Prioritizing Wellbeing this New Year
Dear Members of the Harvard Community:
We hope that the new year is off to a happy and healthy start.
As you settle into the rhythms of a new year and the start of Spring semester, we encourage you to make time to support your physical and mental wellbeing. It can be easy to get caught up in the fast pace of a new term of classes or a long list of obligations, but caring for yourself is important as you engage across our community in academic, professional, and other activities.
HUHS Is a Source of Support as You Balance Obligations
Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)—which includes primary care, urgent care, Counseling and Mental Health Services and the Center for Wellness and Health Promotion—can help you. Schedule well visits and necessary health appointments. Find enjoyable ways to move your body and relieve stress. CrimsonZip, a free app for Harvard community members, may be helpful in connecting you with members of the community aiming to do the same.
Beyond HUHS, the University provides resources via Wellbeing at Harvard. Students can find information on support groups and mental health providers. Faculty and staff can access trainings on recognizing and responding to student distress as well as how to care for their own mental health while supporting others.
Infectious Illness Levels Are High: Take Steps to Protect Yourself and Our Community
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports high levels of respiratory illness throughout the country, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Additionally, we are currently in peak season for norovirus, commonly known as the ‘stomach flu.’ To reduce infections during this period of high viral activity, health care staff throughout HUHS will wear a face mask during patient care interactions.
To help prevent respiratory and gastrointestinal illness, you can mask in crowded, indoor settings; take a precautionary COVID-19 antigen test before visiting others; practice good hand hygiene; and stay home when ill. Health care workers recovering from COVID-19 are reminded that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises a negative COVID-19 test prior to returning to the workplace.
Students must receive flu vaccination to attend classes in the Spring.
Flu vaccine is still available to Harvard ID holders at no cost. Call (617) 495-5711 to schedule an appointment. You can also get vaccinated for COVID-19 at your local commercial pharmacy. Those vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 typically experience milder illness than those who are unvaccinated. So, please protect yourself and the broader community.
We wish you the best this semester. Have a safe, healthy, and happy new year.
Robin Glover, MBA
Associate Provost for Student Affairs
Giang T. Nguyen, MD, MPH
Associate Provost for Campus Health and Wellbeing
Executive Director, Harvard University Health Services