Campus Messages

Dear fellow Salukis:

While hospitalizations from COVID-19 and influenza remain low in this region, it is a good time to protect yourself with vaccinations. You can search vaccines.gov to find a provider near you.

Influenza

For employees: Two walk-in flu vaccination clinics will be provided to SIU employees 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 25, and Tuesday, Oct. 31, in the Student Center Renaissance Room – visit the Human Resource website for details.

For students: The Student Health Center offers flu vaccines on a walk-in basis in the pharmacy. Students who have SIU health insurance will receive the shots at no charge; other students must pay $25.

COVID-19

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months. In addition to preventing the worst outcomes, it reduces the chance of getting long COVID.

Local health departments, including the Jackson County Health Department (JCHD), have the updated COVID vaccine. JCHD requires appointments, which are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with additional hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. You can make an appointment on the JCHD website or call 618-684-3143 ext. 150. JCHD recommends calling before you come to your appointment to ensure the vaccine you want is on hand that day. Most health insurance plans are accepted, as well as Medicare, Medicaid and students who receive health insurance through SIU; please bring insurance cards and vaccination cards to the appointment.

For employees: According to Central Management Services (CMS), if a participant in a state health insurance plan obtains the vaccination through their in-network medical provider (primary care provider, clinic, etc.), the vaccinations will be covered 100% via the claim being submitted to the medical carrier. No payment will be due from the member at the time of service.

If a participant uses a pharmacy for the vaccination, they will be required to pay for the vaccination at the time of service then submit a paper claim to CVS Caremark, the prescription plan administrator for all OAP and PPO plans, for 100% reimbursement. Visit the CMS website to access the form. Claim processing may vary based upon the insurance provider, including HMO plans.

In addition to COVID and seasonal flu vaccine, JCHD is also administering the RSV vaccine (Abrexvy) for those age 60 years or older with certain health conditions.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our plans accordingly. You can consult our Virus Info site for more information or email questions to pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

Sincerely,
Emergency Operations Center

Dear fellow Salukis:

October is a good time to get vaccinated against flu and COVID — vaccinations provide the best protection against hospitalization and death. You can search vaccines.gov to find a provider near you.

COVID-19

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months. In addition to preventing the worst outcomes, it reduces the chance of getting long COVID.

Local health departments, including the Jackson County Health Department (JCHD), have the updated COVID vaccine. JCHD requires appointments, which are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with additional hours until 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. You can make an appointment on the JCHD website or call 618-684-3143 ext. 150. Most health insurance plans are accepted, as well as Medicare, Medicaid and students who receive health insurance through SIU; please bring insurance cards and vaccination cards to the appointment.  

For employees: According to Central Management Services (CMS), if a participant in a state health insurance plan obtains the vaccination through their in-network medical provider (primary care provider, clinic, etc.), the vaccinations will be covered 100% via the claim being submitted to the medical carrier. No payment will be due from the member at the time of service.

If a participant uses a pharmacy for the vaccination, they will be required to pay for the vaccination at the time of service then submit a paper claim to CVS Caremark, the prescription plan administrator for all OAP and PPO plans, for 100% reimbursement. Visit the CMS website to access the form. Claim processing may vary based upon the insurance provider, including HMO plans.

Flu

For employees: Two walk-up flu vaccination clinics will be provided to SIU employees 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 31 in the Student Center Renaissance Room – visit the Human Resource website for details.

For students: The Student Health Center offers flu vaccines on a walk-in basis in the pharmacy. Students who have SIU health insurance will receive the shots at no charge; other students must pay $25.

In addition to COVID and seasonal flu vaccine, JCHD is also administering the RSV vaccine (Abrexvy) for those age 60 years or older with certain health conditions.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our plans accordingly. You can consult our Virus Info site for more information or email questions to pandemicinfo@siu.edu. 

Sincerely,
Emergency Operations Center

Dear fellow Salukis:

As we prepare for fall and winter, now is a good time to plan for vaccinations against COVID-19 and flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths are up slightly across the country. However, hospital admissions here in Jackson County remain low.

Vaccinations still provide the best protection against hospitalization and death.

COVID-19

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, if you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months. In addition to preventing the worst outcomes, it reduces the chance of getting long COVID.

Retail pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens, have the new vaccine available. Most Americans can still get a COVID-19 vaccine at no charge to them. Most health insurance plans will fully cover the COVID-19 vaccine. People without health insurance can get a free vaccine from pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. The Vaccines for Children program also provides vaccines to children whose families might not be able to afford them.

Visit vaccines.gov to find a provider near you.

Influenza

The optimal time to receive a flu vaccine is October.

For employees, a vaccination clinic will be held in October at the Student Center. Specific dates and times will be provided in SIU Today and elsewhere, when they are available. You can also search vaccines.gov for a provider.

Students can receive vaccinations in the pharmacy at the Student Health Center on a walk-in basis — no appointment is required. Students who have SIU health insurance will receive the shots at no charge; other students must pay $25.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our plans as needed. You can consult our Virus Info site for more information or email questions to pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

Sincerely,
Emergency Operations Center

Dear fellow Salukis:

Since the public health emergency ended last spring, we are responding to COVID differently than we did in previous years. We are treating COVID as we would any other illness that causes someone to miss work or class.

If you are sick, stay home. This is in your best interest and the best interest of your community. If you have tested positive for COVID, please follow CDC guidelines. In most cases, that means isolating for five days, then wearing a mask for another five days. Consult the CDC website for complete information.

As with any other illness, if you need to miss class or work, it is your responsibility to contact your instructors and/or supervisor and work out arrangements.

For employees

If an employee shows symptoms of illness, a supervisor can order them to go home. An employee can use appropriate time off, as outlined in university policies on leaves and absences for civil service employees and faculty and administrative/professional staff. Remember medical information is confidential. For short absences, a supervisor should not ask an employee about their diagnosis nor order them to take medical tests or to provide medical documentation without first consulting with human resources/labor and employee relations to ensure it is appropriate to do so.

If an employee discloses that they have COVID, supervisors should ask them to isolate, per CDC recommendations.

Employees who wish to work remotely while they isolate should ask their supervisors for approval. It is up to the supervisor to determine if an employee can effectively perform their responsibilities away from the worksite. If the employee cannot be effective, remote work is not an option. For more information about remote work, consult the remote work guidelines.

Faculty who teach face-to-face should consult their school director or dean about alternative arrangements. Remember, a student’s medical information is confidential. Do not share that information with anyone else, including students in the same classroom.

If any employee is deemed to be incapacitated by a healthcare provider or is hospitalized in relation to COVID, they may qualify for family and medical leave. Civil service employees may also qualify for extended sick leave. Both of these options require medical documentation.

For more information about leaves, email hrfringe@siu.edu.

For students

The Student Health Center offers COVID tests and care during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. If you have COVID symptoms such as coughing, fever, or new loss of taste or smell, please wear a mask. You can make an appointment through the Saluki Health Portal or by calling 618-453-3311. Students who need a note for class or work can get one at the Student Health Services website.

Students living in the residence halls have the option of recovering in their own rooms or going off campus to stay with family. A Wellness Meal is available for up to 5 days to help them avoid crowded areas such as dining halls. Fill out the confidential University Housing Wellness Form and be prepared to upload proof of illness such as a positive test.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our plans as needed. If you have questions, email pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

Sincerely,

Emergency Operations Center

Dear fellow Salukis:

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported on Aug. 25 that it was seeing rising COVID-19 activity, even though hospitalizations and deaths from COVID remain low. In response, SIU Carbondale updated its Virus Info website with tips to stay safe and new FAQs, and we have revived the pandemicinfo@siu.edu account to respond to any questions.

We are in a much better position to respond to COVID than we were in 2020. And there are measures you can take to protect yourself and curtail the spread of illness such as staying home if you feel sick, washing your hands, avoiding crowds when possible, and wearing a mask indoors and in crowded areas, especially if you have symptoms.

If you test positive for COVID, please follow CDC guidelines. In most cases, that means isolating for five days, then wearing a mask another five days. If you need to miss class or work, it is your responsibility to contact your instructors and/or supervisor and work out arrangements.

Students can receive COVID tests and care at the Student Health Center during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Appointments can be made through the Saluki Health Portal or by calling 618-453-3311. If you need care outside normal business hours, it is available at SIH Medical Group Walk-in-Clinics and Shawnee Health Services Same Day. If students need assistance with transportation for non-emergency medical care, they can contact SIU's Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 618-453-3771 for assistance.

Vaccines are still a defense against serious illness. The Jackson County Health Department offers clinics for flu shots and the bivalent COVID-19 boosters (original and omicron BA.4/BA.5 strains). Visit jchdonline.org. An updated COVID booster is expected in mid- to late September.

We continue to monitor the situation and will adapt our plans as needed. As we have since 2020, we will rely on guidance from local, state and national public health experts, including our colleagues at the SIU School of Medicine. If you have questions, email pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

Sincerely,
Emergency Operations Center

Welcome to Carbondale, all new and returning Salukis! We hope that you are able to fully enjoy your time and experiences here at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Here are some tips to help you to safely engage in activities on campus, in Carbondale and all over the Southern Illinois region.

Be aware of the weather and take precautions to prevent heat related illnesses:

• Try not to be too active when there is extreme heat or humidity.
• Take frequent breaks when exercising or working outdoors.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water or sports drinks, to help keep you hydrated.
• Sodas, juices and energy drinks are not beneficial.
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and don’t wear too many layers.
• DO NOT sit in a hot car for extended periods of time.

• If you are not feeling well, stay home!
• You can recover from COVID, flu or other illness in your own room or go home.
• If you need to miss class or work, it is your responsibility to notify your professors or employers. A student may get a letter from the Student Health Center if they are seen and it is deemed appropriate for their condition.
• Wash your hands.
• Avoid crowds or crowded areas, if possible.
• Wear a mask to prevent getting sick or spreading illness, if you’re not feeling well.

Know your resources:

• Seek medical care, if you are not feeling well.
• The Student Health Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
• Appointments can be made on the SIU portal at shc.siu.edu or by calling 618-536-2391.
• Testing for certain medical conditions is available at the Student Health Center, with appropriate charges.
• A pharmacy is available in the Student Health Center for over-the-counter medication needs.
• If students need assistance with transportation for non-emergency medical care, they can contact SIU's Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 618-453-3771 for assistance.

It is also important that we look out for our fellow Salukis. Encourage each other to seek medical care if someone is not feeling well and do what we can to accommodate each other’s needs when people are sick or injured.

Together, we can have a safe and enjoyable academic year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Andrew Riffey
Medical Chief of Staff, Student Health Services