October 25, 2021
Dear Tulane Community:
COVID-19 testing is a core part of Tulane's comprehensive COVID-19 strategy. Based on the decreasing amount of COVID-19 in our community, we will be reducing our testing frequency. Our new schedule for testing, currently planned through November is outlined below. We are also continuing with contact tracing, mandatory face coverings indoors, and good hand hygiene.
Additionally, the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health have approved recommendations for a third COVID-19 vaccine booster shot for those who are 65 or older or who have underlying health conditions or meet other criteria and have completed the initial Pfizer vaccine series. Booster shots are also available for those who received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine or completed the Moderna vaccine series. Many in the Tulane community meet one or more of the criteria for receiving a third vaccine.
COVID-19 Testing
Information in this email applies to employees on both the uptown and downtown campuses, and all students — undergraduate, graduate, professional, and anyone who lives on or off campus.
Planned Testing Schedule For Oct. 25 - Nov. 22, 2021
- We will test a randomly selected number of individuals from the Tulane Community several times per week. Any individual receiving a QR Code must schedule their test as directed in the testing email.
- ALL Faculty, Staff, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Students are REQUIRED to complete COVID-19 testing within 96 hours of receiving their QR code.
- Please Note: Vaccination status does not preclude Tulane University COVID-19 testing requirements. All individuals on campus, regardless of vaccination status are required to complete COVID testing when they receive their QR code.
The Tulane Testing Centers, both downtown (LaSalle) 226 South Villere Street, next to Tulane Hospital’s LaSalle Garage exit, and uptown (Phelps) are open. Tests are administered by appointment only.
- LaSalle (Downtown) is available for employees, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
- Phelps (Uptown) is available for employees, undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
- The 1834 Club, located on the second floor of the LBC, will be utilized for vaccine administration only and is no longer available for COVID-19 testing.
Test results are processed by the Tulane School of Medicine Laboratory. Expect results to be returned within 48 hours. You will receive an email and/or phone call with your results. If you do not receive results after 36 hours, please email CHTestResults@tulane.edu.
Booster Vaccines Clinics
As a service to faculty, students, and staff eligible to receive a booster, Tulane is opening a vaccine clinic on the uptown campus in addition to the vaccine clinic currently operating in the lobby of the JBJ building, 1324 Tulane Avenue. The uptown clinic will be located in the 1834 Club on the second floor of the LBC beginning the week of Oct. 25.
The uptown clinic will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while the downtown clinic will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Eligible students, faculty and staff can make appointments for their booster vaccine at either the uptown or downtown clinic.
- To make an appointment to receive your booster vaccine, please use this link and choose "Third Dose" for the appointment reason.
- This consent form must also be completed, signed and brought to your scheduled appointment.
- TO RECEIVE YOUR THIRD DOSE, YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR CDC VACCINE CARD OR LA WALLET APP. DUPLICATE VACCINE CARDS WILL NOT BE CREATED AT THE CLINIC. If you have any questions, please email covidvaccine@tulane.edu.
- Family and friends of Tulane employees can also request a booster appointment by sending their name and phone number to covidvaccine@tulane.edu. A representative will call individuals back to schedule their appointment.
- Booster vaccines are also available at many area pharmacies.
The categories of individuals eligible for a Pfizer booster are listed below.
- People 65 years and older and residents in long-term health care settings should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.
- People aged 50–64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series.*
- People aged 18–49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.*
- People aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting may receive a booster shot of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months after their Pfizer-BioNTech primary series, based on their individual benefits and risks.
The list of underlying medical conditions includes:
- HIV and those in an immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) due to other illnesses or medication, including cancer
- People with autoimmune conditions or who previously had Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) or Bell’s palsy
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic lung diseases, including COPD, moderate to severe asthma, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
- Neurological conditions, including dementia
- Diabetes (type 1 or 2)
- Down syndrome
- Heart conditions such as heart failure, CAD, cardiomyopathies, or hypertension
- Liver disease
- Obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2)
- Pregnancy and recently pregnant
- Sickle Cell disease or thalassemia
- Smoking, current or former
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease, which affects blood flow to the brain
- Substance use disorders
Individuals who are unsure if they should get a booster, should talk to their healthcare provider about their medical condition and ask whether getting an additional vaccine dose is appropriate for them.
