- Do I need a flu vaccine this year if I am wearing a mask and physically distancing from others?
- Is MIT Medical offering on campus flu vaccines during the 2023–2024 flu season?
- How many flu vaccinations will I need for the 2023–24 flu season?
- Can my family members get their flu vaccines at an MIT walk-in clinic or at MIT Medical?
- I need to file a medical or religious exemption to the flu shot. How do I do that?
- How should we clean workspaces if someone in our area becomes sick with flu-like symptoms?
- How do I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?
- What if I have additional questions?
Do I need a flu vaccine this year if I am wearing a mask and physically distancing from others?
Yes. It is essential that everyone who can get a flu vaccine takes the time to do so. Flu is always a dangerous disease, but it can be even more deadly when combined with the risks associated with COVID-19.
Is MIT Medical offering on campus flu vaccines during the 2023–2024 flu season?
Our 2023 Cambridge campus walk-in flu clinic will be available at Walker Memorial (Building 50) on Monday–Friday, October 2–6, 2023 from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
No-cost flu vaccines are available to:
- All enrolled students living on or off campus
- All campus residents
- All employees and contractors with an MIT ID
- All individuals with a primary care provider at MIT Medical
How many flu vaccinations will I need for the 2023–24 flu season?
Adults will need just one vaccination. Children between 6 months and 9 years of age who are getting a flu vaccination for the first time will need two doses, spaced at least a month apart.
Can my family members get their flu vaccines at an MIT walk-in clinic or at MIT Medical?
Maybe. Flu vaccines are only available for:
- Enrolled students living on or off campus
- Anyone else living on campus
- Employees and contractors with an MIT ID
- Individuals with a primary care provider at MIT Medical
If your family lives on campus and has MIT IDs, or if they get your care at MIT Medical, they are eligible.
I need to file a medical or religious exemption to the flu shot. How do I do that?
MIT Medical does not provide vaccine exemption forms. You’ll need to process your vaccine exemption from the entity requiring you to get the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are not required for students this year, but they are very strongly encouraged.
How should we clean workspaces if someone in our area becomes sick with flu-like symptoms?
To prevent the spread of illness, disinfect commonly touched hard surfaces in the workplace by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label. This includes countertops, doorknobs, telephones, copy machines, workstations, and bathroom surfaces. Studies have shown that flu viruses do not remain infectious on environmental surfaces for more than eight hours. Frequent hand washing is the best way to avoid infection from contaminated surfaces.
How do I know if I have the flu or COVID-19?
The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, so it is hard to know which disease you may have contracted. In fact, most sources refer to COVID-19 symptoms as “flu-like symptoms.” To be sure, take an over-the-counter rapid COVID-19 test or call your primary care provider for advice.
What if I have additional questions?
Send an email to comments-fluinfo@mit.edu.
