Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

COVID-19 | Testing and Vaccines

 

The SXU Health Center provides both COVID-19 testing and vaccinations to the campus community and to the general public:

  • It is highly recommended that all students and employees remain up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. There is currently no requirement for students or staff/faculty to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
  • Effective July 12, 2022, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker rescinded the requirement that higher education employees and students be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to weekly testing in order to access the university/college premises.
  • The SXU Health Center offers COVID vaccines Monday through Friday. Appointments are preferred (call 773-298-3712). Please see more information about vaccines below.

On This Page

Testing at the Health Center

SXU students and employees who have been exposed to COVID-19 or who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms may schedule a test at the SXU Health Center. Testing can be requested after an exposure or may be performed during a sick visit with a nurse practitioner. If you have questions about testing or would like to make an appointment, please call 773-298-3712.

Positive for COVID-19: Returning to campus

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please stay home. This CDC Isolation and Exposure Calculator will tell you, based on when your symptoms started, when you can return to campus and when you can stop masking after testing positive. Following this guidance will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

As of February 15, 2023, the Health Center is no longer tracking positive cases on campus and therefore the COVID-19 reporting form has been inactivated. The Health Center staff is always available to answer any COVID-19 questions regarding topics such as testing after an exposure, symptoms, positive tests, or vaccinations. Please call 773-298-3712, email healthcenterFREESXU, or send a HIPAA-secure message through our Patient Portal and your question will answered during business hours.

Contact the Health Center

  • Phone: 773-298-3712
  • Driehaus Center, 3925 W. 103rd Street
  • Mon/Wed : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Tue/Thu: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Fri: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    Sat/Sun: Closed
 

Vaccines at the Health Center

We currently have the updated Moderna (2023-2024 Formulation) in stock at the Health Center for age 12 years and older! The CDC recommends everyone in this age group receive one dose this fall whether or not they have been previously vaccinated.

FAQs About the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

  1. Who should get an updated COVID vaccine?
    Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated vaccine this fall as long as it has been at least 2 months since your last COVID vaccine.
  2. I was vaccinated over one year ago. Why should I get an updated COVID vaccine?
    Protection from previous vaccination or infection weakens over time. Also, the updated 2023-2024 vaccine is a better match to fight common variants circulating now.
  3. I've never been vaccinated for COVID-19 before. How many vaccines do I need?
    You will be considered up-to-date after receiving one dose of the 2023-2024 updated vaccine (people who are immunocompromised or children 6 months - 4 years may need to receive multiple vaccines).
  4. I recently had a COVID-19 infection. When can I get vaccinated?
    You can consider waiting 90 days after an infection to get vaccinated since antibody levels tend to remain high during that time. However, you can receive a vaccine any time after your isolation period is over.
  5. Are there any other options besides mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna)?
    Yes! The Novavax vaccine uses more traditional vaccine technology to protect against COVID-19.

Insurance and the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

  1. Are the updated vaccines billed through insurance?
    Generally, yes. The updated COVID-19 vaccines are no longer provided by the government and will be billed through private insurance.
  2. Can I get the updated vaccine at the Health Center?
    Yes! We are in-network with many insurances. If we are out-of-network it is in your best interest to go through your doctor or find a location that is in-network.
  3. Can I get a vaccine if I don't have any insurance or my insurance doesn't pay for vaccines?
    Yes! The CDC Bridge Access Program provides free vaccines for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Many pharmacies are part of the Bridge Access Program.
  4. How can I find the updated COVID-19 vaccine?
    Vaccines.gov is a way to search by type of vaccine, zip code, and what insurance coverage you have (including the Bridge Access Program).

If you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines, be sure to discuss them with your primary care provider or the nurse practitioners at the SXU Health Center.

Learn more about Vaccines for COVID-19 and how to Stay Up-to-Date with your vaccinations.

Why get vaccinated?

  • COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
  • COVID-19 vaccination protects you from severe illness (hospitalization) and death.
  • COVID-19 vaccination lowers the risk that you will spread COVID-19 to other people, including those who are immunocompromised.
  • Make sure to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccination. It is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated for COVID-19. 
  • Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 Testing Sites and Vaccines in Illinois

Testing

Order 4 free COVID-19 tests per U.S. Household this fall at COVID.gov

Before you throw out "expired" at-home COVID tests, check the FDA website to see if the expiration date has been extended.

Rapid COVID-19 tests are widely available in pharmacies or at most clinics.

If you need a rapid or PCR COVID-19 test from a medical facility there are many options. Many primary care offices offer this testing now as well as urgent/immediate care centers. Examples of these include Midwest Express, SMS Medical or the Evergreen Care Station.

Find COVID-19 Testing Sites

*You should discuss the cost of testing with the testing site you choose. Some locations may require the cost of a visit to have the test completed, so make sure to verify this before you arrive. 

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available at clinics, primary care offices and pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS. The Bridge Access Program is a CDC program to provide COVID vaccines for free to people who are uninsured or underinsured. Many sites are by appointment or by walk-in.

Find COVID-19 Vaccine Locations