Dear U-M Student,

Campus health officials have seen a substantial uptick in cases of influenza and COVID-19 among University of Michigan students. As cold weather rolls in and more social gatherings move indoors, it’s essential that everyone take precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19 and influenza.

Here are some important reminders for keeping yourself healthy this fall and as we head into the holiday season:

1) Get vaccinated.

Ninety-eight percent of our students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccination against flu is much lower. We strongly encourage you to get vaccinated against the flu to help limit the spread and prevent severe illness. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are both available at most retail pharmacies as well as University Health Service, Michigan Medicine and other medical providers.

2) Mask Up.

In addition to following the U-M face covering policy which requires masks indoors and while on U-M transportation, we recommend continuing to wear a mask — regardless of vaccination status — while attending indoor, crowded social gatherings and in common areas if you live in large group settings such as residence halls and fraternity and sorority residences. This is in alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for communities with substantial to high transmission.

3) Stay home if sick, and get care.

If you have symptoms of cold, flu or COVID-19, don’t risk getting others sick. Stay home and seek testing to address your symptoms. Symptomatic COVID-19 and flu testing is available at the University Health Service.

4) Get tested if traveling.

Recommendations for COVID-19 testing for before and after travel depend on your vaccination status and travel destination. See the Campus Blueprint’s Travel FAQ for details. Free testing is available through the Community Sampling and Tracking Program as well as through pop-up, rapid antigen testing available Nov. 18-20.

Please visit the Campus Blueprint website for FAQs and the latest information. Thank you for your continued effort to keep yourself and the broader U-M community safe.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we wish you and your family a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

Sincerely,

Robert D. Ernst
Associate Vice President of Student Life
Director of Campus COVID Response

Preeti Malani
U-M Chief Health Officer