Colgate Together Digest

Hello, Colgate Community.

After last week’s testing, the Health Analytics Team Dashboard is holding steady with two student cases of COVID-19. Just as I’m repeating these numbers today, I also want to reenforce the fact that our new-normal includes old-normal strep, flu, RSV, common cold. With virtually no transmission of respiratory diseases last year, it is sometimes hard to remember that these were typical in pre-masking days. Luckily, the Commitment to Community Health addresses these annoyances even as it protects against COVID.

So, wear your own clean mask when physical distancing isn’t possible, wash your hands, stay home if you’re feeling ill, and be sure to sign up for a flu shot when your time comes. Students have already received an appointment link, and employees will see one in their inbox tomorrow. If appointments fill up quickly, more will be made available.

Speaking of shots, people are asking about eligibility for the Pfizer boosters. According to New York State Department of Health guidance, based on CDC recommendations, you are eligible for a Pfizer booster if you are 65 years or older; 18+ with underlying medical conditions; or 18+ and working or living in high-risk settings. This includes education staff (teachers, support staff, daycare workers).

The booster is administered at least six months after a second dose, and it is only available to individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine as their primary vaccine series.

On-campus Pfizer booster clinic details will be available soon. In the meantime, boosters are available through Kinney Drugs and Dougherty Pharmacy here in Hamilton, or visit vaccines.gov and use the “Am I Eligible” tool to schedule an appointment near you.

Employees, the University will offer up to four hours paid time off for your appointment and return to work if you need it. Discuss the option with your supervisor — no special notations are required on a timesheet.

If you have a minor reaction during the 24 hour period following your booster dose, Colgate will continue to provide one paid sick day if you need it. Don’t feel pressured to report for work if you are feeling any adverse effects of vaccination. (In the unlikely event you need more than one day to recover, you may draw on your personal sick leave balance.)

That’s all the reading I’ll ask you to do today — after you look below for other updates. Don’t sign off just because I do, or you might miss something helpful.

Talk to you Monday.

Laura H. Jack
Vice President for Communications
Acting Chief Diversity Officer