August 19, 2021
Beginning today, August 19, the Tulane University COVID-19 vaccine clinic will offer COVID-19 booster vaccines to those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
The CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health currently recommend a Covid-19 booster vaccine for anyone who has:
- Been receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood.
- Received an organ transplant and is taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or is taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
- Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome).
- Advanced or untreated HIV infection.
- Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress immune response.
- Other conditions which cause moderate or severe immunosuppression similar to the above conditions.
Individuals should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition and ask whether getting an additional vaccine dose is appropriate for them. However, a prescription or notation from a physician or other prescriber is not necessary to receive a booster at this time. Patients with one of the above conditions who wish to receive an additional dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine may self-attest to their condition by completing and signing this form. (The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has not been authorized for a booster yet). Please note, the same vaccine type (i.e. Pfizer or Moderna) that individuals received for their first two vaccine doses should be the same used for the booster dose. The Tulane vaccination clinic will only offer the Pfizer vaccine.
To make an appointment to receive your booster vaccine, please use this link and choose “Third Dose” for the appointment reason. The self-attestation form and a consent form must also be completed, signed and brought to your scheduled appointment. Individuals should also bring their vaccination card for verification.
We currently have a very limited number of booster doses available for the Tulane community. Family members of Tulane employees who meet the immunocompromised criteria above may contact covidvaccine@tulane.edu to inquire about the availability of booster vaccines for them. General questions about the booster vaccine distribution can als be sent to this email.
YOUR GUIDE TO MASKS
We have received questions regarding our masking policy, which was recently revised based on guidance from city and state health officials.
With the highest risk for COVID-19 transmission occurring in indoor settings, masks are required, regardless of vaccination status, in all indoor public and common spaces on any Tulane property including classrooms, laboratories, shuttles and other meeting spaces. The Reily Student Recreation Center also requires masking in all of its spaces, including basketball courts, the weight room and walking track.
While there are a variety of acceptable masks, Tulane strongly recommends the use of a KN95 mask.
Whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, you are required to wear a mask in indoor public places. In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings. However, certain large outdoor events may have specific policies that require mask wearing.
Masks are not required in the following situations:
- Indoors in a private space: Masks are not required in private residents (e.g., dorm room) or when alone in a private office or space. Vaccinated persons may remove face coverings or masks when alone in a cubicle. For this purpose, a cubicle is defined as a space with three walls at least five feet in height. Certain areas on campus may have more restrictive policies, please follow any directives from managers or supervisors.
- Indoors – Meals, Eating and Drinking: While unmasked for meals, eating, and drinking, you should minimize your time unmasked. If you are eating or drinking in a group, minimize the group size. When possible, outdoor eating is strongly preferred. After eating meals or drinking, re-mask immediately.
Individuals who have a medical condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated. We encourage anyone in these situations to continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
MORE RESOURCES
Check out the resources below for more information on masking and other safety protocols:
- CDC guidance on the prevention steps (masking and social distancing) across various types of activities.
- CDC recommendations on how to select, wear and clean your mask.
- CDC recommendations for choosing a mask for different situations.
Please review the Fall 2021 Return to Campus Testing Communications below:
For testing questions, please email CHTestResults@tulane.edu.
