Jan. 11 - Booster exemptions, how to get a test kit
Section 1
McGaugh Hall on a clear day last week. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI
In this continuing series, UCI experts answer questions about COVID-19, vaccinations, variants or the future of work. Submit questions via email.
How do I find my test results if I took a COVID-19 test on campus?
Faculty, staff and students who participate in COVID-19 testing at one of the campus testing sites can find their test results by logging into the Student Health portal.
How do I get test results?
-
Go to the Student Health Center portal at https://osh.chs.uci.edu/.
-
Select Medical Records from the list of options on the left side of the site.
-
Select Lab Results from the options at the top of the page.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Clarification on COVID-19 vaccine booster exceptions
In accordance with University of California policy, UCI is requiring boosters for all eligible individuals by Jan. 31. There are four scenarios for booster exceptions:
-
If you have an existing medical, disability or religious exception.
-
If you have an existing pregnancy deferral or other time-limited exception.
-
If you were previously denied an exception.
-
If you want an exception to this booster.
Please see details on each scenario.
Follow-up on return to in-person instruction
All students (graduate and undergraduate) should plan your return to campus to provide sufficient time to be ready for in-person instruction beginning Jan. 31. All students returning to campus for winter 2022 should get a COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours prior to your return to campus. For on-campus residents, this will require returning to campus at least seven days before your first in-person class.
Do not participate in campus COVID testing if you are positive and in isolation
Students and employees who test positive for COVID-19 and are in isolation should NOT participate in campus COVID-19 testing. If you have tested positive, you should follow the isolation and quarantine instructions based on your vaccination status. For clearance, students isolating off campus and employees should take an antigen test. COVID-positive students isolating in campus-provided isolation rooms will need to coordinate with Campus Housing for release from isolation or quarantine once you have met criteria for release.
Although the PCR test has been the gold standard for COVID-19 testing, and what we use at our campus sites, it is very sensitive and your results from PCR tests may remain positive for up to three months from the time of initial COVID-19 infection. For that reason, we ask you not to use a PCR test for COVID-19 testing for three months after being positive.
How to get a test kit if you are an off-campus/commuter student who is COVID-positive
Students who are COVID-positive and isolating off campus and need an antigen test for self-clearance should contact one of the many sites or urgent cares that are doing rapid antigen testing. If you are having trouble getting one, call the Orange County Public Health Department to see if it can help you get an antigen test kit. The county’s COVID-19 Hotline is 714-834-2000 and the website is https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-testing.
Here are some additional antigen testing resources that you may investigate for testing for clearance on Day 5:
Note that the fee for an antigen test for clearance is not currently reimbursable by UC SHIP (approximately $135-150). However, coverage and reimbursement is under consideration and a decision is expected soon (see news story below). Visit UCI Forward for updates or you may contact the Student Health Center Insurance Services department at shc-insurance@uci.edu.
Remember that the antibody test is a blood test that is only useful in special situations, so you should not use COVID-19 antibody for testing on Day 5 for clearance from isolation or quarantine.
UCI leads development of drop-in mental wellness centers for O.C. youth
Orange County will be home to new youth drop-in centers offering wellness services to those between the ages of 12 and 25. UCI will partner with the Wellness & Prevention Center in south Orange County to establish and administer youth drop-in centers following the allcove model, whose mission is to develop “an innovative network of integrated youth mental health centers designed with, by and for youth that reduce stigma, embrace mental wellness, increase community connection and provide access to culturally responsive services.”
$3 million gift to UCI will advance nursing training, education
The gift from the Sue J. Gross Foundation includes $2 million to fund construction of a high-tech, state-of-the-art simulation center for team-based interprofessional exercises and an additional $1 million to establish the Founding Dean Adey Nyamathi Endowment, which will provide nursing Ph.D. scholarships.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
Gov. Newsom proposes 5-year funding compact with University of California
Under the plan, UC would see a 5% budget increase over each of the next five fiscal years, allowing the University to increase enrollment, boost resources to help underrepresented groups achieve academic success and expand college access and affordability for struggling students and families across the state. Newsom’s budget proposal marks the beginning of a negotiation process with the state Legislature that runs through June 15. Visit this UC website for highlights of Newsom’s spending plan.
UC statement on Newsom’s 2022-23 budget proposal
University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D., issued this statement on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2022-23 budget.
White House requires insurance companies cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests
Beginning Jan. 15, most consumers with private health coverage can go online or to a pharmacy or store, buy a test and either get it paid for up front by their health plan, or get reimbursed by submitting a claim to their plan. For more information, see these frequently asked questions.
EVENTS
Gateway Initiative Workshop: Fresh Year, Fresh Start
Thursday, 1 p.m. (sponsored by Student Success Initiative)
GMAT Strategy Workshop
Thursday, 6 p.m. (sponsored by Division of Continuing Education)
Visit today.uci.edu to see and submit event listings. Events of general interest will be shared in UCI Digest two days before they occur.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Note: Some news sites require subscriptions to read articles. The UCI Libraries offer free subscriptions to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Orange County Register and The Washington Post for students, faculty and staff.
Everyone 'probably all going to get COVID... in the next 10 years,' expert says
KCBS Radio San Francisco, Jan. 10
Cited: Andrew Noymer, associate professor of public health
Here’s What Epidemiologists Want You To Know About the Best N95 Masks To Buy
Well + Good, Jan. 10
Cited: Karen Edwards, professor, program in public health
‘Don’t panic.’ How parents with kids too young to vaccinate can navigate Omicron
Los Angeles Times, Jan. 10
Cited: Suellen Hopfer, assistant professor of public health