Flu Information

Flu shots are free for all Yale faculty, staff, students, and Yale Health members through our on-site vaccination clinics. To promote workforce and campus safety, flu vaccination is mandatory for all Yale Health staff and patient and human research subject-facing staff within the Yale School of Medicine (YSM), and healthcare professional students (Medicine, Nursing, Physician Associate). The flu vaccine must be received by December 1, 2023.

NOTE: Free vaccine for Yale Health members is only available through Yale Health clinics. The arrangement made available during the Public Health Emergency has ended and Yale is resuming its normal vaccine program. Therefore, we will no longer cover flu vaccines administered outside of Yale Health.

When should I get my 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.

How do I schedule my appointment?

Getting a flu vaccine on campus is free and convenient through our on-site vaccine clinics. An appointment is required. 

Multiple dates and locations are available. People needing help with scheduling may call 203-432-8797. Note that COVID vaccine appointments are not currently available and will be added as vaccine supplies are confirmed.

Can I get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Yes, flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be received at the same time.  However, Flu and COVID vaccines will only be administered together in select locations.

Can I request an exemption?

Exemptions for those with a requirement will only be granted for evidence-based medical contraindications and religious reasons.

To request an exemption from the flu vaccine requirement:

• Students must complete an Influenza Vaccination Medical or Religious Waiver Form and email it to immunization@yale.edu. 
• Healthcare staff  (Yale Health and YSM) must complete an Influenza Vaccination Medical or Religious Waiver Form and email it to campushealthcompliance@yale.edu.

Flu symptoms often include fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, and headaches. Most people recover within 5-14 days, but more serious cases and complications such as pneumonia can occur. 

The people at greatest risk of complications are:

• those over 65 years old
• pregnant people
• young children 
• anyone with chronic health conditions such as lung or heart disease and diabetes

If you become sick, please call us so that we can advise you about the best course of action. We especially want to hear from you if you are at higher risk for complications. Anti-viral medications can be useful for some patients early in the course of flu. 

• Adults, call 203-432-0038
• Yale students, call 203-432-0312
• For children, call 203-432-0206

If you are not a Yale Health member, you should contact your primary care provider.

Prevention is key to the control of flu. Public health authorities strongly recommend the flu vaccine.

If you get the flu 

• Stay home so you can recover more quickly and lower the risk of infecting others. 
• Have fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol) on hand and follow the safe dosing instructions. Drink plenty of fluids and be sure to rest. 
• Protect your close contacts by not sharing utensils and safely disposing of contaminated tissues. Cover your cough and wash your hands frequently. 
• Do not return to work until you have been free of fever for 24 hours without fever-lowering medicine.