Current Health Advisories

Influenza Increase

Influenza activity continues to increase in our community and the CDC is reporting some of the highest levels of flu activity in recent years. The annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with the flu.

Students can schedule flu shots online from their Student webportal, call the office for an appointment, or get a flu shot after the appointment at the clinic. The shots are free to students. 

Employees can protect themselves from the risk of flu-related complications by getting a flu shot at their local pharmacy, their doctor's office, at one the on-campus flu clinics for State Health Benefits Program participants (operated by COVA-participating pharmacy) or by contacting Employee Health Services

For more information about how to get a flu shot on campus, see VCU HR Flu Clinics.

Monkeypox

The VCU Public Health Response Team is working closely with the Virginia Department of Health and VCU Health System to monitor the spread of monkeypox, a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. For current information about monkeypox — including signs and symptoms, prevention, and more — visit the VDH website and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

COVID-19

We each have roles and responsibilities to promote safety in our learning, work and living environments. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 “community-level” in your area.

VCU follows guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stay in-the-know by checking health advisories and community levels on the CDC website. This site also includes information about individual health precautions including masking, staying up-to-date on vaccinations and testing when necessary.

For more information about exposure, when to quarantine and understanding your risk, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/index.html.

COVID-19 Testing

VCU offers COVID-19 testing on campus for students at no cost. More information about student testing can be found on the University Student Health Services website.

Reporting COVID-19

Students and employees are encouraged to report COVID-19 symptoms and/or positive tests to University Student Health Services or Employee Health Services to receive more information about exposure, testing and isolation/quarantine. More information can also be found at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/index.html.

COVID-19 Vaccines

With the concurrence of our Public Health Response Team, VCU strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination and boosters. Unvaccinated individuals are more likely to become infected and hospitalized compared to those who are vaccinated. VCU continues to offer a number of on-campus vaccination opportunities by appointment. 

Students: Make an appointment online through University Student Health Services.

Employees: Call VCU Employee Health at (804) 828-0584 to schedule an appointment. Find more information and employee resources on the Employee Health COVID-19 page.

To search all vaccination opportunities near you, visit vaccines.gov.

Public Health Supplies

VCU Facilities Management provides public health supplies (e.g., face coverings and hand sanitizers) throughout campus based on supply.

Students and employees can use their VCU ID to obtain face coverings at no cost from vending machines located throughout campus. Individuals are allotted two swipes per item per month (i.e., two of each item can be obtained each month).

Monroe Park Campus
Vending Machine Locations:

    • James Branch Cabell Library, 1st floor, center of building, near the printers
    • Student Commons, 1st floor, near Suite 104

MCV Campus
Vending Machine Locations:

    • Larrick Student Center, right of Starbucks
    • McGlothlin Medical Education Center, 1st floor, across from the elevators

Additional Guidance