Note: Please see the latest guidance on updated protocols here for any information that may have changed.
I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas and New Year’s break, and that you and your families are staying well. It’s hard to believe but the Spring semester is just a few days away. We have done well so far in keeping our campus safe and healthy, and next week, we look forward to welcoming you, our students, back to campus for a great semester. I want to be sure that we continue with our efforts to keep the campus safe and that you are updated on our latest protocols related to COVID-19 and how they affect our campus.
Vaccination Status
The emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. To provide the safest and most meaningful on campus experience possible, the University, has joined an increasing number of institutions (locally, regionally, and nationally) in requiring the COVID-19 vaccine booster for our students, faculty, and staff. For those students eligible to receive their booster, proof of booster vaccination will be required by March 1, 2022. The CDC recommends a Pfizer or Moderna booster 2 months after the single dose J&J shot, 5 months after the second in the two dose Pfizer vaccine series. Those who are not yet eligible for a booster will have a 30-day grace period from eligible date to upload proof of a booster. Upload your booster record here.
In addition to requiring the booster, please note the following important items for Spring 2022:
- All members of the Immaculata community must continue to be fully masked when indoors on campus. All members of our community are encouraged to wear a well fitted N95 or KN95 mask while indoors on campus. As an alternative, people may consider double masking with a surgical mask and a cloth mask. Masks must cover both the nose and the mouth.
- All members of the Immaculata community are encouraged to keep a digital copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card on their cell phone.
Booster Clinic on Campus
Immaculata University, in conjunction with Small Town Pharmacy, will be hosting another COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Friday, January 28, 2022, from 1pm-4pm in the Faculty Center lounge.This clinic is available to all needing primary, secondary, and booster shots for COVID-19. They will have Moderna, Pfizer and J & J available. You will need to bring your ID, insurance card (if you have one), and your vaccination card (if you have already had any COVID-19 vaccine). A picture of your insurance card and vaccination card are sufficient. Please note that receiving the vaccine and/or booster is free.
Quarantine and Isolation Update
As you may already know, the Centers for Disease Control and Infection (CDC) has released revised guidance on isolation and quarantine for individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 or test positive. This guidance has specific recommendations based on vaccination and booster status, with strict adherence to masking. The University continues to follow the experts’ guidance and will follow the current guidance on isolation and quarantine:
If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)
Vaccinated
- Isolate for 5 days.
- If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
- Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- Submit attestation form.
If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.
Unvaccinated
- Isolate for 10 days.
- Submit attestation form.
Students who live within 150 miles of the University will be expected to isolate at home.
If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)
Fully Vaccinated (meaning completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months OR completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months and have received a Booster)
- Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
- Test on day 5.
If you develop symptoms stay home, test and report
Booster eligible (meaning completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted OR completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted)
- Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
- Test on day 5.
If you develop symptoms stay home, test and report
Unvaccinated
- You must complete 10-day quarantine off campus
In the weeks ahead, we will continue to assess the evolving environment. We will not hesitate to change our guidance based upon input from medical and health experts. We are grateful for the patience, resilience, and flexibility of every member of our IU community as we continue to face unpredictable circumstances together. We have been dealing with all the Covid related issues for almost two years now. I remain hopeful that the recent surge in positive cases of the virus will subside. We are all weary from this and I respect and appreciate you doing your part to cooperate with our plans based on public health guidance.
I look forward to your return and wish you good health.
Barbara Lettiere
President