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.
  • The SXU Health Center offers COVID-19 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 come to the SXU Health Center for COVID-19 testing. Testing can 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

  • You can go back to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
    • Your symptoms* are getting better overall, and
    • You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • When you go back to your normal activities, take added precautions over the next 5 days, such as such as masking, increased hygiene, taking steps for cleaner air, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread COVID-19, even if you are feeling better.

*Symptoms may include fever or feeling feverish, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, body aches, decrease in appetite, headache, sore throat, etc.

For more information see Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick.

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

The Health Center is currently offering 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines, Monday through Friday. We offer both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for ages 12 and older. Please call 773-298-3712 for an appointment. 

FAQs About the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

  1. Who should get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
    Everyone 6 months and older should get an updated vaccine as long as it has been at least 2 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine.
  2. I was vaccinated over one year ago. Why should I get an updated COVID-19 vaccine?
    Protection from previous vaccination or infection weakens over time. Also, the current 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 current vaccine (people who are immunocompromised, people who wish to receive Novavax, and children 6 months to 4 years old 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?
    Unfortunately the federal Bridge Access Program expired in September 2024. Those who are uninsured or underinsured should check with their local health departments.
  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.

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.

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

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