MIT Flu Central:

Vaccinations

Updated January 10, 2013

2012-13 influenza vaccine
Pneumococcus vaccine

2012-13 influenza vaccine

The 2012-2013 flu vaccine is a single shot that will protect against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus. Only one shot is required for most people, though children between 6 months and 9 years of age will need two doses, spaced a month apart, if this is the first time they are receiving flu vaccination.

Since active flu strains are different each year, even if you got a flu vaccination last year, you should still get the 2012-2013 flu vaccine. MIT community members can get flu shots by coming to a walk-in vaccination clinic (see schedule below) or by making an appointment.

Flu shots for ages 10 and up

Who's eligible?

MIT students
MIT employees
Any enrolled family member(age 10+) of MIT Traditional Health Plan members
Any enrolled family member(age 10+) of MIT Choice Health Plan members, if that family member's primary care provider is at MIT Medical
MIT Affiliate Health Plan subscribers and their enrolled family members(age 10+)
Retirees

If you have a Primary Care Provider (PCP) call to schedule an appointment.

If you don't have a PCP, call the Flu Line at 617-253-4865.

Flu shots for ages 10 and under

Who's eligible?

MIT Medical pediatric patients aged 6 months and older

Call: 617-253-1505

Lexington patients

Who's eligible?

Lincoln Laboratory employees and their families
Retirees from Lincoln Laboratory

Call: 781-981-7080

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 will be charged a fee)
Your health care provider

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.

For more information, see Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: What You Need to Know [PDF].