Dear Members of the Harvard Community,

Welcome to campus all new and returning students, faculty, and staff. I hope that you had a restorative summer. No matter where you choose to receive medical care, we at Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) are here to nurture the health and wellbeing of the Harvard community; this includes relaying important public health information affecting our campus.

As we prepare for a successful academic year, I would like to share best practices for protecting yourself and the community and remind you of the health and wellbeing resources available to members of the Harvard community.

Don’t Let Respiratory Illnesses Bring You Down

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting high levels of COVID-19 nationally. I encourage you to keep yourself and our community safe by taking simple steps to reduce your risk.

Stay home if you are ill, and if you must go out while sick, wear a face mask.
Wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom.
Wear a high-quality face mask in crowded, indoor settings.
Get the annual flu shot as well as the latest COVID-19 vaccine. If it has been more than 10 years since your last pertussis shot (Tdap), get that as well.

Respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and the flu impact our entire community. Be prepared by keeping self-care supplies on hand in case of illness. Anyone with a Harvard ID can purchase discounted supplies like COVID-19 antigen tests, cold medication, and pain relievers, through the HUHS ScriptCenter (located on the 1st floor of the Smith Campus Center by the HUHS entrance).

HUHS Will Host Immunization Clinics

Students who have not satisfied vaccine requirements may receive immunizations required for registration on Tuesday, September 10 and Wednesday, September 11 at the HUHS walk-in immunization clinic in the HUHS First Floor Conference Room in Smith Campus Center. Payment for immunization will be applied to a student’s term bill.

A week-long flu clinic will be held Monday, September 30, through Friday, October 4, from 10 am – 6 pm (8 pm on Thursday) in the Smith Campus Center Arcade. Vaccination will also be available in the Longwood Medical Area on Wednesday, October 16 and Monday, November 4 from 10 am – 3 pm. Anyone with a Harvard ID can receive a vaccination at no cost. Vaccination can be scheduled via the HUHS Patient Portal. More information on the flu clinics is available on our website.  

If you wish to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage going to a commercial pharmacy where supplies should be abundant.

Protect Yourself From Mosquito, Tick, and Other Bug-Borne Illness

As summer comes to a close, protect yourself from bug bites that may cause West Nile Virus, EEE, Lyme disease, and other illness. State public health experts advise the following tips regarding mosquito and tick-borne diseases:

Use bug spray when outdoors. Choose a spray that has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
Wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, and socks when possible.
Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being outdoors.
Notify your health care provider if you are bitten by a tick or if you feel unwell following a tick bite.
Remove any unnecessary standing water.

A Word About Mpox

While the World Health Organization (WHO) has recently declared a public health emergency due to mpox outbreaks in several countries in Africa, a less severe strain has circulated in many parts of the world since 2022. Massachusetts saw 4 cases this summer. A vaccine is available for people who are at risk. HUHS will continue to monitor and provide guidance to our community.

Wellbeing Includes Emotional Health

The start of the academic year can be challenging. HUHS provides support through:

Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), which provides students with in-person and telemedicine sessions for mental health concerns. In addition to services provided at our office, students can call the 24/7 CAMHS Cares support line (617-495-2042) for urgent and non-urgent concerns and can also access 12 telehealth counseling sessions at no cost through the TimelyCare app. Students enrolled in Harvard’s Student Health Insurance Plan may also receive mental health care outside of CAMHS from in-network providers with no visit limit.
Behavioral Health, which is available to faculty and staff members insured through the Harvard University Group Health Plan Medicare, and Blue Cross of MA High Deductible Health Plan, and who receive primary care at HUHS.
Center for Wellness and Health Promotion, which offers wellbeing programs and services for the entire Harvard community, including meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage.
CrimsonZip, a new free app to help connect Harvard community members with shared activities and interests, especially physical activity. Looking to start a weekly soccer game or a walking group? Searching for a workout partner? Find that and more in CrimsonZip! Currently available in the App Store, CrimsonZip will be available for Android devices in the coming weeks.

Beyond HUHS, the University provides information and resources at the Student Wellbeing at Harvard website. Information is available for students, faculty, and staff including Crimson Folders—a tool for faculty and staff to support students who may be facing mental health challenges. Faculty and staff can also receive mental health support for themselves and their families through Harvard’s Employee Assistance Program.

Additionally, World Mental Health Day is October 10. It is a day to highlight that mental wellbeing is integral to overall wellbeing. Several events across the University will celebrate this international day of education and awareness.

The health and wellbeing of our community is central to keeping Harvard healthy. I hope this information will aid in protecting your physical and mental wellbeing.

I wish you all the best this semester.

Giang T. Nguyen, MD, MPH
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director and Henry K. Oliver Chair of Hygiene
Harvard University Health Services