We are in the homestretch of a long and busy semester and are counting the days until the holiday break begins! As you prepare for travel and time with loved ones, I hope these tips will help protect you, your family, and friends.
Not too late for vaccines
All our local respiratory viral indicators for RSV, COVID, and flu are now in the phase of steep rise — cases, percentage of tests that are positive, wastewater measurements, and hospitalizations. Experts feel that this season will not be more severe than prior years, and we have never been better equipped to take steps to prevent severe illness.
Unfortunately, uptake of vaccines has been unusually low this year and the CDC recently sounded the alarm to urge vaccination. I am heartily joining that call for the Yale community — it is not too late to benefit from a shot (or two)!
- COVID vaccine is available at Yale Health this Thursday. Sign up now! Most of you may also seek the vaccine at pharmacies if that is more convenient. Of note, several studies have confirmed that the 2023-24 vaccine stimulates a strong immune response to the currently circulating variants.
- Flu vaccine is available all this week at Yale Health and can be given at the same time as the COVID vaccine.
- RSV vaccine is available to eligible individuals through your healthcare provider.
- Note: Yale Health vaccine clinics will be closed over the holiday recess.
Other prevention strategies
Over the holiday, you may be spending time with babies or small children, people with compromised immune systems, or elders, so taking extra steps to prevent transmission is a good idea. Vaccines help reduce the risk of transmission, but as always:
- Consider a mask during travel and in close quarters.
- Have a supply of COVID rapid tests in case symptoms develop, or before gatherings.
- Open windows, when possible, to get air circulating.
- Stay home and test if you develop congestion, cough, fever, or a sore throat.
Finally, if you do test positive for COVID or flu, effective treatments are available for those at increased risk or in a high-risk household. Contact your healthcare provider.
I wish all of you a peaceful, relaxing, and healthy break!
Madeline S. Wilson, MD, FACP
Chief Campus Health Officer