Flu and COVID Vaccine Program 2024-2025

Flu shots are free for all Yale faculty, staff, students, and Yale Health members through our on-site vaccination clinics. Prevention is key to the control of flu.

To promote workforce and campus safety, flu vaccination is mandatory for all Yale Health staff, 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, 2024.

NOTE: Free vaccine for Yale Health members is only available through Yale Health clinics. Yale Health does not 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. Appointments are required and may be self-scheduled using the Flu and COVID Vaccine Scheduler.

Multiple dates and locations are available. Note that COVID vaccine appointments will begin September 16.

What Flu Vaccines will be available this year? 

There will be two different types of flu vaccines available this year as there have been in previous years. This year the CDC and FDA have changed the formulation from a Quadrivalent (4 strain) to a Trivalent (3 strain) vaccine as research shows the removed strain has not been detected as a circulating influenza variant over the last several years. This should NOT change the efficacy of the flu vaccine.  

• Regular Dose Trivalent Flu Vaccine – recommended for any individual 6 months through 64 years old.
• High Dose Trivalent Flu Vaccine – recommended for any individual 65 years old and older.
• New this year: individuals who have had a solid organ transplant may receive a High Dose Flu Vaccine. Please contact the immunization department directly or schedule through MyChart. High dose vaccine will only be given to those over age 65 at the flu clinics.

COVID Vaccines

COVID vaccine is also available free to all Yale faculty, staff and students through the Flu and COVID Vaccine Program, regardless of insurance coverage. We will be offering Pfizer mRNA vaccine ONLY this year. 

• Yale Health members will also have the option of seeking a COVID vaccine at outside pharmacies by presenting their Yale Health membership card. Please note that the vaccine must be administered by a pharmacist at the outside pharmacy itself. Walk-in type clinics (e.g., CVS Minute Clinic) are not covered by Yale Health. 
• Employees with Aeta insurance may also use in-network pharmacies.

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.

If I have a flu vaccine requirement, 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:

• Log onto your Health On Track portal, navigate to the “Contact Us” tab and choose the appropriate selection regarding a medical or religious exemption request. More information on how to request an exemption can be found here. 

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, follow CDC respiratory virus guidance:

• Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better, AND
• You are fever free for least 24 hours (without the use of medication)
• Continue to take additional precautions for the next 5 days by wearing a well-fitting mask, improving air circulation and regular handwashing. 
• Protect your close contacts by not sharing utensils and safely disposing of contaminated tissues. Cover your cough and wash your hands frequently. 

For specific questions about medical concerns please contact:

• 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.