The message is being sent to all Duke undergraduate students.

Friday, December 10, 2021Dear students, As fall term draws to an end, we want to provide some information and guidance as you depart for winter break to help us start the spring semester as successfully and safely as possible.

Booster Shots:

  • During winter break, you are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if you have not done so already and are eligible based on the date of your last primary immunization dose (6 months after your second dose of Moderna/Pfizer, 2 months after single dose of Johnson & Johnson). Duke has not yet decided whether to require the booster shot and will continue assessing case trends and activity when students return.
  • If you get your COVID booster dose outside of Duke, go to the “Student Health Gateway” to upload your booster documentation.

Return to Campus:

  • If you are traveling internationally, pay close attention to testing requirements for re-entry into the United States. These requirements may change rapidly and with little notice. An up-to-date listing of worldwide travel restrictions and screening requirements is available in the COVID-19 section of Duke’s International SOS portal.
  • If you are traveling domestically, we strongly encourage you to get a COVID test within 72 hours before traveling back to campus for the spring semester.
  • If you test positive for COVID during winter break, notify Duke Student Health by emailing your test result to dshcheckin@duke.edu and isolate for 10 days before returning.
  • Upon your return to Durham, avoid large crowded indoor gatherings. We have seen that these types of gatherings, especialy right after many have traveled, lead to a high risk of COVID super-spreader events, even among those who are fully vaccinated.

Spring Semester Protocols:

  • Required COVID surveillance testing for asymptomatic students will resume on January 3 and continue until further notice.
  • If you develop possible COVID symptoms during the spring semester, notify Duke Student Health by registering your symptoms in the Duke SymMon app. A case management nurse will cal you to give you further guidance and schedule a COVID test for you at the Student Wellness Building.
  • A 10-day isolation period will remain in effect for anyone who tests postive for COVID, even if fully vaccinated. This is a State of North Carolina and Durham Public Health requirement.
  • Contact tracing will continue for those who test positive for COVID.

We hope everyone has a fantastic and restful winter break. Thank you for doing your part to help us start the spring semester as safely as possible. – Duke Student Affairs