Finish the Semester Strong and Healthy

Dear UMBC Community,

As you may know, COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases are rising in Maryland and across the nation. UMBC is also seeing an increase in these illnesses and we encourage you to take steps to keep yourself healthy. As we prepare to finish the semester and return to families and friends over winter break, please make a plan for how you can reduce your risk of contracting and transmitting some of these illnesses.  

The first step to consider is once again wearing a high quality mask when in public and/or crowded spaces (i.e., classrooms, labs, the library, and other group activities). UMBC still offers free masks at locations across campus.  

Second, make sure to get the latest seasonal flu vaccine and the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. We have already administered more than 2,500 vaccines this semester. The final vaccine clinic of the semester is taking place tomorrow, December 15, 2022.  A limited number of appointments are still available.

Finally, continue best practices to minimize disease spread, such as handwashing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, staying at home and isolating from others when sick, and covering your cough.

We have just over one week to go. Let's finish strong and healthy.  

Vic Madrid, Medical Director, Retriever Integrated Health
Samantha Smith, Director, Office of Health Promotion