cases Rise, Holidays Approach

Colorado is seeing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, with the fifth highest daily case rate in the country and one of the fastest-growing. While our campus remains in a good position to continue combatting the virus, it is as important as ever to ensure all of us are observing protocols to safeguard our health.

• Stay up to date on campus safety protocols.
• Wear your mask in indoor campus spaces, including classrooms, conference rooms and common areas such as elevators, walkways and hallways. 
• Observe posted COVID capacities, in place to help ensure adequate physical distancing in campus spaces.
• Take breaks and meals outdoors when possible and as weather permits. When it is necessary to take breaks or meals indoors, find a designated space, keep 6+ feet from others, wear a mask when not eating or drinking, and limit unmasked time in these spaces.
• Take advantage of many testing options listed below for yourself and members of your household. 
• Get your flu shot, and consider a COVID-19 booster when eligible. Details on both below.
• Pay attention to your mental health. Explore the many resources available including our Faculty & Staff Mental Health Clinic and Student & Resident Mental Health Clinic.
• Submit a self-report form if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed, regardless of vaccination status.

With the holiday season coming soon, we must stay vigilant. Our experts offer advice – from weighing risks and taking COVID-19 tests, to crunching the numbers – in this article about planning ahead. Find advice from the CDC on celebrating safely this holiday season.

Thank you for doing your part to keep #CUAnschutzTogether.

Children 5 & Older Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccines

With the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine now authorized for children ages 5 to 17, many medical offices, clinics and pharmacies are offering vaccines for children and adolescents. Find details and vaccine locations here. 

Hear from CU Anschutz parent experts who share their views on COVID-19 vaccination for children and youth in the campus newsroom.

COVID-19 Boosters

Per Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment guidelines, you should get a booster shot of the COVID-19 vaccine if:

• You are 65 or older.
• You are at a high risk of severe COVID-19 due to certain medical conditions.
• You are at a high risk because of where you live or work.
• You previously had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Eligible individuals should schedule their booster dose per the following timelines, no matter which vaccine product you will receive as a booster.

• If you had the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, schedule a booster dose at least six months after your second dose.
• If you had the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, schedule a booster dose at least two months after your initial vaccine.

COVID-19 booster recommendations are being updated regularly, and specific criteria for who may schedule booster vaccinations may vary by site. 

Those eligible may schedule their booster shot through UCHealth My Health Connection, another medical provider or any vaccination provider.

If you receive a COVID-19 booster shot, there is no need to resubmit your CU Anschutz vaccine verification. CU Anschutz is not tracking the administration of booster shots at this time.

Schedule Your Flu Shot

By appointment only! Schedule your flu shot through the Campus Health Center. 

• Call to schedule: 303-724-6242. 
• Students, employees and household members age 3+ are eligible.
• No walk-ins. Most insurances and health plans are accepted

Find flu vaccines at other area providers here.

COVID-19 Testing Options

There are many ways to get quick COVID-19 tests for yourself and members of your household.

• Free Binax over-the-counter test kits are now available through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Rapid At-Home Testing Program. 
• UCHealth offers testing by appointment at many locations. 
• Children’s Hospital Colorado offers testing for kids, teens and their caregivers by appointment.
• Free testing is also available through COVIDCheck Colorado at numerous area locations. 
• More than 100 free community testing sites across Colorado offer free testing without an appointment. 

Those enrolled in CU Anschutz’s mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing program must schedule at designated area locations using the link sent via email from COVIDCheck Colorado (Support@Primary.Health). Test results from locations other than those specified as part of the mandatory testing program, including rapid test results, are not accepted. Questions? Contact vaccine@cuanschutz.edu.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• Taking care of our mental health is important, and there are resources available both for members of our community.
• Students can share input and ideas with university leadership with the CU Anschutz Listens form.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.