Take precautions to prevent spread of flu, COVID-19 

COVID-19 cases are on the rise in our area and across the nation, and flu season is expected to begin ramping up in the coming months. NMSU encourages all employees and students to monitor their health and stay home from class or work when experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu. All employees and students should follow the CDC recommendations for isolation and precautions in the event of exposure to COVID-19 or a positive test. 
 
The Aggie Health and Wellness Center on the Las Cruces campus offers at-home COVID-19 test kits for purchase (2 tests for $20 in each kit) through its pharmacy, and kits are also available for purchase at most local pharmacies. Students can seek medical care for suspected COVID-19, flu and other illnesses at the Aggie Health and Wellness Center.

The federal Department of Health and Human Services says orders can be placed at COVIDTests.gov starting Sept. 25, and that no-cost tests will be delivered for free by the United States Postal Service 
 
COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are still available through vaccinenm.org. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 years and older receive an updated (bivalent) mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether they previously completed their (monovalent) primary series.
 
The CDC has released its flu vaccine recommendations for the coming flu season. The updated influenza vaccine will be available soon through Aggie Health and Wellness Center. It is recommended that most people start receiving their annual vaccination starting in September or October. Make an appointment by calling 575-646-1512. The cost for the vaccine is $30 per shot.