Health Advisories

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The safety and health of our Detroit Mercy family is a top priority for the University. Use the links below to help you navigate illness-related absences and find answers to frequently asked questions.

For guidance on masking, COVID-19 test kits and local vaccine resources, please refer to the Wayne County Health Department Coronavirus website.

Health News/Events

University to hold COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic, Oct. 19

The University COVID-19 and Flu vaccine clinic will be held in the Student Union Fountain Lounge on the McNichols Campus Thursday, Oct. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Plan ahead for a healthy fall

With fall approaching, there a number of preventative measures to consider when talking about wellness and well-being and public health.
See all Health News and Events

Navigating Health-Related Absence

It is important to comply with all absence-related policies and protocols whether you are a student or employee.

  • Students should review the Student Absence Protocols for navigating their specific absence. Employees should refer to the various HR policies and procedures related to employee absence.
  • Advise your instructor or supervisor of your illness-related absence right away. You are not required to provide personal medical information to instructors or supervisors; however, documentation may be required in some cases based upon the number of days absent or circumstance.
  • Review all policies relating to absence. This may be different for each course, instructor or position-specific.
  • You do not need to utilize the medical reporting form used previously, to report your illness. Communication regarding absence should be navigated directly between you and your instructor or supervisor. Alternatively, students may reach out to the Dean of Student’s Office and employees may reach out to Human Resources for additional assistance or in the event of extended absence.
  • Follow all Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended isolation and treatment protocols for your illness. (See some specific links below.) This may include continued masking upon return. It is important that you remain out of in-person activity if you have a fever due to illness, even if you have tested negative for an infectious illness.

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccination

  • Vaccination against COVID-19 is not required for incoming or current students and employees, with the exception of students in specific programs, colleges, or schools may have vaccination requirements or protocols that supersede the University requirements. This includes some University-based travel, clinical, health or dental-specific programs. Students are advised of vaccine requirements directly from the college, school or program.

  • The Fall 2023 composition of the COVID-19 is a monovalent, Omicron-based vaccine. You can locate available vaccines at vaccines.gov. You may also contact the CDC via the telephone hotline: English/Spanish and TTY  1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). For any uninsured individuals or those with health plans that do not cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC's Bridge Access Program will provide vaccines at no cost.

Isolation and treatment protocols

The following resources provide information on common illnesses.

COVID-19 

Flu

Strep Throat

Not feeling well but not a confirmed illness

Taking care of yourself on a daily basis will assist you in recovering quickly from an illness.

  • Take precautions to minimize the potential health risk to others when you are not feeling well;
  • Test to determine illness and mask when indoors or around others if you have a cough, sore throat or runny nose; and
  • You should not be around others if you have symptoms of infectious illness, such as fever.

Find resources for improving physical health on our Physical Wellness page. Good physical health and proper sleep can assist your body in best managing an illness.

Where to reach out if you're feeling ill

Where to reach out for mental health services