Safe Travel During Fall Break 2021

Start preparing!
grey road surrounded by trees with falling orange leaves

For those who plan to travel home during Fall Break/Thanksgiving:

Please follow these recommendations for having a safe and healthy break!

  • Receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster as soon as you are eligible.
    • According to the CDC, studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccine protection may decrease over time. Data show booster shots can increase the immune response in individuals who have been vaccinated for at least six months, which provides increased protection.
    • CUPHD is offering booster clinics for those who are eligible. If you are not yet eligible, please continue to check your university email frequently. We will share opportunities for additional groups when they become eligible.
  • Test before and after Fall Break if you are planning to travel.
    • The CDC says travel can increase your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. We recommend everyone (even those who are fully vaccinated) utilize our on-campus COVID-19 test sites to take a test before and after you travel, especially if you are planning to be around anyone who is not fully vaccinated or in a high-risk category.
    • If you are not yet fully vaccinated, you will be required to take an on-campus COVID-19 test on Saturday, Nov. 27 or Sunday, Nov. 28 in order to have building access on Monday, Nov. 29. As a reminder, employees are not required to test on their day off. They should test on their first day back.
    • On-campus testing sites will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 but will have expanded hours until 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 28.
  • Get your flu shot.
    • Protect yourself and others by getting a flu shot at an on-campus walk-in flu clinic.
    • The CDC says flu shots can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization, leaving capacity for patients who may need to be hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Even if you're planning to enjoy the fall recess from the comfort of Champaign-Urbana, if you haven't already, taking the time to get a COVID-19 booster and flu shot will go miles in helping protect you and the community.

Information adopted from the Massmail message released on 10/26/2021 (link).