The following message was emailed to all UCOP staff on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. Please note that starting Nov. 19, UCOP employees will be asked to affirm flu vaccination through UCOP Screen. Additional communication will be forthcoming in Link when that feature has been enabled.

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 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 flu vaccine.

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. Those who wish to do so may affirmatively opt out in writing but will be required to wear masks or face coverings on campus through the end of the flu season even if COVID-19 requirements are loosened. More restrictive measures may apply at some locations as a result of statewide or local public health orders.

The University’s employee and student health plans cover flu vaccination without copays. Although flu vaccination only applies to students, faculty, other academic appointees and staff who will learn, live or work on premises at a UC facility between Nov. 19, 2021 through the end of the flu season, all UC community members are strongly encouraged to receive a flu vaccination.

Influenza vaccinations have proven effective in reducing risk of flu-related hospitalizations and the most serious forms of the disease. With both influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating at the same time, vaccination against both is needed to mitigate against overburdening health care systems as well as 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. See frequently asked questions for employees about UC’s 2021-2022 flu vaccine executive order to learn more about UC’s policy.

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