Starting the Semester with Campus Wellbeing in Mind

Dear Members of the Harvard Community, 

I hope that you are enjoying the excitement of the new academic year and taking full advantage of the last warm days of summer. As you settle into campus life and adjust to the demands of fall term, know that Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) is here to support your health and wellbeing. 

The multispecialty practice at HUHS exclusively serves the Harvard community with primary care, urgent care, and specialty care, including physical therapy, dermatology, eye services, and more. HUHS is open to all students enrolled in Harvard’s Student Health Fee, regardless of your insurance.  

We also welcome employees and dependents enrolled in the Harvard University Group Health Plan (HUGHP) or in the High-Deductible Health Plan. During Open Enrollment, I invite benefits-eligible employees to explore HUGHP, as it expands to include Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) adult primary care provider groups in MA, alongside existing HUHS and Atrius provider groups. HUGHP members already have access to the full Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA HMO Blue network for specialty, mental health, and all pediatric care.  

HUHS provides mental health care to students via Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and our Behavioral Health department serves faculty, staff, and retirees who receive primary care at HUHS and who are insured through HUGHP, Medicare, or the High-Deductible Health Plan. 

The entire Harvard community can benefit from wellbeing services like meditation, acupuncture, and massage at the HUHS Center for Wellness and Health Promotion. Beyond HUHS, the University’s Wellbeing website has a wide range of mental health resources and programming, including self-guided learning modules and School-specific Crimson Folders to help those who work directly with students.

Public Health Is a Team Sport

Our shared commitment to each other extends to public health matters. Fall semester overlaps with the start of cold and flu season, and an expected uptick in respiratory illness. Protect yourself and our community by washing your hands before eating and after using the bathroom; staying home if you feel ill; covering your coughs and sneezes; and wearing a face mask if you must go out while unwell.   

Importantly, get the annual flu shot. HUHS will host a week-long flu vaccine clinic in Harvard Commons within the Smith Campus Center from Monday, September 28 through Friday, October 2. On Monday and Tuesday, vaccination will be available from 10 am to 7 pm. Appointments will be available from 10 am to 6 pm the rest of the week. More information about flu clinics in the Longwood Medical Area and at the Law School will be available on our website in the coming weeks. Current Harvard University ID holders can receive vaccination at these clinics at no cost. Schedule your vaccination via the HUHS Patient Portal.

Students are required to receive flu vaccines each year. Those who do not submit proof of flu vaccine—or any other required immunizations—will be barred from dropping/adding fall semester courses and/or registering for spring semester courses.

Additionally, in Massachusetts, everyone six months and older is eligible to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Check your local pharmacy for availability.

Shared Paths. Shared Respect. Shared Community. 

Our campus is a shared space. You should always operate your bikes, e-scooters, and other micromobility devices safely and responsibly. As you crisscross along Cambridge and Boston sidewalks and through the Yard, Baker Lawn at HBS, or the HMS Quad, remember to respect this space and your community members by complying with all laws, rules, and policies concerning their safe operation.

Harvard recently established a Micromobility Use Policy detailing restrictions on riding in pedestrian zones, including Harvard Yard, Harvard Kennedy School Courtyard, Harvard Law School’s Holmes Field and Belinda Sutton Quad, including the adjacent patios. The City of Cambridge and the City of Boston also have restrictions for all sidewalks, including the Harvard Square Commercial District and the JKF St. bridge over the Charles River.

This guidance is intended to keep our campus safe and accessible – for everyone.

Build Connections for Social Wellbeing 

Finally, social connectedness is a cornerstone of mental wellbeing. I encourage you to dedicate time to socialize and to deepen your bonds within the community. Get to know someone new and expand your understanding of those you already know. Harvard’s CrimsonZip app may be of use in connecting with those within Harvard who have shared interests, including group physical activities.

As always, the wellbeing of our community is central to the success of our students and Harvard’s academic mission. 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