Category: COVID-19

Endemic COVID-19 could be one to 10 years away

According to UF Emerging Pathogens Institute biostatistician Ira Longini, Ph.D., COVID-19 may still be with us for a while.

At-home COVID-19 test kits

The State Employees’ Prescription Drug Plan will cover approved over-the-counter COVID-19 tests Jan. 15 through April 16.

UF Health pediatric expert answers questions about COVID-19 booster shots for kids ages 12-15

Two federal agencies have approved booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 12- to 15-year-old children.

UF faculty collaborate to offer health screening, tackle vaccine skepticism

UF faculty are leading a multistate team to boost COVID-19 and influenza vaccination rates in parts of the country where health care skepticism is common and vaccination rates are low.

COVID testing returns to SHCC as home test kits become available

As shared in Friday’s Campus Brief, UF is adjusting how it approaches the changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic as it transitions to an endemic. Large-scale testing that was ramped up on UF’s main campus in response to Omicron will be moved back to the UF Student Health Care Center. Testing will be available on an appointment-only basis, scheduled via  ONE.UF.

Health care workers and those working in a clinical setting should reference the UF Health Bridge for specific instructions.

UF is prepared to reinstate measures deemed medically prudent should the need arise.

A few updates regarding UF’s COVID-19 response

As we enter the first full week of the spring semester, the number of cases of those who have tested positive for the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to rise. UF researchers are optimistic that these numbers will peak this week — earlier than originally predicted. Learn more in this article published by UF’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, updated Jan. 5.

A few quick updates and reminders …

Some updates and guidance for the start of spring semester

Beginning this Thursday, testing will be available for faculty, staff and students at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. These efforts are being coordinated by the Department of Health COVID Operations at UF, or DOH at UF, previously known as UF Health Screen, Test & Protect. Anyone wishing to schedule a test may now do so via ONE.UF.

Additional testing locations for the Gainesville area and throughout the state may be found on the Florida Department of Health’s website. If you have questions or need additional guidance, you may also reach out to the DOH at UF team at (352) 273-9790…

Our deepest thanks to the Screen, Test & Protect team

As outlined in yesterday’s Campus Brief, after 19 months of excellent work and leadership by infectious disease physicians, epidemiologists and disease investigators, the University of Florida is entering the next stage of pandemic management, effective Jan. 1. 

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the UF Health Screen, Test & Protect team who rose to the challenge and expertly guided the University of Florida through the pandemic, helping to ensure the safety and health of our faculty, staff and students.  

COVID-19 vaccine appointments available for children

On Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, authorized use of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 years old. The CDC recommends parents check with their children’s healthcare provider or local pharmacy for a vaccine appointment or available walk-in hours. 

UF Health pharmacies and many UF Health Physicians practices are also administering the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children. This is a two-dose series given three weeks apart. 

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving

As a reminder, the University of Florida will be observing the Thanksgiving holiday next week on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26. We wish you safe travels if you are traveling and joy with your loved ones.

The UF Health Screen, Test & Protect and Student Health Care Center teams want to remind you if you are traveling for Thanksgiving to wear a mask, sanitize frequently and follow CDC guidance to get to and from your destinations in a safe and healthy manner. If you become ill, stay away from others, get tested and seek medical care if needed.