Prevention and care during the COVID-19 outbreak
Information on COVID-19
- If you are ill, no matter how mild, you should stay home to prevent spreading infections to others. Please take the BC self-assessment tool if you're unsure whether you have COVID-19 or not.
- If you are not sure if you need to see a primary care provider, check the HealthLink BC website first or call 811.
- Find more information on testing for COVID-19, provided by the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) .
- Testing is available for people with symptoms. Visit the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC) website for more information.
Getting your COVID-19 Vaccination
From November 1, 2021, please call the Student Health Service front desk at 604 822 7011 for more information if you are interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine on campus.
Booster doses are currently unavailable unless you have been invited by Public Health to receive a third shot due to being moderately to severely immunocompromised.
Managing Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Amidst the outbreak of COVID-19, many students may be developing feelings of fear, stress, worry and isolation—these feelings are natural when facing threats that are beyond our control. Everyone reacts differently to these feelings, which can be overwhelming for some.
It’s important to understand that if you need help in coping with these feelings, there are articles and resources available to guide you in managing your mental health during this time.
Substance use
Fentanyl, an opioid, is a strong painkiller that is being mixed into illegal drugs in Vancouver. A very small amount of fentanyl can be fatal.
Fentanyl has been found in all illegal drugs.
If you use or intend to use illegal drugs, you can:
- Make a plan to reduce possible harms.
- Get drug testing strips and/or get your drugs checked.
- Get and carry naloxone in case of an overdose or accidental drug poisoning.
- Know how to recognize and respond to the signs of an overdose.
All of the above information and more can be found in our Opioid Overdose First Aid Canvas course.
Free naloxone kits are available from UBC Student Health Service and at BC pharmacies. All kits are confidential and freely available for those at risk of opioid overdose, or those who might witness a family member or friend at risk of an overdose.
If you are looking for a Naloxone kit immediately, you can take an online Naloxone training at NaloxoneTraining.com and/or pick up a kit at any BC pharmacy.
If you are looking for more training on using the kit, Student Health Services provides additional training and practice with the components of the kit:
- Call to book an appointment. Ask to see a nurse for naloxone training. They have many different appointment times available during the week. These appointments are anonymous, you don’t need to provide your real name and are not on a medical or student record.
- Appointments can take place in an individual or group setting.
- Nurse will go over the components of the kit, signs of an overdose, and how to use the kit.
- Nurses will provide practice using the ampule and syringe (needle) to increase familiarity with it.
Learn more about harm reduction, recovery and support services.
Vaping Risks
Health Canada is advising Canadians who use vaping products to monitor themselves for symptoms of lung or respiratory pulmonary illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and to seek medical attention promptly if they have concerns about their health.
Vaping is not without risk, and the potential long-term effects of vaping remain unknown. Find more information on the impact of smoking and steps to take in order to quit.
