MIT Health Flu Clinics Now Appointment-Only, Reflecting Shift in Vaccination Access
CAMBRIDGE, MA – MIT Health is now requiring appointments for all flu vaccinations, a change reflecting increased accessibility of flu shots at external pharmacies and a decline in walk-in clinic attendance. The shift marks a departure from previous years when the campus clinic offered vaccinations on a walk-in basis.
Clinics are running from September 22 to October 10 in Building E23 (9 a.m.to 5 p.m.) and October 20 to October 23 at Lincoln Laboratory in AC-120 and AC-122 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Appointments must be made at least 48 hours in advance.
The trivalent flu vaccine offered protects against two strains of influenza A and one strain of influenza B.COVID-19 vaccines are not available at these clinics. eligible recipients include all MIT ID holders and MIT Health patients ages 18 and older, and are asked to provide their health insurance details when booking.
This year’s move to appointments follows a important decrease in walk-in participation. In 2019, MIT Health vaccinated approximately 10,000 individuals at its walk-in clinic. That number dropped to just over 5,000 in 2024. As of October 3, 2025, MIT Health anticipates administering around 4,500 vaccines this year.
“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the MIT Health flu clinic was ‘the easiest way for the MIT community to be immunized,'” explained Marketing & Communications Director David Tytell in a statement to The Tech. “However, after the pandemic, many pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens, including the CVS in Kendall Square, began to offer flu vaccines.’For many members of the MIT community, we are no longer the most convenient pathway.'”
Despite the changing landscape, Tytell emphasized the importance of vaccination, recommending the MIT health clinic or a retail pharmacy.
MIT Health plans to continue offering flu clinics by appointment only in future years, citing increased versatility for patients and improved efficiency for staff as key benefits of the new model.
