COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Respiratory Viruses
Each year, respiratory viruses are responsible for millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States.
In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The good news is there are actions you can take to help protect yourself and others from health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2. It can be very contagious and spreads quickly. Over one million people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.
COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.
Some people including those with minor or no symptoms will develop Post-COVID Conditions – also called “Long COVID.”
COVID-19 Vaccine
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine.
People aged 65 years and older who received 1 dose of any updated COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or Novavax) should receive 1 additional dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 4 months after the previous updated dose.
Note: As of January 2024, the college’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement changed from required to strongly recommended for all staff, faculty, and students.
General Information
For more information, please review the following Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) site:
Additional information for students on the CCA Student Insurance Plan (coverage provided Aetna):