The 2017–18 flu vaccine offered at MIT is quadrivalent, protecting against two strains of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and two strains of influenza B.
Active flu strains are different each year, so even if you got a flu shot last year, you still need to get this year's vaccine. More information about this year's vaccine available from the CDC.
Eligible MIT community members (MIT Medical patients age 10+, and all employees, students, affiliates, and retirees) can get flu shots by coming to a walk-in flu clinic or by calling MIT Medical’s Flu Line at 617-253-4865 to make an appointment.
You can still get your flu shot
Our walk-in flu clinics are done for this year, but the vaccine is still available. If you haven’t yet gotten your shot this year, just call MIT Medical’s Flu Line at 617-253-4865 to make an appointment at MIT Medical.
Pregnant patients
Pregnant patients may get a shot at an MIT Medical walk-in clinic or, for patients of MIT Medical’s OB/GYN Service, by calling 617-253-1315 to make an appointment. There is no difference between the shot given at an appointment in OB/GYN and the shot you would receive at a walk-in clinic.
Pediatric patients
Flu shots are available for patients of MIT Medical’s Pediatrics Service by appointment only.
Other places to get a flu vaccination
If you are ineligible to get a flu shot at MIT, you may be able to get one at:
- A retail pharmacy (you may be charged a fee)
- Your own healthcare provider
- A clinic in your hometown
- Your local department of public health
Pneumococcus vaccine
Since one of the most severe complications of influenza is the increased risk of developing bacterial pneumonia, pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax) is recommended for:
- Adults aged 65 or older
- Smokers of any age
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and several others.
Another pneumococcal vaccine, Prevnar-13, is also recommended for persons over 65 and persons with certain immune system problems.
For more information, see "Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: What You Need to Know" or "Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: What you need to know." To receive the pneumococcal vaccine, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider.
