Dear Roadrunners,
Early Bird readers were reminded this week that cold-and-flu season is right around the corner. Additionally, Metropolitan State University of Denver continues to monitor Covid-19 trends in the larger community, and our state remains in the midst of an opioid epidemic.
It is imperative that, as a University community and a campus community, we protect ourselves and one another by staying up to date on our vaccines and by preparing to help others in need or distress. Thank you to the Health Center at Auraria for being such a great partner in these efforts through training, resources, education and support. Please review the Health Center’s services and offerings and have a safe and healthy fall semester.
Opioid overdose response training
Oct. 18
1-2 p.m.
Held virtually via Zoom.
Register to attend.
In collaboration with SAFEProject, the Auraria Recovery Community and individual community partners, the Health Center at Auraria will offer training on opioid–overdose response.
Attendees will learn about the opioid epidemic and its impact, how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose and how to administer the opioid overdose reversal drug Naloxone. Those who complete the training will also receive resources for accessing free harm–reduction tools (such as Naloxone and fentanyl testing strips) on campus and in the community.
Get your flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster
The Health Center at Auraria strongly recommends that all students, faculty members and staff members be fully vaccinated and boosted for Covid-19 and flu (unless medically contra-indicated).
The center provides free flu vaccinations and fall 2022 Covid-19 omicron booster vaccines for all MSU Denver, Community College of Denver, University of Colorado Denver and Auraria Higher Education Center students, faculty members and staff members.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. As the flu changes from season to season, the vaccine protects against three or four flu strains and may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
The Health Center at Auraria immunization team can serve three to four clients within each available 15-minute time slot. To register for a flu shot, please complete the Health Center’s Patient Portal Request.
Some helpful FAQs
Which vaccines are available?
- Pfizer Covid-19 for patients ages 12 and older*
- Moderna Covid-19 for patients ages 18 and older*
- Flu for patients ages 12 and older
*Covid-19 omicron boosters require proof of two primary–series doses of any Covid-19 vaccine at least two months prior. If you need to complete the primary–series Covid-19 vaccination, please call the Auraria Immunization Office at 303-615-9997.
Acceptable forms of vaccine verification include a physical copy or a photo of a:
- Covid-19 vaccine card
- State vaccine record
- Colorado physician/medical provider–signed note
*Failure to provide proof of primary–series vaccination upon check-in will result in your appointment being rescheduled.
Can I get a flu shot and a Covid-19 booster at the same time?
Yes.
How soon after my primary series or booster should I get the omicron booster?
At least two months after the most recent dose.
If I have been recently diagnosed with Covid-19, when can I get the omicron booster?
Three months after diagnosis of Covid-19.
Is there a cost for the Covid-19 or flu vaccine?
No, these immunizations are offered free of charge. There is no need to bring your insurance card.
Is the fall booster for Covid-19 the same as the bivalent vaccine?
Yes, these terms can be used interchangeably. The CDC describes the bivalent Covid-19 vaccine as including a component of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against Covid-19 and a component of the omicron variant to provide better protection against Covid-19 caused by the omicron variant. The combination aims to increase cross-protection against multiple variants. The bivalent vaccine is the only booster shot currently available that is approved by the CDC.
Thank you in advance for helping to keep our campus and community healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Larry Sampler
Vice President for Administration