Last updated August 2022
Boynton Health offers COVID-19 vaccines by appointment to U of M students, faculty, staff, retirees, and alumni.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone ages 5 and over be vaccinated as soon as possible. COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone at no cost, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status. A third dose is recommended for those who are immunocompromised and booster shots are recommended to everyone age 12 and older.
As part of a greater effort to #StopTheSpreadUMN of highly contagious COVID-19 variants, surgical masks (or masks with a higher degree of protection such as KN95 or N95) are now required to enter Boynton Health facilities. This requirement takes effect immediately and includes Boynton Health’s clinics on the East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul as well as any immunization clinics or physical therapy appointments at RecWell. Surgical masks will be provided at our entrances to those who are wearing a cloth mask.
Amid surges of highly contagious variants, such as Omicron, it is more important now than ever to brush up on other basic prevention strategies to help #StopTheSpreadUMN such as:
- Get your flu shot and the COVID-19 Vaccine + booster to help reduce illness
- Getting tested for COVID-19
- Wearing a well-fitted mask wherever you go
- Staying home if you are feeling sick
- Washing your hands frequently
- Limiting any indoor activities that involve gathering for extended periods of time
Clinic Safety Precautions
We have taken many precautions to provide the safest possible environment for our patients and staff, including:
- Our staff are required to wear masks at all times and are screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
University Updates
The University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health are monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) health concern. More information is available on the Safe Campus website.
Isolation & Quarantine
What should I do if I get sick?
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should be tested. Visit Testing for scheduling.
People who have symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID-19 will need to isolate themselves. Isolation will reduce the risk of infecting others.
- If your symptoms get worse, please contact your provider or Boynton.
- You are expected to stay in your own room and have your own separate bathroom whenever possible.
- Let your instructor know, you will not be able to attend in-person classes.
- Remain out of shared spaces in your household.
When can I end the isolation period?
- Your isolation will last for at least a full 5 days after the start of your symptoms (day zero is your first day of symptoms) - or - a full 5 days after a positive test if you are asymptomatic (day zero is the day you tested positive if you have no symptoms).
- You must be without a fever for the last 24 hours.
- Your symptoms must be improving.
- You should wear a well-fitted mask for an additional 5 days.
- Avoid people who are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease for at least 10 days.
- Avoid travel for at least 10 days.
- Use the CDC’s Quarantine & Isolation Calculator to help determine your isolation period.
What should I do if I was exposed to someone who is sick?
Close contact is defined as being within six feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more while they were infectious. You may be informed by the person directly, or through the State of Minnesota COVID Aware App.
Take the following actions:
- Review the CDC's guidance.
- Wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested on day 6.
Where can I get the latest campus updates about COVID-19?
The Safe Campus website has the most up-to-date information for the University of Minnesota community, including: