Prevention & Care
Vaccination is the number one way to protect yourself and others against COVID-19. Those who are not vaccinated, and others who may have concerns, are encouraged to:
- Follow current masking guidelines.
- Practice physical distancing and minimize close contact with others, especially indoors.
- Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if washing is not an option.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others when you are sick; call ahead before seeking medical care at Cornell Health or elsewhere.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
What should I do if I’m feeling ill?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough or shortness of breath, or if you have had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (or who is currently being tested), please do the following:
- Ithaca students who have flu-like symptoms should call Cornell Health at 607-255-5155 (24/7) for consultation.
- Cornell Tech students may call Weill Cornell Medicine at 646-962-7300 and identify yourself as a Cornell Tech student. The call center staff will schedule a virtual appointment for you with a doctor, which will be conducted on the Weill Cornell Medicine portal app via video phone conference.
- Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.
Getting Vaccinated
The CDC offers a tool to search for vaccination sites near you, and the Tompkins County Health Department has several local vaccination sites and frequently offers pop-up clinics. Be sure to schedule your first dose with the second appointment in mind; there are 21 days between doses of the Pfizer vaccine, 28 days between doses of the Moderna vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is one dose. Bring your photo identification and insurance card, if you have one, to your scheduled appointment.