In conjunction with the start of the fall term, I want to share health and wellbeing advice to ensure you have a healthy start to the academic year.
Receiving Care while on Campus
Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) is the campus-based source of medical and mental health care for Harvard students as well as thousands of faculty, staff, academic personnel, and other members of the community. We have more than a dozen services and specialties, including primary care, physical therapy, eye care, dermatology, and nutrition.
HUHS is committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the University community. Students who do not have Harvard-sponsored health insurance still have access to our services—with no copay—through the Student Health Fee; this includes Urgent Care.
Starting September 5, HUHS Urgent Care will expand its weekday hours to 8 am – 8 pm; weekend hours will remain 8 am – 6 pm.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Resources
Your mental health is essential to your overall wellbeing. Through the We’re All Human campaign the University aims to foster a culture that prioritizes mental wellbeing and self-care. Available resources include mindfulness courses, mental health modules, peer-led workshops, and direct mental health support.
Additionally, Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) operates the CAMHS Cares support line (617-495-2042) which provides 24/7 urgent and non-urgent access to a licensed therapist if you are concerned about yourself or another student. Students are also eligible for discounts on massages at the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion.
Preventing Respiratory Illness
COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses continue to affect the public. Recently, we have seen increased COVID-19 detection both locally and nationally. Serious illness from COVID-19 can lead to hospitalization—especially in older persons and those with certain medical conditions—and long COVID can cause post-infection complications. Also, infection still requires strict isolation that can be disruptive to daily life.
- Reduce your risk. Protect yourself and the Harvard community by being up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and annual flu shots, washing your hands, and considering voluntarily wearing a high-quality mask—especially in crowded, indoor settings.
- Students are required to receive the primary COVID-19 vaccine series or a single bivalent vaccine as well as a flu shot. Those who fail to meet University requirements may not register for class. Flu shots will be available later in the fall. More details on HUHS flu vaccine clinics will be provided in the coming weeks.
- Consider taking a precautionary rapid COVID test before arriving on campus, even if you have no symptoms. Students with Harvard’s Student Health Insurance Plan can obtain free antigen tests for the remainder of 2023. If you have other insurance, please check with your carrier for potential coverage.
- If you test positive, follow isolation guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Students living on campus should also notify their residential staff. Remember that treatment is available if you have symptoms and are medically high-risk. This early treatment can prevent severe illness. Massachusetts offers a free telehealth service for higher-risk people seeking Paxlovid prescriptions.
- If you have a COVID exposure but are negative and have no symptoms, you may attend class but must wear a mask. Follow CDC exposure guidance for masking and testing. If you do not already have home test kits on hand, purchase them from a local pharmacy.
Enjoy the rest of summer and, as always, thank you for doing your part to keep Harvard healthy.
Giang T. Nguyen
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director, Harvard University Health Services