Dear UC Santa Cruz Students,
We are reaching out today to remind you about the university’s flu vaccination requirements. 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. On August 30, 2022, the University of California issued a Policy on Vaccination Programs requiring flu vaccination for all individuals who learn, live, or work at a UC location.
At UC Santa Cruz, all students are required to receive or affirmatively decline influenza vaccination by December 1, 2022. Because this deadline is less than one month away, this email contains all the information you need to know about:
- Uploading/verifying your flu shot record and date
- Declining the influenza vaccination
- Obtaining a flu shot on or near campus
Upload/Verify Your Flu Shot Record and Date
You need to have received your shot after 8/1 each year for it to qualify for the year's Medical Clearance.
1) Upload a copy of your immunization record on Health e-Messenger by clicking Medical Clearances.
2) Go to Influenza and press the green update button.
3) Under Influenza Vaccine History; click add immunization and enter the date and type of immunization. This is the spot where you should also upload a copy of your flu shot record.
*If you got vaccinated on the UC Santa Cruz campus, your vaccine record is already on file.
Flu Vaccination Declination
1) Go to Health e-Messenger; Medical Clearances; Clearance Exemptions (at the bottom of the page); Request an Exemption and choose Influenza.
2) Download and fill out the form called UCSC Student Declination of Influenza Vaccination.
3) Upload the completed form under Exemption Documentation; select Flu Declination for the reason and hit submit.
How to obtain a flu shot on or near campus
Flu shots and the Moderna COVID-19 bivalent booster will be available to students at vaccination clinics on November 30 and December 1 at Stevenson Event Center. Appointments can be made on Health e-Messenger. Flu vaccination is free for students with UC SHIP ($25 for those with other insurances). COVID-19 vaccination is free for all students.
For off campus, low to no-cost vaccine options in your area, go to vaccines.gov. UC SHIP members can use their Optum pharmacy benefits at these locations.
Please be sure to complete all necessary actions by the December 1 deadline. We thank you, in advance, for your attention to this important policy.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us via the contact information below.
In community,
Student Health Services
831-459-2211
