Member Update – September 2025
In this update:
- Flu and COVID Clinics Begin
- Pediatrics: Mental Well-Being in the Digital Age
- Free Classes and Support Groups
- Meet Your Member Liaison
Risk Less. Yale More.
Don’t let the flu or COVID knock you out of your work, family events, or the moments that matter most. Protect yourself and those around you with the flu and COVID vaccines.
Flu and COVID vaccine clinics will begin administering vaccines on Wednesday, September 24, at Yale Health Center. These clinics will be held weekly at the Yale Health Center, and additional clinics scheduled at various locations across campus to provide greater accessibility. No appointments are needed for these walk-in clinics.
- Clinics Start Date: Wednesday, September 24
- Locations: Yale Health Center and other on-campus locations
- Appointments: Not required; these are walk-in clinics
- Access:
- All Yale employees can receive flu and COVID vaccines at our clinics.
- Yale Health members and students will also have access to vaccines during regularly scheduled visits with their Primary Care Providers (Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics) or Yale Health Immunizations.
- Pediatric flu and COVID vaccines will be administered at the annual Saturday Family clinics by self-scheduling.
- Free flu vaccines for Yale Health members is only available through Yale Health clinics. Yale Health does not cover flu vaccines administered outside of Yale Health.
- Parking at Yale Health (55 Lock St.) is limited. If possible, please walk, ride share, or use the University shuttles to visit our on-site vaccine clinic.
Stay tuned for more information through additional updates, the Yale Flu and COVID Vaccine Program website, and social media.
Mental Well-Being in the Digital Age
Navigating the digital world can be challenging for both children and parents. As your child or adolescent explores online spaces, their mental well-being can be influenced by what they encounter.
Here are some insightful tips from our partners at Optum to help ensure safe and smart digital habits:
- Be Aware of What They May Come Across: Encourage open communication. Let your children know they can ask you questions about any content or interactions they’ve seen or experienced online. Listen without judgment and provide answers in a way they can understand.
- Explain Your Concerns: Just like you explain the dangers of touching a hot stove or running across a busy street, discuss the risks of the digital world in an age-appropriate manner. Address issues like edited photos that can affect self-esteem or dangers like catfishing.
- Highlight the Positives: The internet has a lot of educational, fun, and inspiring content. Help your child find and focus on positive and affirming sites, chat groups, and influencers who offer emotional support and shared experiences.
- Discuss the Risks of Sharing Information: Teach your child the dangers of sharing personal information online, even with people they trust. Explain how messages, videos, and posts can be copied and shared. Help them differentiate between what’s OK to share and what should remain private.
- Educate on Media Literacy: Help your child distinguish between fact-based information, opinion pieces, and misleading content. Encourage them to question and verify the sources of information they encounter.
- Set Boundaries: Utilize parental controls on devices to limit access to certain sites and content. While these controls are helpful, they aren’t foolproof. Honest conversations about online safety and responsible usage are essential.
- Encourage Real-World Interaction and Self-Care: Balance screen time with offline activities. Encourage your child to spend time with friends in person and engage in activities they enjoy away from screens. Ensure they get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and participate in regular physical activity to support overall mental health and well-being.
For more detailed guidance on fostering your child's mental well-being in digital spaces, please visit the comprehensive resources provided by Optum.
Free Classes and Support Groups
Stay informed and take advantage of the comprehensive support and resources Yale Health offers to our community. Yale Health offers a variety of free classes and support groups to support our members:
- Breastfeeding Connect
- Provides practical advice and a supportive community for breastfeeding parents.
- Meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 11 am – 12 pm, at the Moreson Kaplan Conference Center, 55 Lock Street.
- Childbirth Education Program
- Offers educational resources and childbirth and infant care classes.
- For more info and registration, visit Yale New Haven Health Maternity Services.
- Dancing Through Pregnancy® - Total Pregnancy Fitness
- Total Pregnancy Fitness classes with low fees for members and discounts for students.
- Contact Ann Cowlin for more info or to register.
- Diabetes Education Series
- Four-session series for members with type 2 diabetes: self-monitoring, healthy eating, medications, and management.
- Held virtually on Zoom, 1:00 - 2:00 pm. Contact Alisa Scherban, MPH, RD, CDCES for more info.
- Parents of Babies Support Group
- Provides a supportive environment for new parents.
- Meets on the first Tuesday of the month, 11 am – 12 pm, at the Moreson Kaplan Conference Center, 55 Lock Street.
- Prediabetes Group Education
- Monthly class for patients with prediabetes, followed by one-on-one support.
- Ask your provider for a referral or call 203-432-4025.
- Prenatal Breastfeeding Essentials
- Prepares expecting parents for breastfeeding.
- Meets on the fourth Monday of the month, 5 pm - 6:30 pm, at the Moreson Kaplan Conference Center, 55 Lock Street. Register Here
- Yale Health Center Tours and Orientation
- For new Yale employees and members seeking more information about Yale Health coverage.
- Schedule a tour and orientation with our Member Liaison. Multiple dates and times available.
Meet Christine Farrey, Your Member Liaison
We are pleased to introduce Christine Farrey, your dedicated Member Liaison at Yale Health. Christine is here to help you get the most out of your Yale Health benefits and to assist with any questions you may have about your coverage.
“Hi there! I'm Christine Farrey, your go-to Member Liaison at Yale Health. Think of me as your personal guide to navigating your benefits and coverage. I’m here to make sure you have everything you need for a smooth and successful membership. Don’t forget to check out the New Member Checklist and schedule a New Member Meeting & Building Tour with me. These are great ways to learn about all the fantastic resources Yale Health has to offer—and to get all your questions answered.”
Whether you’re a new member or just want to know more, we invite you to come in for a tour and learn about the services and resources available to you.
New members receive regular communications from Christine, in addition to Member Updates, filled with helpful tips and information about Yale Health coverage. If you have any questions, feel free to connect with her.