December 3, 2021
Dear NYFA Community,
We are approaching the winter months and the end of Fall Semester. Many of you, perhaps, have plans to travel or attend indoor gatherings in celebration of graduation and the upcoming holidays.
We hope you remain vigilant in protecting your health and safety, the health and safety of your family and friends, and the health and safety of the NYFA community.
This communication summarizes for you the American College Health Association (ACHA) guidelines for caring for yourselves and others before, during, and after the holiday season.
This reputable organization advises all US colleges and universities to encourage members of their communities to receive COVID-19 booster and flu vaccines in anticipation of winter, the holidays, and the rise in travel and indoor gatherings often associated with the season.
Many adults now qualify for COVID-19 boosters.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently expanded eligibility for COVID-19 boosters. And on November 29, 2021, the CDC published updated guidelines and strongly encouraged all eligible adults to get a booster, if and when eligible.
In the US, everyone age 18 or older is eligible for a booster:
- 2 months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
- 6 months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine
Flu vaccination is especially important this year.Last year’s flu season was mild, in part because COVID-19 guidelines kept many people at home during the winter months. Now that physical distancing rules have relaxed, many of us are spending more time with friends and family. We are engaged in in-person learning and more people, in general, are travelling. These changes may mean more cases of the flu. In fact, higher flu activity this fall compared to the past 3 years has already been reported.
Finding Time To Care for Your Well-BeingMany of us feel stressed and overwhelmed as the end of the semester approaches. Projects will soon be due and final exams are just weeks away. One small bit of good news is that one can actually save time by getting a COVID-19 booster and a flu vaccine at the same time.
Also, please know that support services, too, are accessible and free. Please do not hesitate to contact Counseling Services (Students) or EAP (Employees) for help in coping with the reactions (stress, anxiety, grief, sadness, loneliness, etc.) many experience as the semester ends and as we adjust to the peaks and valleys of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Below is a list of resources to help you stay well:
NYFA Students:NYFA Employees:
- NYFA Employees can access an 24/7 emotional support line, staffed by trained mental health professionals. This support line provides referrals to community resources to help with emotional concerns, as well as financial and legal concerns:
- Employment Assistance Program (EAP) for Faculty/Staff: no cost support can be accessed through Life Balance
- Call: 800-854-1446
- Log-in: www.lifebalance.net - User ID & Password: lifebalance
Home for the HolidaysNo one wants to bring COVID-19 or the flu home for the holidays! By getting a COVID-19 booster and a flu vaccine, you are doing the very best you can do to protect yourself and your family and friends from getting sick.
Traveling SafelyThe CDC continues to advise that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals refrain from all domestic and international travel. Also, NYFA Travel Guidelines strongly discourage nonessential travel for students/employees who are not fully vaccinated.
Individuals who are fully vaccinated are advised to take the following precautions:
- Check the COVID-19 prevalence rates at your destination.
- Wear a mask over your nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (including on airplanes) traveling into, within, or out of the United States and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Do not travel if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, awaiting COVID-19 diagnostic test results or if you test positive for COVID-19.
- After travel, monitor your symptoms for 14 days and get tested for COVID-19 3-5 days post travel.
If you are a non US citizen and you have plans to travel during the semester break, please carefully read the new travel restrictions for entering the US and consult with your campus International Office.
Preparing for Spring SemesterPlease carefully note the testing requirements for:- Entering the US: As announced on December 2, 2021, the US government plans to require ALL international travelers-US citizens and non US citizens, regardless of vaccination status- to get tested for COVID-19 within one day of their flight to the US.
- Entering campus and participating in in-person classes and activities: As per the NYFA Pre-Entry Testing Protocol , ALL students and employees, regardless of travel history and regardless of vaccination status, are required to submit to their campus COVID-19 Administrators a valid diagnostic test report from a COVID-19 RT-PCR diagnostic test completed within 7 days of the first day of spring semester ( January 10, 2022).
New guidance may be forthcoming, should the directives from the CDC and/or local and state publich health agencies change in response to ongoing research and new surges of virus transmission in your campus regions.
_________________________________________________________________Frequently Asked QuestionsGet your COVID-19 boosterDo I need a COVID-19 booster?If you’re age 18 or older and it’s been a few months since you got vaccinated for COVID-19, it may be time for a booster. Getting a booster will give you more protection to help your body fight off COVID-19. If you received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine: - You need a booster if it’s been 2 months since you got vaccinated.
If you received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine: - You can get a booster if it’s been 6 months since your last dose.
If you have serious health issues that affect your immune system (the system in your body that fights off infections), ask your health care provider when to get your booster. Where can I get a COVID-19 booster?You can search vaccines.gov or text your ZIP code to 438829 to find a COVID-19 booster location near you. Many local pharmacies also offer boosters at no cost to eligible adults. Is it okay to “mix and match” COVID-19 vaccines and boosters?Yes. You can get a booster from Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson. It doesn’t matter which vaccine you got before. Is the COVID-19 booster free?The COVID-19 booster is free for everyone, even if you don’t have health insurance. Do I need to bring anything with me?Be sure to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card with you. Also bring your ID and health insurance card if you have one. Get your flu vaccineDo I need to get the flu vaccine?Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. The flu may not seem like a big deal, but it can cause serious health problems. Even if you don’t get very sick from the flu, you might miss out on class, work, and activities you care about. When can I get the flu vaccine?It’s best to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible, so you’ll be protected for the rest of the flu season. Where can I get the flu vaccine?Here are a few places that give flu vaccines: - Health care providers’ offices
- Local pharmacies
- Community health clinics
- Local health departments
Is the flu vaccine free?Most health insurance plans cover the cost of the flu vaccine. If you are enrolled in NYFASHIP, your vaccination against the flu is a covered benefit. Be sure to bring your health insurance card and ID to your appointment. We thank you for taking the time to read this communication as you tend to your many other important responsibilities.
As you approach the end of the semester, please take good care of yourselves and seek help and support, as needed. You are not alone, we care about you, and if you let us know you need guidance, we will welcome the opportunity to connect with you and support you.
For guidance, please reach out to:
Los Angeles:New York:South Beach
Wishing you all a safe, restful, and joyous holiday season.
The NYFA COVID-19 Response Team
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