This page provides information about RUSH University's response to COVID-19 and how we are protecting students, faculty and staff.
Looking for RUSH University System for Health patient and visitor information about COVID-19?
RUSH University COVID-19 Policy
Effective October 17, 2023, in alignment with the RUSH System for Health, RUSH University no longer requires the COVID-19 vaccine for students. The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be strongly recommended.
Please review your college and specific program vaccine requirements as some may require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be strongly recommended. Information on how to Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Please visit vaccines.gov to find information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in your community.
-
COVID-19 testing is currently not offered at RUSH. We encourage students to utilize Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 or purchase over-the-counter testing kits.
-
If you test positive for COVID-19, please notify Student_Health@rush.edu and immediately begin your quarantine. Please also complete the Student - COVID-19 Positive Test Submission Form to assist with identifying positive COVID-19 cases among the student body at RUSH University and to conduct contact tracing when needed.
-
Upon guidance from the CDC and in alignment with RUSH University Medical Center’s Return to Work Guidelines published 5/13/2022, beginning on day five, students should ask themselves two questions:
- Have I been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication?
- Have my symptoms resolved or are they significantly improving?
*Reminder: Day 0 is your first day of symptoms or a positive viral test.
As soon as you can answer yes to both questions, any time from days five to nine, you may return to campus the next day. If you continue to have symptoms after day 10 that prevent return to campus self-clearance, contact a healthcare provider for follow-up care.
Clearance for return to campus is a self-guided process. Student Health will not provide clearance and will not require further screening documentation.
-
If you need to stay at home or self-isolate because you develop a symptom of COVID-19, please be assured that your college/program director will develop a plan so that your academic progress can continue. Do not come to campus if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild or limited.
-
No, COVID-19 boosters are not currently offered at RUSH. Information about finding a COVID-19 vaccine in the community can be found here.
COVID-19 boosters continue to be recommended as they provide protection from further spread of COVID-19.
-
Masking is no longer required at RUSH except in specific areas and for specific types of patient interactions. However, we encourage masking as a preventive measure and have hospital-grade masks available for use.
-
Hospital approved masks are available upon entering a building on the RUSH campus. If your mask is lost or soiled during the day, return to the entrance to obtain a replacement.
How to Stay Healthy
Stop the spread of germs:
- Avoid contact with anyone who is sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.
- Consider wearing a mask to prevent the spread of illness.
- Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer, often and before eating.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing & sneezing.
Learn More
If you have any questions, email Student Health at Student_Health@rush.edu