Washington University has reverted its flu vaccine policy to the pre-pandemic standard. The flu vaccine, along with the COVID-19 booster, is now “highly recommended” instead of required.

EG.5, the new Omicron variant, has led to a surge in COVID-19 cases throughout the Washington University community.

s students return to the classroom for the third academic year since the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, professors are still grappling with the best way to handle absence policies when positive cases emerge. 

It started as a sore throat that I blamed on my suitemate. She had lost her voice a few days prior, and I feared heading down the same route as I prepped for a cappella auditions. I kept up on my multivitamins, began taking vitamin C, and drank hot water as a way to soothe my throat.

WU researchers developed a COVID vaccine that was authorized in India on Sept. 6.

This year, the Habif Health and Wellness Center at Washington University continues to strongly recommend the booster. At the same time, Washington University is loosening COVID-19 quarantine and isolation policies. 

“The amount of online ordering, as every year, has been going up exponentially,” said Eric Walker, a mail support specialist at the Hitzeman Mail Center. “And this year was without a doubt the most we’ve ever seen.” 

As an international student living on campus during the early months of the pandemic, I felt very isolated. Creating “Millions Like Us” pulled me away from the “self-quarantine” confines of my own dorm and connected me with other Chinese international students who shared the journey with me.

Free asymptomatic testing is available for all students in room 239 at the Danforth University Center, though the University has not advertised it.

Hundreds of student organizations and thousands of students flocked to Mudd Field for the biannual activities fair last Friday.