Influenza vaccinations have proven effective in reducing the risk of flu-related hospitalizations and the most serious forms of the disease. As we head into cold and flu season and as COVID-19 continues to circulate, Flu vaccination is an important part of staying healthy and helping mitigate against overburdening health care systems. On June 26, 2024, the University of California updated their Policy on Vaccination Programs requiring all covered students, faculty, other academic appointees and staff to get vaccinated against influenza or make an informed decision to opt-out by November 1, 2024.
Individuals who choose to decline getting the flu vaccine will be required to follow any local or state public health guidance with regard to face covering requirements. Everyone not vaccinated is strongly encouraged to wear face coverings on campus through the end of the flu season even if COVID-19 masking requirements are loosened.
While the mandate applies to those who will be living, learning, or working on campus, all members of the campus community and their families are strongly encouraged to receive flu vaccination.
If you are not currently accessing campus but may at any time during the 2024 - 2025 flu season, plan to get a flu vacccination or submit the Flu Vaccine Declination Statement by the November 1st deadline. Keep in mind as the flu season progresses, the availability of the vaccine may become limited. We recommend you get the flu vaccine as early as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the best source for information about this year’s flu vaccination.
Report your vaccine information
- Complete your Flu Attestation to attest to receiving a flu vaccination or confirm the informed decision to opt-out.
What are the benefits of getting the Flu vaccine?
- It can keep you from getting sick with the flu.
- If you do get the flu after getting the flu vaccine, the symptoms are likely to be less severe.
- Aside from helping you stay healthy, the flu vaccine also reduces the chances of you having to see your healthcare provider for flu-related concerns, which helps our healthcare system have resources available for other patients.
- It helps protect the people around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness.
- For more information on flu vaccine benefits, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website.
Where can I get vaccinated?
- Students, employees, and faculty can find free vaccinations at multiple locations in Merced County, including options found on the MyTurn website or the national database Vaccines.gov.
- Contact your health care provider to learn where to get a flu vaccine.
