- Cases may continue to rise at Yale as people have returned to campus. We also expect a winter wave, which may begin around November.
- COVID should be taken seriously. It can lead to cardiac, pulmonary, neurologic, and metabolic complications, including people who are vaccinated and after “mild” infections. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can directly harm blood vessels and organs, including the brain and heart. Vaccination can lower the risks of serious complications.
- Take steps toward cleaner air. This can involve bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or spending time outdoors. Virus particles do not build up in the air outdoors as much as they do indoors.
- Wearing a mask can help lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from inhaling infectious particles from people around them. Different masks offer different levels of protection.
- If you feel sick, testing for the flu or COVID is recommended. The Yale Health Center pharmacy sells a combined flu and COVID test for $7.50. More information can be found on the Campus Health website.
- We expect to see more cases of the flu and RSV in the autumn and winter. Typically, the United States’ flu wave begins to rise in the fall and peaks between December and February. RSV most severely affects babies and the elderly, but can make you sick at any age.
Yale vaccine clinics are here
Influenza (flu): The CDC recommends routine annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months or older and who do not have contraindications.
COVID: The FDA has approved the COVID vaccine for people aged 65 and older and those between the ages of 6 months to 64 years who have an underlying health condition. For individuals between the ages of 6 months to 64 years without underlying health conditions, the FDA requires a process of shared decision-making. Shared decision-making involves understanding the benefits and risks of vaccination and discussing any concerns with your clinician. Healthy people may get vaccinated because they are living or working with a person at high risk for severe disease from COVID, residing in a congregate setting, working as healthcare personnel, or because they wish to minimize disruption from illness or to lower the risk of serious complications. Please contact your primary care provider with any questions about the risks and benefits of vaccination.
RSV: RSV vaccines are recommended for all adults ages 75 years and older and adults ages 50 – 74 years who are at increased risk for severe RSV. RSV vaccine is available for qualifying Yale Health members through the Immunizations department for adults and Pediatrics for infants.
We are pleased to announce that our flu and COVID vaccine clinics are administering vaccines for all Yale faculty, staff, students, and Yale Health members. Check the vaccine clinic hours.
- Adult flu and COVID clinics will be walk-in, with no scheduling needed.
- Pediatric flu and COVID vaccines will be administered at the Family Flu and COVID clinics, available by appointment for Yale Health members.
- If you are a Yale Health member, you also have the option to receive your vaccination during routine visits with your primary care provider (internal medicine, OB-GYN, pediatrics) or by walking in at Yale Health Immunizations.
- Aetna Members: You and your dependents can also receive vaccinations at local pharmacies (CVS.com) or arrange them through your primary care provider.
- Stay tuned for more information available through additional updates, the Yale Flu and COVID Vaccine Program website, and social media.
Where to learn more
Here are some valuable sources to consider:
- Yale Campus Health issues a weekly Campus Health Surveillance Report that covers infections, air quality, ticks, heat, measles, and even recent news stories. Current and past issues are posted at Campus Health.
- The American Academy of Family Practice recommends updated flu and COVID shots for everyone aged 6 months and older, including people who are pregnant or lactating.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends updated flu and COVID shots for children aged 6 months and older.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends updated flu and COVID shots for anyone who is pregnant, planning to conceive, or lactating, plus an RSV vaccine late in pregnancy.
- The Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative tracks COVID across the country.
- The CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance Program brings together data on COVID, flu, RSV, and mpox in wastewater systems around the country. WastewaterScan.org also offers data on measles, norovirus, and other viruses.
Yours in health,
The Campus Health Team
