Flu Vaccination Executive Order

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, the potential confluence of infections from COVID-19 and influenza poses a threat to the health and safety of the UC community and the public at large. The University of California issued a systemwide executive order (pdf) on Oct. 8, 2021, requiring all covered students, faculty, other academic appointees and staff to, by Nov. 19, 2021, get vaccinated against influenza or opt out using a form supplied by their location after receiving information about the flu vaccine.

With both the influenza and COVID-19 circulating at the same time, vaccination against both viruses will help reduce the risk of hospitalization by 37% and also reduces the severity of illness, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza vaccinations have proven effective in reducing risk of flu-related hospitalizations and the most serious forms of the disease.

The deadline for receiving a flu vaccine or submitting a declination form is November 19, 2021. We encourage all employees to receive a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Flu Vaccine Process for Employees

For employees, there are two steps to this process:

  1. Employees can receive the flu vaccine via their medical provider or at a local pharmacy. Many medical providers are offering drive through clinics.
  2. Employees who wish to opt out of the requirement may do so in writing by using this form.

For more information, we recommend you review the frequently asked questions (pdf) about UC’s 2021-2022 flu vaccine executive order.