UC flu vaccination mandate compliance due Nov. 19

The University of California issued an  executive order on  Oct. 8, 2021 , requiring flu vaccination for all students, faculty, other academic appointees, and staff who learn, live, or work at a UC location. The deadline for obtaining and verifying compliance is  Nov. 19, 2021.Vaccination against influenza is an important measure in protecting the health of our communities based on a review of guidance from public health authorities and scientific studies, as well as consultation with UC experts. We are reaching out today with additional information about requirements for compliance with the flu vaccination mandate. The Highlights Flu Vaccination Information Flu Vaccine Requirements and Process for Employees Flu Vaccine Requirements and Process for Students Flu Vaccination Information The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that during the last influenza season that began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020), 39 to 56 million people contracted flu illnesses, resulting in 410,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 to 62,000 deaths. The CDC notes  unusually low flu activity during the 2020-2021 season was possibly due to COVID-19 mitigation measures such as wearing face coverings, staying home, hand washing, school closures, reduced travel, increased ventilation of indoor spaces, and physical distancing. We do know that influenza vaccinations  have proven effective in reducing the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and the most serious forms of the disease. With influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating simultaneously, vaccination against both is needed to mitigate overburdening healthcare systems and the threat to the health and safety of the UC community and the public at large.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the best source for information on this year’s flu vaccination, which is readily available. Flu Vaccine Requirements and Process for Employees The executive order creates a uniform policy for the 2021-2022 flu season applicable to all students, faculty, other academic appointees, and staff learning, living, or working at UC locations. For employees, there are two steps to this process: GET VACCINATED OR OPT-OUT: Employees can receive the flu vaccine via their medical provider or at a local pharmacy. Employees who wish to do so may affirmatively opt-out of the requirement in writing  using this form . Those who opt-out will be required to agree to this Declination Statement and wear face coverings on campus through the end of the flu season even if campus COVID-19 requirements for face coverings are lifted. COMPLETE THE FORM: All employees are required to fill out  the attestation form to inform the campus of their flu vaccination status.  The compliance deadline for completing the attestation form is Nov. 19, 2021. We also recommend you review these  frequently asked questions about UC’s 2021-2022 flu vaccine executive order to learn more about UC’s policy. Note: If you are 100% remote, then vaccination is not required but is strongly encouraged. Flu Vaccine Requirements and Process for Students Appointments are available now for students to receive their free flu vaccine at the Hay Barn on Oct. 27 and 28. Please schedule your appointment through  Health E-Messenger. Please note there is no need to upload any proof of vaccination for flu. You may also get the flu vaccine through the  Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency as well as at other off-campus locations, including Safeway, Rite-Aid, and CVS Pharmacy. Please also review these  frequently asked questions for students. Thank you again for your partnership to keep our Slug community healthy and in-person during this cold and flu season.