The Yale Vaccine Program, a collaboration of Campus Health and Yale Health, is once again offering free influenza (flu) and COVID vaccines to Yale faculty, staff, students, and Yale Health members. Details are below, as well as some information about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.
Respiratory viruses like flu, COVID, and RSV often circulate together. Experts predict that these seasonal infections will once again overlap this winter. Vaccination against these viruses can reduce the impact on you and on our community.
Why get the flu shot?
The flu vaccine is reformulated every year to protect against the most common strains expected during the upcoming season. It is safe, effective, and recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. For optimal protection, the best time to get your flu shot is in September or October.
- For you: Vaccine can prevent flu or decrease the severity of illness if you become infected. It is especially important if you are pregnant, over age 65, or have chronic medical problems. High-dose flu vaccine is available for those age 65 and over.
- For those around you: Vaccine reduces the risk of spreading infection to vulnerable members of your family and community, including infants, pregnant people, older individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
- New this year: The CDC has determined that people with egg allergies can safely receive any flu vaccine.
- Note: Yale healthcare workers and healthcare students are required to have the flu vaccine by December 1, 2023.
A COVID boost
COVID cases are ticking up at Yale and beyond and variants continue to emerge. Experts predict a fall/winter surge as we have seen in previous years. An updated COVID vaccine, expected at Yale in October, will provide improved protection against currently circulating variants. Look for more information in a future message.
How to schedule flu or COVID vaccine
Getting a flu or COVID vaccine is free and convenient. An appointment is needed. Use our streamlined Flu COVID Finder to book now. If you need help with scheduling, call 203-432-6604.
- Multiple dates and locations are available.
- A limited number of COVID vaccine appointments are available now for October.
- We will provide more COVID vaccine appointments when supplies are confirmed.
- Updates will be posted on our website.
- Flu and COVID vaccine may be administered together in select locations.
- Information for Yale Health members and their families will be coming in a separate message.
And what about RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness, especially in infants and older adults. New vaccines will be available for pregnant people and those age 60 and over. I will share more details in an upcoming message.
- Note that RSV vaccine will be available through Yale Health or your primary care provider, if you have other insurance, rather than through our campus vaccine clinics.
Thanks for helping to keep our campus safe! Stay healthy and get VAXed!
Be well,
Madeline S. Wilson, MD, FACP
Chief Campus Health Officer