With the colder seasons settling in, there will be an increase in seasonal illnesses and COVID-19 cases, which the University of Southampton is closely monitoring and is prepared to address if necessary. We will keep you informed with any updates.
Southampton General Hospital has introduced measures appropriate to the setting, of which students who have sessions there have been informed.
Our current measures and guidance around COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses remain in place for the rest of the University. Here is a reminder and what they mean for you:
- While there is no requirement to wear face coverings in University buildings, please respect those who choose to wear them to feel more comfortable.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell or are showing cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms. Please email your Personal Academic Tutor and The Student Hub to let them know you are unwell and will be missing teaching sessions.
- Maintain good hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of illnesses. We will keep providing hand sanitiser in our buildings.
- You are encouraged to get your COVID-19 vaccinations if you have not already done so, including any booster jabs you are eligible for.
The University Health Service on Highfield Campus are currently offering COVID-19 vaccine doses every Saturday and Sunday from 09:00-17:00 until the end of October, with further dates to be confirmed. The clinic operates on a walk-in basis, but you can also book an appointment via the NHS website.
Everyone over five years old can get a first dose and a second dose eight weeks after the first (or 12 weeks if under 18 years old), and everyone over 16 years old is eligible for a first booster dose three months after the second dose. Autumn booster doses are also available at the Health Service to a limited number of groups. You can check your eligibility for an autumn booster on the NHS website.
If you have had vaccinations abroad that are not used in the UK (particularly Sinovac, Sinopharm, CanSino Biologics), you can use the tool on the University Health Service website to check your eligibility. If you have any queries about vaccines and eligibility please contact [email protected].
Make sure you are also registered with a local doctor’s (GP) surgery – this is an important step to ensure you access the right services should you need them. Do not wait until you are ill to do this. If you live near Highfield Campus you can sign up for one of the University’s health services, University Health Service or Highfield Health, or visit the NHS website to find your nearest surgery.