During the pandemic, we continue to provide real-time support for every aspect of employees’ lives – from physical and mental health to family care to flexible work arrangements –we want you to take time to take care.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments for Children Ages 6 Months and Up
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommend COVID-19 vaccines for young children ages 6 months and older. St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University Physicians offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to kids 6 months – 4 years.
Hours vary by location. A parent or legal guardian must accompany the child to the appointment to provide proper consent.
Pediatric vaccinations for children ages 6 months – 4 years are also available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics and other locations. Children in this age group can be vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.
Jason Newland, MD, infectious disease pediatrician, discussed the vaccine’s safety and efficacy in young children with KSDK, KMOV, Fox 2, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Retail Pharmacy COVID-19 Booster Shot Appointments
If you are interested in obtaining a COVID-19 booster at a retail pharmacy, such as Walgreens or CVS, step-by-step instructions for finding a local retail pharmacy and directions to make an appointment are available below.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Schedule an Appointment at a Retail Pharmacy (PDF)
Initial COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines are required for WashU employees and available for dependents.
Manager Resources
Find COVID-19 Manager Memos and key resources to support your team members.
Washington University strongly recommends faculty and staff to obtain a booster shot and record it in ReadySet. Booster shots reduce the risk of severe COVID illness, likely reduce the risk of acquiring COVID infection, and prevent the need to quarantine after exposure to COVID. Note: Individuals who have already been approved for a COVID-19 vaccine exemption are not expected to receive a booster or request an additional exemption.
At-home COVID-19 tests now covered by insurance under new federal requirement
A new federal policy now requires private insurers provide coverage or reimbursement for over-the-counter/at-home COVID-19 tests. Please see information below regarding this new prescription drug benefit:
- At-home COVID-19 tests purchased at participating in-network pharmacies are covered by the Washington University pharmacy benefit. Employees should present their Express Scripts member ID card when checking out at the pharmacy counter so your test automatically rings up at no cost to you.
- If you happen to purchase your test at an out-of-network pharmacy or are accidentally charged, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement up to $12 a test. Please follow the instructions on the Express Scripts Claim Form (PDF) to submit for reimbursement.
- The plan will cover up to eight (8) tests per member, per month. As an example, a household of one covered employee, a spouse, and two covered dependents can purchase up to 32 tests per month. If a test is sold in packaging containing more than one test, each test is counted separately (e.g., one box = 2 tests).
For questions, please contact Express Scripts Customer Services at 1-877-880-1877 or visit the Express Scripts COVID-19 Resource Center.
Express Scripts COVID-19 medication update
If you are prescribed Pfizer’s Paxlovid or Merck’s molnupiravir, both of which are used to treat COVID-19, it is covered through Express Scripts.
Please note that this coverage is subject to the plans’ normal prescription drug copays/coinsurance provisions. Also, it is anticipated that the supply of these drugs may be limited, so Express Scripts recommends you call your desired pharmacy in advance to ensure supply.
Resources for parents and guardians
- Additional back-up care resource – Care.com now provides emergency/back-up child and adult care. On Jan. 1, WashU began a pilot program with Care.com to help benefit-eligible faculty and staff find reliable, safe and vetted adult and child care providers when regular care is unavailable. This benefit is in addition to the current back-up care offering through our partnership with Bright Horizons. Learn more about the Care.com pilot program.
- As a reminder, WashU Psychiatry provides pediatric services.
- Visit the Family Care Hub for additional information and resources. View additional child and adult care resources (PDF) from WashU’s employee assistance program, Work-Life Solutions.
Health Benefit Reminders

Find well-being support and services for you and your loved ones
Jessica Gold, MD, MS, assistant professor of psychiatry and director of wellness and engagement, provides tips for coping with burnout and reframing our well-being routines.

Mindfulness Circle
Drop Into the Present Moment – All Are Welcome
Mondays, 1:30 – 2:00 pm
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Tuesdays, 8:00 – 8:30 am
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Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:00 pm
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Check out mental health resources available for you and your family members at WashU’s Mental Health Hub, including the employee assistance program and priority access with WashU Psychiatry Services.