Flu Vaccines

UC Policy on Vaccination Programs

The Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program of the UC Policy on Vaccination Programs, outlines that per the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), vaccination against the seasonal respiratory disease influenza or "flu" has long been accepted as a safe and effective way to prevent millions of illnesses and thousands of related doctor and hospital visits every year.  The CDC articles, What are the benefits of flu vaccination? and About Flu provide information concerning influenza and vaccination as a preventive measure. 

According to the CDC, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who become ill after they get vaccinated.  Finally, by getting vaccinated, a person can protect those around them, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.  The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ("ACIP") issues recommendations regarding the influenza specific to each flu season.  Population-level intervention that decrease the likelihood of absenteeism, disease transmission, hospitalization, and ICU utilization must be considered and adopted where feasible.  

For these reasons, the UC Policy on Vaccination Programs has concluded that steps must be taken to reduce the likelihood of severe disease among students, faculty, and staff. Annually, no later than November 1, Covered Individuals must receive vaccine education concerning influenza and vaccination as a preventive measure; and receive or affirmatively decline influenza vaccination.  Those who choose to decline influenza vaccination must complete a Vaccine Declination Statement on or before November1.  

Newly hired employees, with start dates on or after the compliance date of November 1, 2024 but before May 1, 2025, will be required to first comply with the Flu Vaccination Program within 14 calendar days of their first date of employment.  All Covered Individuals must thereafter comply with the Flu Vaccination Program annually by November 1. 

Covered Individuals who initially decline the influenza vaccine but later decide to become vaccinated may receive the vaccine through on-site or off-site providers at any time and may provide notification.

To submit an Influenza "flu" Vaccine Declination Statement form, click on the link on or before November 1.

For information about Fall 2024 Flu Shot Clinics for faculty and staff, click on the link.

For Questions

Contact Cindy Delgado at cadelgad@ucsc.edu or 831-459-1787.