If you are a Cornell faculty or staff member, please refer to the HR website for guidance.
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS:
How to get a COVID vaccination / booster
Getting vaccinated at Cornell Health:
- Cornell Health has the most up-to-date 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine in stock.
- Students can receive their COVID vaccination or booster at Cornell Health for no charge (in spite of the CDC’s COVID Vaccine Access Program ending in August).
- Call us at 607-255-5155 to schedule a vaccination appointment.
Other vaccination providers:
- Vaccinations and boosters are also available at many local pharmacies and providers.
- Find a local vaccination provider.
What to do if you have COVID symptoms
If you are ill with symptoms suggestive of COVID or another respiratory virus (including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, headache):
- Rest and stay away from others until both of the following are true:
- you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours, AND
- your symptoms are getting better overall
- If you must be around others while you still have symptoms, wear a mask
- Consider testing for COVID (see below)
Please refer to the CDC’s recommendations for detailed guidance.
If you develop worrisome symptoms, your symptoms are not improving, or you are unsure if you should stay away from others, please consult with a medical provider. Students can call Cornell Health 24/7 at 607-255-5155.
How to get tested for COVID
There are two options for students to be tested for COVID at Cornell.
- Antigen (self) tests: Free antigen tests are available in Cornell Health's 24-hour Self-Care vending machine located just inside our Ho Plaza entrance.
- PCR (lab) testing: Cornell Health provides PCR testing for students who meet clinical testing criteria; please call us at 607-255-5155 for consultation and to schedule an appointment.
Staff, faculty, and student group organizers can request a bulk quantity (10-150) of antigen test kits by submitting this COVID Test Kit Request Form to the Cornell Health Pharmacy.
Other local testing options can be found by visiting the Tompkins County Whole Health website.
What to do if you test positive
It is no longer required for students to report positive COVID tests results to Cornell.
If you test positive for COVID:
- Stay home and away from others. You can go back to your normal activities when–for at least 24 hours–both are true:
- you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication) for at least 24 hours, AND
- your symptoms are getting better overall
- Help protect roommates and/or others you may have contact with by wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing.
- When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days to help protect others, such as wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing. Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus, even if you are feeling better.
- If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
Please refer to the CDC’s recommendations for detailed guidance.
How to care for symptoms
Most COVID symptoms can be self-managed using non-prescription cough, cold, and/or fever-reducing medication available at any pharmacy, including the Cornell Health pharmacy. Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to assist in your recovery.
Students needing guidance on how to best care for symptoms can call Cornell Health 24/7 to consult with a medical provider: 607-255-5155.
What to do if your symptoms are severe:
Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID, including people who are unvaccinated and people with certain medical conditions.
For these individuals, antiviral medications can be prescribed and should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis to be effective. Our medical clinicians can help you determine whether you are eligible for treatment, and can prescribe antiviral medication (Paxlovid or Lagevrio), available through the Cornell Health pharmacy or another pharmacy of your choice.
Students who are concerned about symptoms and/or have questions about possible treatment, can call Cornell Health 24/7 to consult with a medical provider: 607-255-5155.
How to communicate with professors, coaches, employers, etc.
For students needing time away for recovery:
- Temporary accommodation letters are not provided for short-term illnesses, including COVID infections. For additional information on this topic, please review this information on Temporary Injuries and Illnesses.
- Students needing to stay out of circulation due to any short-term illness are expected to communicate directly with their professors and/or academic advisor about needing to miss class, as well as other academic needs.
- Students who need academic support should contact their college student services office (Cornell Law students should contact the Law School Dean of Students: law.dos@cornell.edu).
- Students with other obligations (sports, work, etc.), should make additional outreaches as necessary.