What’s new this fall?
The flu vaccine requirement will be limited to healthcare students (nursing, MD, PA). All other Yale students are strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine.
What remains the same?
The COVID vaccine continues to be strongly encouraged for all students. The new mRNA vaccines have now been approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC and will be available at Yale by October. The updated formulation will be a good match for currently circulating variants. More to come in a future message.
I’m young and healthy—why do I need a flu or COVID shot?
- Getting vaccinated reduces the risk you’ll miss classes and activities.
- Getting vaccinated is something you can do to protect the most vulnerable among us, as well as your roommates, friends, and classmates.
- Vaccination results in milder illness for those who may get infected and getting the COVID vaccine reduces the risk of long COVID.
- Both flu and COVID vaccines are extremely safe. The CDC has determined that the benefits of COVID vaccination exceed the risks, even in younger age groups.
How do I schedule?
Getting a flu or COVID vaccine is free for students. An appointment is needed. Use our streamlined Flu COVID Finder to book your appointment.
- Multiple dates and locations (PDF) are available now for flu shots.
- COVID vaccination appointments are not yet available. They will be opened shortly, when supplies are confirmed. It will be an option to have both COVID and flu vaccines at the same time.
- Updates will be posted on our website.
- If you need help with scheduling, call 203-432-6604.
And remember, if you’re feeling flu-ish…
- MASK, ISOLATE, and TEST for COVID. Repeat in 48 hours if negative.
- REPORT your result, if positive, to get guidance by email.
- Notify your close contacts.
Bottom line
Get VAXed! It’s one of the best tools we have to protect yourself and our community!
Be well,
Madeline S. Wilson, MD, FACP
Chief Campus Health Officer