COVID-19 Vaccine Update for Students

March 30, 2021

A message from Dr. Christine Chen

Dear Yale students,

I am excited to finally write you about COVID-19 vaccination. It’s been a long year and you have worked hard to reach this point, when we can all turn the corner together. As you know, the state of Connecticut will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to individuals 16 to 44 years old on April 1, 2021. 

You will receive an email through MyChart to schedule your vaccination at the Lanman Center. As Dr. Stephanie Spangler has indicated in her weekly emails, Yale’s supply is extremely limited. Please know that receiving an invitation does not guarantee that you will be able to schedule an appointment immediately. It is very likely that you will get your vaccinations more quickly if you schedule at another site in Connecticut or your home state. I strongly encourage you to check for appointment availability not only through the Yale COVID-19 Vaccine Program, but also through other vaccination sites near you. 

Tips to Find a Vaccine Appointment

While you can’t book an appointment before April 1, plan your pathway now so you’re ready to schedule once you become eligible.
 

Check your calendar

  • Some sites will list the vaccine they are providing. The most effective vaccine is the one that gets into your arm. Still, you may have a choice of vaccine. If so, pick the option that works best for your schedule.
    • Johnson & Johnson = 1 dose
    • Moderna = 2 doses, 28 days apart
    • Pfizer = 2 doses, 21 days apart (16 and 17-year olds can only receive Pfizer)
  • Plan to return to the same clinic for dose #2. If you receive your first dose of a two-dose vaccine in Connecticut, plan to be in Connecticut for your second dose too. Eligibility and supplies vary from state to state and you may not be able to find a second dose appointment in another state.
  • If you are unable to secure a timely first dose appointment, Governor Lamont has indicated that you will have another chance in early May when Johnson & Johnson becomes available specifically for college and university students. 

Create accounts

Explore all scheduling options

  • Along with the sites above, become familiar with CT’s zip-code-based portal where you can search for appointment openings, including at health systems and pharmacies.
  • Starting April 1, check back often for available appointments. 
  • Bring your Yale ID and health insurance card with you to your vaccine appointment.

High–risk Conditions

The state of Connecticut has deemed five conditions high-risk, warranting prioritization. If you fall into one of these categories, you will be contacted by Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH) to book a vaccination appointment: 

  • Solid organ transplant
  • Sickle cell disease
  • End-stage renal disease on dialysis
  • Active cancer treatment
  • Down syndrome

If you do not hear from YNHH, please get in touch with us at either the Campus COVID-19 Resource Line (203-432-6604) or Student Health (203-432-0312). Please note that we cannot deviate from state mandates in this regard. 

Call for assistance

Telephone assistance with scheduling is available 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm through:

  • Yale’s Campus COVID-19 Resource Line (203-432-6604)
  • The State’s Vaccine Appointment Assist Line (877-918-2224)

By being prepared, persistent, and patient, you’ll find your opportunity to schedule your vaccination!

Warm regards,
Christine Chen, M.D.
Chief, Student Health